Catfish, tilapia, trout, salmon, shrimp and shellfish – the United States currently grows each of these species today. But not in nearly large enough amounts.
80% of the seafood consumed in the US is imported. Seafood consumption is growing and with 310 million mouths needing a healthy protein in the future, and with other countries
U.S.A. - Untapped Sustainable Aquaculture
needing the same, the federal government recognizes the importance of securing seafood production for the future.
A new federal policy aims to open up the ocean for business – welcomed by aquaculture entrepreneurs and loathed by some near sighted environmental groups truth be told, activist groups probably welcome the opportunity – after all, they can continue to fund raise by praying on the fears of the naive consumer).
The US is poised to develop a robust aquaculture business. Sure, there will be critics with varying levels of vested interest and there will be the not so subtle market protectionism we now see with wild vs farmed, but this will only assist in making the system stronger.
It’s time that US seafood producers (wild and farmed and everything in between) get together and increase aquaculture production and satisfy an American population wanting and needing a healthy food choice – seafood.
