WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • JUNE 2023 57 on imports. By developing a sustainable and robust aquaculture sector in the US, the country could reduce its seafood trade deficit, create jobs and support local economies. Aquaculture can help meet demand for salmon and trout by providing a reliable source of fish and other aquatic species. By reducing reliance on wild fish stocks, aquaculture can help to preserve these valuable natural resources and protect marine ecosystems. Additionally, sustainable aquaculture practices can help to minimize the environmental impacts associated with seafood production, making it a more environmentally friendly option. Climate Diversity Allows Production of Many Types of Aquaculture in the US The diverse climate and geography of the US provides opportunities for many different types of aquaculture. Some species can be grown throughout the country; others are better suited to specific regions. For example, salmon and trout farming in open water is typically limited to cooler northern regions where water temperatures are more conducive to their growth. Similarly, catfish farming is primarily conducted in southern states with warmer waters. The ability to grow a variety of species across different regions of the country allows for a more diverse and resilient aquaculture sector. It also provides opportunities for local production to supply niche markets that can reduce transportation costs and the carbon footprint associated with long-distance seafood imports. Main Trout and Salmon Producers in the USA The US has a number of trout and salmon producers, both large and small (Fig. 2). Here is a list of the main ones: • Riverence Holdings (Troutdale, Oregon and Buhl, Idaho). The Aquaculture Accounts for a Small Percentage of Total Production Aquaculture production is a growing sector in the US, with a focus on raising finfish, shellfish and other aquatic animals for food. According to the USDA, aquaculture accounts for about 20 percent of total US seafood production. Major species produced in the US include catfish, oysters, clams, crawfish, salmon and trout. Currently, salmon aquaculture and trout production account for only 5 and 6 percent, respectively, of total US seafood consumption. However, salmon and trout are among the most popular fish species consumed in the US, with salmon being the second most popular after shrimp, according to the National Fisheries Institute. This presents a significant opportunity to produce these fish locally to meet the high demand and popularity of fresh salmon among consumers. With a ready-to-buy market, there is potential for growth in the domestic production of these fish species (Fig. 1). The US currently imports around 90 percent of its seafood, with over half of this being produced in aquaculture in other countries. Despite this high reliance on imports, Americans are the third largest consumers of seafood in the world. In the US, the largest aquaculture species by production volume are catfish and oysters. Catfish is primarily produced in the southern states and oysters are primarily farmed along the East, Gulf and West Coasts. When it comes to salmon and trout, the US currently produces only a small percentage of its total consumption. Wildcaught salmon from Alaska is the primary source of domestically produced salmon, while trout is mainly farmed by small-scale operations, and is also a popular gamefish in the US. The majority of salmon and trout consumed in the US is met through imports. This presents a major opportunity for domestic aquaculture production to meet the demand for seafood and reduce reliance Opportunities for Salmon and Trout Aquaculture Development in the USA Inna Golfand (CONTINUED ON PAGE 58) FIGURE 1. Estimated US aquaculture production and total consumption (Source: FAO FishStatJ). In the US, the largest aquaculture species by production volume are catfish and oysters. Catfish is primarily produced in the southern states and oysters are primarily farmed along the East, Gulf and West Coasts. When it comes to salmon and trout, the US currently produces only a small percentage of its total consumption. Wild-caught salmon from Alaska is the primary source of domestically produced salmon, while trout is mainly farmed by small-scale operations, and is also a popular gamefish in the US. The majority of salmon and trout consumed in the US is met through imports.
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