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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Pierce, Florida » U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory » Subtropical Plant Pathology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #384594
Research Project: Establishing Seedstocks for the U.S. Marine Finfish Industry

Location: Subtropical Plant Pathology Research

Title: Opportunities for US Marine Finfish Aquaculture

Author
item Rexroad Jr, Caird
item RUST, MICHAEL - National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
item RICHE, MARTY - Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
item WILLS, PAUL - Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
item DAVIS, MEGAN - Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

Submitted to: Journal of the World Aquaculture Society
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/9/2021
Publication Date: 5/8/2021
Citation: Rexroad Jr, C.E., Rust, M.B., Riche, M., Wills, P., Davis, M. 2021. Opportunities for US Marine Finfish Aquaculture. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society. 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1111/jwas.12791.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jwas.12791

Interpretive Summary: A growing health-conscious population, coupled with declining capture fisheries, has created an increasing demand for farm-raised seafood that can be met through expansion of marine aquaculture. Americans eat more finfish than any other seafood product. In addition, finfish provide a unique combination of nutritional benefits, is a key part of a climate resilient food production system, and growth of marine finfish connects the coast to the heartland. Over 85% of the seafood Americans eat is imported, mostly from aquaculture production; therefore, expanding aquaculture in the United States is a logical approach for reducing our current $16.8 billion seafood trade deficit. Benefits to the American public from marine aquaculture expansion are enhanced product quality and safety, a reduced trade deficit, and increased job opportunities along with other benefits of local production.

Technical Abstract: Expanding aquaculture production in the United States affords opportunities to compliment fisheries in meeting domestic demand for seafood. This access to safe, affordable and healthy food choices is provided with minimal impacts on the environment and in concert with the many uses required of our water resources. The United States has a strong history of well-managed fisheries; however, with harvests near their maximum sustainable capacity, meeting current and future demands for seafood may best be accomplished through development of aquaculture. Over 85% of the seafood Americans eat is imported, half is produced through foreign aquaculture; therefore, expanding aquaculture in the United States is a logical approach for reducing our $16.8 billion seafood trade deficit along with other benefits of local production. This review outlines opportunities for the development of marine finfish species for commercial aquaculture production as a part of an effort to spur domestic growth in marine finfish aquaculture. It presents a road map for working collaboratively to enhance US capacity for innovation and technology development and the use of science-based approaches to expand responsible use of the Nation’s natural resources for food production and develop a globally competitive, science- and technology-driven sector that meets increasing demands for aquatic products that are affordable and meet high standards for safety, quality, nutrition, and environmental stewardship while providing new opportunities for profitability and economic growth.