The demand in the 1990 s for fresh, quality food is higher than ever.
Aquaculture is the fastest growing form of agriculture in the United States.
The rapid growth of aquaculture has attracted the attention of a variety of potential producers including, farmers looking to diversify their operations, commercial fishers faced with dwindling natural populations, and national and international food concerns searching for ways to help feed the growing world population. Aquaculture is a form of agriculture encompassing the propagation, cultivation and marketing of aquatic animals and plants, including fish for food, such as catfish, tilapia and trout, ornamental fish, such as koi and aquaria, bait fish for the fishing industry, sport fish for restocking ponds and lakes and fish for feed ingredients. The aquatic plants raised in aquaculture can include seaweed for food, ornamental plants like lilies, and native plants for habitat restoration. Since aquaculture is a form of agriculture, many of the same management strategies are used. Aquaculture farmers need to maximize yields and minimize expenses to be profitable.