Aquaculture is considered by many to be the aquatic counterpart of agriculture, with water substituting for land. But aquaculture is more akin to animal husbandry, the science of animal breeding, than agriculture in general. Farm-raised fish mature in areas called rearing units or rearing areas either offshore or onshore. Coastal lakes and estuaries can be common sites for offshore systems raising fish and crustaceans in cages or net-pens. Shellfish may be held in floating baskets or suspended on ropes hanging from rafts.
Fish farmers rely on good management and a host of products to prevent health problems.
Their common goal is to ensure the safety and wholesomeness of aquaculture products. USDA has the overall responsibility for promoting the development of aquaculture as an industry. FWS provides developmental research and advice to fish farmers. EPA safeguards the environment and municipal water systems by regulating the discharge of water from aquaculture facilities and registering the chemicals used as pesticides and herbicides. NOAA, for a fee, provides an inspection service that guarantees fish are packed under federal inspection.