It's a risky, demanding type of work, says Bielen, and beyond the basics of a good business plan, analyzing the market, and estimating start-up and operating costs and income, there are some important questions to address before you commit much time or money. If that sounds painful, Dave Kelch suggests trying aquaculture first as a hobby. You may want to raise catfish or yellow perch in a small cage culture operation in your backyard pond, simply for your personal consumption. This can be fun and instructive for the entire family, like growing a garden. Without investing too much, you can realize on a small scale the commitments of time and money required for a full-blown business.
Aquaculture is more than just raising fish, though.
Sea Grant research has shown that Ohio aquacultured fish is a niche market that sells a high value, high quality product, fresh to local specialty markets, restaurants, and stores on a small scale. Bielen also encourages prospective aquaculturists to read magazines and other publications for details of specific operations. These will also discuss emerging technologies. There is, in fact, an overwhelming amount of information available, which can also be confusing.