Thirty-two states have created aquaculture development programs since the passage of the National Development Act of the early 1980s. Aquaculture is recognized as one of the most efficient methods of food production. Many farms in Wisconsin and nationally have aquaculture as the primary or secondary farm profit enterprise.
Aquaculture is recognized worldwide as fish and aquatic plant farming.
Aquaculture is currently demand driven as ocean and other wild fisheries are declining in yield and the demand for fish as a food increases. Aquaculture is of growing importance worldwide. Recreational fishing is becoming more dependent on aquaculture produced bait. Aquaculture is increasingly important in meeting consumer demands for edible fish. Some experts predict aquaculture output will increase as much as 400 percent worldwide over the next decade.