Chicago, for example, is one of the five largest U. S. seafood markets, and the Midwest has a large number of potential producers who are receptive to incorporating aquaculture into their existing farming operations. The aquaculture industries in Illinois and Indiana consist of farm operations and allied support services. Most of the 150 licensed operations produce sport fish and bait fish, with an increasing number of food fish producers. The benefits to an expanded aquaculture industry in Illinois and Indiana are enormous. Aquaculture will improve the struggling economies in rural and urban counties.
Farmers look to aquaculture as a means of economic stability through farm diversification.
Food safety and quality may also be expected to improve through increased consumption of farm-raised products. Finally, commercial fishing pressure will be reduced through the substitution of farm-raised species, historically caught from the Great Lakes Region. In response to an increasing need for information on production, marketing, and sales of farm-raised fish, the program provides educational opportunities on a wide range of aquaculture topics. Currently, the Illinois-Indiana Program responds to over 1,500 individual requests for information each year. These programs include participation in State Aquaculture task forces in each state, National Association of State Aquaculture Coordinators, and education programs for new and existing producers.