Striped bass and its hybrids are cultured commercially in ponds, flow-through systems, and cages. Work is being done with culture in recirculating systems. Striped and hybrid bass culture are still in development and many questions require additional research. Because of their high value, recirculating systems have commercial potential. Outdoor culture units may be covered in winter to protect fish from the cold.
Ornamentals are marketed live so survival in transport is very important.
The market is highly competitive and well established. Several species of gamefish are cultured commercially in the northeastern United States. Culture methods vary considerably between species. In most cases the fish farmer purchases or hatches eggs and rears the fry to fingerling size. Culture procedures for some species such as bass, sunfish, trout, and salmon are better known than for others, such as walleye and yellow perch.