From the Fields - Tony Vaught

By Tony Vaught, Butte County aquaculture producer and consultant 

Aquaculture is growing fast, not only in California but all over the U.S. This time of year, inland farms are especially busy hatching warm-water fish such as channel catfish, large-mouth bass, hybrid carp, sturgeon and many more. They’ll be hatching fish and stocking them to tanks and in outdoor ponds for production of food and recreation.

In addition to hatching the fish, farmers are busy harvesting, feeding and moving their fish in different areas for production. Fortunately, we’ve had a wet winter, so the supply of water is good for fish farms. That water is reused in many different ways, including to grow conventional crops like alfalfa and row crops. Some fish farms provide water for wildlife refuges and other areas that need a consistent supply of water.

Most of the fish in California are raised for live-fish markets and for recreation. Not much goes into processing plants. The market is really strong because consumers really want a good-quality, fresh fish that’s locally grown. California and the entire U.S. rely on imported fish. Locally grown fish that are fresh and able to be delivered on a regular basis are in demand. Prices have been high, although the cost has been really high lately too.

The market for fish is going to continue to grow, primarily because imported fish that have been coming in at a lesser cost are now costing more. The consumer is asking for a locally grown U.S. fish that they can count on being healthy and nutritious.