Fish are a good source of mono- and polyunsaturated fats. To get the recommended intakes of these fats, the USDA recommends eating fish at least twice a week. A lot of consumers have been taking this advice to heart. Consequently, the demand for fish has been increasing. At the same time, stocks of some species of wild fish are being depleted. This has led to new opportunities for people interested in the career of aquaculture, or fish farming.
Fish farming frequently involves obtaining fish eggs and sperm from wild caught fish. The eggs are fertilized and hatched in a tank. Then the young fish are transferred to some type of pond to grow. The mature fish are transported to a market for sale or a plant for processing. Mature fish may also be released to stock ponds and lakes for sport fishing.
Fish farmers need to be concerned with many of the same issues that affect other types of farmers. They need to maintain their facilities and care for the health of the animals they are raising. They need to manage the costs of the farming operation. They also need to be aware of market supply and demand so they can sell their fish at a profit.
Consider your interest in the career of fish farming as you answer the following questions.
To read more about fish farming and take a virtual tour of a fish hatchery, visit the Striper Hatchery page on the World Aquaculture website.