Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation

This report analyzes the U.S. market with respect to finfish aquaculture. Factors affecting both the cost of production and U.S. consumer demand for aquaculture products were evaluated to find ways to lower costs and increase market demand for domestic finfish aquaculture products in the U.S. Issues important in directing public perception of aquaculture such as disease and genetic modification are examined to see how they shape demand. Both private and social costs are also evaluated to develop aquaculture’s true cost. Finally a larval feed experiment was conducted to determine if growth could be altered through different feed densities and feeding schedules. Because feed derived from fish products can be the most costly aspect of aquaculture production to the producer and to society, studying ways to reduce the necessary fishmeal and fish oil inputs will reduce private costs and fishing pressure on wild stocks. Continuing research into larval fish growth and development is also highlighted to explain the path ahead to reduce both private and social costs, which may stimulate demand for finfish aquaculture in the U.S.