AQUACULTURE - OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE NINETIES

The aquacultural industry in the United States has expanded at a rapid rate since 1980. This expansion has been driven by increased demand for fisheries products, a leveling off of commercial landings, and the ability of the industry to produce a competitively priced, high-quality product. As the demand for fisheries products increases during the next 10 yr, aquacultural production will play an increasingly important role in meeting the global demand for fisheries products. World aquacultural production reached over 13 million tons in 1987. Aquacultural production in the United States reached an all-time high of 292,457 t in 1988. Opportunities for continued expansion of the industry are good. The industry must continued to develop sound marketing strategies and continue to improve production efficiency. Additionally, a number of important economic, geophysical, social, and political factors will affect the development of the industry.