Report of the 2003 Survey of Aquaculture Operations
Maryland producers raised a wide variety of aquatic fish, shellfish and plants in 2003. Varieties produced included tilapia, hybrid striped bass, ornamental fish such as koi and goldfish, oysters, soft crabs, and aquatic plants. The value of production for aquaculture producers in 2003 was nearly $3.4 million.
Notable shifts occurred in the industry since the last survey was conducted in 2001. The drop in product value was perhaps the greatest change. The value of finfish dropped from an average of $2.70 per pound in 2001 to $1.03 per pound in 2003 and the market value of ornamental fish also declined. Another shift involved the size of fish produced - some producers are now producing fingerlings rather than market size fish - also affecting the value of sales. Production of finfish declined nearly 23% since 2001 and some species were no longer reported. The production of shellfish seed stock also declined, although value of sales remained about the same.
Ornamental species continued to dominate aquaculture production and sales, worth over $3.0 million and accounting for 88 % of the 2003 total industry sales. Since 2001, the number of ornamental fish produced increased significantly, although there was a decline in total sales. This was caused by changes in the type and size of ornamental fish being sold as well as a drop in the value of ornamental fish. Production and sales of aquatic plants remained nearly steady.
2003 Aquaculture Production and Sales
| |
Unit |
Amount Produced |
Value of Sales |
| Finfish1 |
lb |
140,100 |
$144,100 |
| Shellfish2 |
ea |
15,670,000 |
$241,500 |
| Ornamental species |
| Ornamental fish |
ea |
6,808,800 |
$740,600 |
| Aquatic plants |
ea |
1,086,800 |
$2,262,100 |
| Total |
$3,388,300 |
1Finfish include hybrid striped bass, trout, tilapia, largemouth bass, bluegill, and minnows.
2Shellfish include market oysters, seed oysters and clams, soft-shelled crabs, and crayfish.
There were 31 commercial producers of aquaculture in Maryland in 2003, 8 licensed fee fishing operations and many individuals who grew fish and shellfish for their own use. The majority of Maryland's aquaculture producers operated growout facilities; most often recirculating systems. Most sales were wholesale or directly to the consumer, although a small number operated retail sales facilities.
Forty schools, nature centers, government agencies, and private organizations produced fish, shellfish, or aquatic plants for educational purposes or restoration. These operations raised a variety of species, including American and hickory shad, bluegill, brown and rainbow trout, channel catfish, golden shiners, redear and hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass, striped bass, walleye, yellow perch, tiger muskie, tilapia, terrapins, Rosenbergii prawn, oysters, ornamental fish, and native grasses.
|
