May 10, 2007

Fish growers in Washington State ponder aquaculture potential

Fish growers in Washington state are wondering why aquaculture could take off in neighbouring British Columbia and not in the state itself.

Aquaculture is almost non-existent in Washington state compared to the thriving business over the border in neighbouring British Columbia.

There is just one salmon farming company in the state: American Gold Seafoods, the only US owned and operated salmon farming operation that also operates a 500-acre hatchery.

The Washington Fish Growers Association, based in Rochester has 40 members and it has been promoting the potential for growth in the region. However, environmental concerns, as well as worries about the potential adverse impact of intensive fish farming, is limiting the growth potential of this industry, despite burgeoning demand for salmon.

Canada and Chile supplies most of the salmon needed by the US, according to Mary Ellen Walling, executive director of the British Columbia Salmon Farmers Association, based in Campbell River, BC

As much as 85 percent of the salmon produced in Canada is exported to the US. Chile, however, remains the leading producer and exporter of salmon and salmon products to the US.

Close to half the fish consumed worldwide now comes from farms and demand for farmed salmon is growing whereas more than 70 percent of worldwide salmon harvest now comes from farms.