November 19, 2007
 

Foreign imports may cripple Texas catfish sector 

Though catfish production quadrupled in Texas in recent years, foreign imports are threatening the emerging industry if the state does not move to protect the local product.

According to Mark Kubecka, president of the privately held Texas Aquaculture Cooperative in Markham and of the Catfish Association of Texas, the industry has grown 400 percent in the last there years but could drastically fall if protection for the commodity will not be implemented.

Todd Staples, commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture, when he visited Bay City Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture last Thursday, said they will address the matter immediately to protect the state's catfish industry from contracting.