The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has released the results of its 2023 Census of Aquaculture, revealing significant growth in the industry over the past five years. The comprehensive report, conducted every five years, provides detailed insights into the production, marketing practices, and economic impact of U.S. aquaculture.
Key findings from the census include:
- Total aquaculture product sales reached $1.9 billion in 2023, a 26% increase from 2018.
- The number of aquaculture farms in the U.S. grew by 18% to 3,453.
- Five states – Mississippi, Washington, Louisiana, Florida, and Alabama – accounted for 55% of sales and 49% of farms.
- Food fish and mollusks were the top product categories, with catfish and oysters leading in sales.
NASS Administrator Joseph L. Parsons emphasized the importance of the census data, stating, "These valuable data tell the story of U.S. aquaculture. The information in this report helps trade associations, governments, agribusinesses, and others learn about aquaculture and make informed decisions that have a direct impact on the future of the industry."
The report highlights several notable trends:
- The average sales per farm increased to $552,569.
- Food fish sales rose 14% to $819.6 million.
- Mollusk sales grew 30% to $575.5 million.
- Crustacean sales saw a dramatic 75% increase to $175.7 million.
- Catfish sales accounted for 59% of all food fish sales at $480.0 million.
- Oyster sales represented 57% of mollusk sales at $327.0 million.
- Mississippi led the nation in total aquaculture sales with $277.0 million.
The census defines an aquaculture farm as any place producing and selling $1,000 or more of aquaculture products during the census year. It encompasses a wide range of aquatic organisms, including baitfish, crustaceans, food fish, mollusks, ornamental fish, and sport or game fish.
This latest report builds on data collected during the 2022 Census of Agriculture, providing a more detailed picture of the aquaculture industry's growth and challenges. The significant increase in sales and farm numbers suggests a robust and expanding sector, potentially driven by growing consumer demand for seafood and sustainable protein sources.
