Considerations

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Considerations Prior to
Developing a Species for Aquaculture

Market and Finances

One of the primary considerations from a production aspect is to conduct a cost-benefit analysis. Often it is less expensive to harvest species from the wild versus raising them via aquaculture methods. This is quickly changing for some species as the impacts of overfishing are realized and tighter restrictions are placed on fishing wild stocks. The following list identifies some broad market considerations:

Identify potential markets and technology and then select an appropriate species
Make a realistic business plan
Research the market for the species and identify if all of the fish produced could be sold
Once the product begins to sell, keep producing a consistent quality product
Can production of the species enable year-round production, which would make it advantageous compared to some fisheries with closed seasons?

Factors to Consider in Establishing a Successful Aquaculture Business in the North Central Region (PDF)
This is a pdf originally from the AquaNic Website and does not focus on the PNW but provides a good overview of considerations.

Environmental Considerations

Individuals developing a new aquaculture venture and/or new species for aquaculture must consider the impacts on the natural ecosystem. Currently, there are many regulations in place to prevent poor management and siting practices associated with aquaculture. In addition, it is vital to examine the impacts an aquaculture venture can have on wild populations within and around the waterways. The following list is an example of some of the environmental considerations one must ponder before establishing a system:

What are the impacts on water quality after the water passes through the aquaculture system?
How will algal blooms affect the system?
Will El Nino or other seasonal weather changes decrease or increase production?
Will exotic species be introduced?
Is the species being cultured classified as endangered or threatened?
What are the impacts of the cultured species on other indigenous species?
Would escapement of the species cause environmental or genetic problems?
Can disease impact the species being cultured or impact wild stocks?
The Pacific Northwest open coast is very dynamic. How does that challenge the aquaculture system?

Species-specific Considerations

Prior to developing large scale production of a new or current aquaculture species, there are numerous species-specific questions that must be addressed. Some of the initial background information is described in the species profiles on this website (click here).

Marine fish are often more difficult to culture than freshwater or anadromous fish due to their relatively smaller size at hatch. For example, marine larvae are very small compared to salmon larvae. Therefore, marine larvae need smaller plankton for food (Nosho and Freeman 1994).

The following is a brief list of some of the species-specific environmental parameters that must be considered prior to developing a species for aquaculture:

Salinity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and other physiological requirements for all life stages
Preferred habitat for all life stages
Natural food for all life stages
Necessary culture and reproductive conditions
Genetics
What happens to offspring when raised artificially?
Is the species aggressive or territorial?
How large is the species as an adult?
Is the species cannibalistic?

Commercial Companies and Government Support

Commercial companies are investigating new species for aquaculture development. Additionally, government-funded research and development projects are examining potential aquaculture species in the Pacific Northwest. Some of the research is occurring at Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon, and the Northwest Fisheries Science Center based in Seattle, Washington. Also, research is being sponsored by the Canadian government and is taking place in British Columbia. Click here to access a list of links by the Aquaculture Association of Canada.

Currently, there is more government supported research and development of aquaculture in countries such as Norway than the United States. Many other countries encourage and subsidize aquaculture development, including China, Taiwan, Japan, Philippines, New Zealand, Australia, and Chile.