- Wild fish harvest—Some say that, "In the future there will be greatly reduced supplies of our traditional fishes." This will increase the demand for products from other sources such as aquaculture.
- Water Quality—Since the 1980’s the water quality has improved due to a decrease in logging and other practices that negatively impact water quality. The improved water quality has already resulted in an increase in oyster farming.
- Conservation—Salmon culture may become more conservation-oriented via hatcheries. There must be a balance between the need to raise salmon commercially via aquaculture and the impacts this practice has on wild stocks.
- Genetic Diversity—Hatcheries can be a conservation tool, but it is important to maintain genetic diversity.
- Interest—The interest in shellfish culture may be due to greater demand for species and/or the reputation that Oregon estuaries have high quality water.
- Disease—Since the East Coast is experiencing disease problems with some aquatic species, there is increased demand for oysters from the PNW. In fact, Willipa Bay is the largest single producer of oysters in the U.S.
- Recreational Fishing—Recreational fishing is increasing. Can aquaculture supplement both the commercial and recreational fisheries?
- Indigenous Species/Enhancement—Native oyster enhancement is "a blip" on the radar screen but may have potential for development.
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- Demand—There needs to be more of a market demand to support aquaculture development in the PNW.
- History—Over the past 26 years the industry has not grown as expected. Some people believe that growth may occur beyond the next ten years.
- Interest—There has been no resurgence in interest for aquaculture development in Oregon and the aquaculture trend in Oregon is not very visible.
- Regulation—The permit process and plethora of agencies responsible for different aspects of aquaculture has created a difficult regulatory/political environment for aquaculture development. Click here to view a partial list of agencies involved in aquaculture.
- Environmental Impact—The many facets of aquaculture have varying degrees of positive and negative impacts on the environment. The websites below offer several opinions:
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