Aquaponics (growing fish and plants at the same time) in the United States is much more profitable than aquaculture in recirculating water supply (RAS) facilities, The Fish reported June 14.
Researchers Daniel Grosse and Jeri Unger reported that per capita seafood consumption in the United States is only 14 pounds (6.35 kg) per person per year. Demand is growing due to population growth.
Many aquaponics owners made money primarily from plants and not seafood. “The profitable companies tended to be aquaponics, and the main income came not from fish or shrimp, but from plants, particularly lettuce and hemp.”says Brutus.
The largest aquaponics producer, Superior Fresh, is based in Wisconsin and grows leafy greens in water fertilized with salmon waste. “Superior Fresh doesn’t make money on salmon – it’s a loss leader. “Salmon is necessary to provide nutrients to the plant.”Gross said.
Gross notes that tilapia is better suited to these types of aquaponic systems. He and Unger began working with RAS in the late 1970s in Israel, where tilapia is the primary fish.
“Salmon is more profitable. It is the most popular fish in the United States. Most of it comes from Norway and Chile.”Gross said, adding that betting on salmon does not guarantee profitability.
“Hundreds of millions of dollars are being injected into large-scale companies in the United States. Starting on a large scale, according to many, is a mistake. Start raising fish and make some money, then expand.”Gross advises. Many medium-sized RAS farms are more successful than ambitious ones, Gross notes.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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