Florida Aquaculture Sales Level Off
Florida aquaculture grew rapidly from 1987 to 1997, but leveled
off by 2003, according to a report by the Florida Tropical Fish
Farms Association (Winter Haven). The farm gate value tripled
from $35 million in 1987 to $102 million in 1997, but evened
out at $99.5 million in 2003.
Efficient water management and re-use as well as improved
production practices helped aqua-farms more than triple the
value of products sold per acre, from $4,154 in 1987 to $15,426
in 2003, FTFFA said.
Ornamental producers represent only 22 percent of all aquaculture
facilities certified by the state’s Division of Aquaculture,
but their products—an estimated 1,500 species or varieties
of fish, plants, mollusks, crustaceans and reptiles—make
up more than 70 percent of Florida aquaculture sales.
Aqua-farmers incurred high stock losses during the 2004 hurricane
season, but they experienced even higher infrastructure losses.
As a result, some producers will be rebuilding for months
to come and others probably will leave the industry, according
to FTFFA. [February 2006 PET AGE]
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