Marine ornamental aquaculture in the Northeast US: The state of the industry

摘要

This study characterized Northeast U.S. businesses breeding and/or selling marine ornamental aquacultured (MOA) livestock, identified cultured species, and assessed sales figures. Identified businesses (n = 529) in the region consisted partially of retailers (n = 274), commercial aquaculturists (n = 42), and public aquaria, research, and educational institutions (n = 48); the target sectors for inquiry. Of 75 survey respondents, 54% retailed MOA livestock, 19% conducted their own commercial MOA, and 9% conducted MOA as a part of public aquaria, research and/or educational endeavors. Corals generated up to $60,000 in annual sales for retailers and $100,000 for commercial aquaculturists. Commercial aquaculturists generated up to $50,000 in annual sales for MOA fishes and up to $30,000 for MOA non-coral invertebrates. The industry is characterized by market demand, low supply, few commercial aquaculturists, and many public aquaria, research and educational institutions; these attributes offer opportunities for its regional growth and development.