Shrimp farming in Florida: development continues with new projects

摘要

Acouple of years ago we reported in this column on the budding shrimp farming industry in Florida, where aquafarmers already produce several aquatic species, including freshwater ornamental fish, aquatic plants, hard clams and oysters, tilapia, catfish, and hybrid striped bass, along with other species. In 1997 the value of aquaculture sales from 696 aquafarmers was over 102 million dollar, representing a 29 percent increase since the previous survey in 1995. Florida aquafarmers belong to some of the more diverse agricultural sectors of any state in the nation, and because of increasing recognition of the economic importance and environmental compatibility of the industry, the state provides significant support to promote further industry growth.