The cultivation of finfish in New York is primarily done in the upper regions of the state and only occurs in land-based facilities. Most operations use flow through ponds and raceways by diverting stream or well water but some are utilizing recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) which reduce the amount of water being used. No aquaculture is conducted within the Great Lake waterbodies on the U.S. side. Finfish in NY are primarily raised for stocking purposes although several operations focus on producing fish for consumption. Aquaponic operations are also included in this sector. The map below shows the distribution and classification of each operation. Sea Grant’s Great Lakes Aquaculture Collaborative (GLAC) developed the Great Lakes Fish Finder Tool where you can find information about many of the operations around the Great Lakes States.

Fish Culture for Stocking

There are a dozen state hatcheries operated by the NY Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) as well as non-profit organizations that produce numerous species of fish that are stocked into public waterbodies. These efforts enhance natural populations as well as support the recreational fishing industry. Most of the DEC hatcheries are open to the public and you learn about what times of the year are best to see their ongoing work by visiting the DEC Hatcheries page. The entire state hatchery system is currently undergoing a massive upgrade with many of the facilities receiving significant improvements. This is a three-phase process expected to start in 2025 and likely to take about 10 years for all the hatcheries to be upgraded. Learn more about this project by visiting the DEC Fish Hatchery System Modernization page.

Fish Culture for Food

Currently only a handful of operations exist in NY that raise fish for consumption, most using recirculating technology. Cultured fish offers an opportunity to reduce the carbon footprint commonly associated with seafood that is typically shipped great distances. Farmed fish allows fresh seafood to be harvested and sold in places far away from the coast where seafood is less common. Eating farmed fish is still a relatively new concept to many seafood lovers because it has not been as prevalent in the U.S. as most terrestrial farming. These NY farms are raising various species of trout that can be bought whole, as fresh filets, and even smoked like lox. One farm raises large-mouth bass for ethnic markets.

Fish Aquaculture Research and Education

There are several organizations conducting research on land-based finfish aquaculture systems. Both SUNY Cobleskill and SUNY Morrisville have undergraduate degree programs in aquaculture where students are able to get firsthand experience raising fish and managing aquaculture systems. Cornell University, the USGS-Tunison Lab of Aquatic Science, and Timberfish Technologies are all involved in research on different aspects of refining methodology and cultivating different species.

Below is a table showing species currently known to be produced in NY and for which purpose.