Aquaculture is the farming of organisms that live in the water. Numerous species of finfish, shrimp, shellfish, corals, and seaweed (i.e., macroalgae) are all being produced. This can be done in the water (marine or freshwater) or on land using tanks.  Aquaculture also includes aquaponic systems which are a combination of aquaculture and hydroponic systems where nutrient laden water that comes from tanks containing fish (or other animals) is used to raise terrestrial plants.

Aquaculture species can be produced for many purposes including food, restoration, baitfish, the aquarium trade, and bio-extraction purposes. Many operations focus solely on producing species to provide a sustainable food source for our growing population. Restoration aquaculture primarily focuses on the production of finfish and shellfish to stock various waterbodies to enhance natural populations.  Finfish stocking supports recreational fishing activities and shellfish restoration supports habitat restoration, wild harvest, and improves water quality. The aquarium trade has expanded, taking pressure off wild collections from coral reef habitats. This area includes finfish, shrimp, snails, and corals and is commonly considered the “ornamental” sector of aquaculture. Bio-extraction is being explored to improve water quality in various marine locations using species of seaweed and traditionally “non-edible” shellfish (e.g., ribbed mussel). Species raised for these purposes would be removed from their growing location after a period of time thereby “extracting” the excess nutrients and/or contaminants found in that waterbody. They would not be used for consumption, but other potential uses are being explored.

Since wild harvest levels of seafood plateaued in the 1990’s, aquaculture production has steadily increase and currently provides about 60% of seafood that humans eat.¹ On a global scale, the United States is a minor aquaculture producer. In 2022, the U.S. was ranked 19th in global aquaculture production at 663 million pounds with a value of $1.7 billion.² However, the U.S. is one of the top importers of fish and seafood, importing over 75% of its seafood resulting in a $24 billion trade deficit.² Over 50% of that imported seafood is aquaculture products.¹

Aquaculture and the Environment

Beyond their economic impact, New York aquaculture provides a wide range of environmental benefits to the state’s natural habits and broader environment. Shellfish are natural filter feeders, and provide a massive boost in mitigating pollution in coastal habitats. Oysters in particular can filter up to 50 gallons per day in adulthood, and are one of the focal points of aquaculture restoration efforts. Beyond water filtration, shellfish are also key in shoreline management, acting as both natural reef habitats for other marine communities as well as stabilizing sediments and reducing erosion. Terrestrial finfish aquaculture has been promoted as an alternative to conventional trawling and open-water farming, reducing pressure on threatened wild fish populations and ensuring fisheries remain productive. Seaweed aquaculture is a newly emerging sector in New York that offers promising environmental benefits. Seaweed actively absorbs excess nutrients and carbon dioxide from the water, helping to combat ocean acidification and nutrient pollution. Seaweed can also provide additional habitat and shoreline management benefits. Overall, the restorative potential of aquaculture in New York is significant, and continues to expand as new technologies emerge. 

¹FAO. (2024). The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024. Blue Transformation in Action. Rome, FAO.

²National Marine Fisheries Service (2024). Fisheries of the United States, 2022. U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA Current Fishery Statistics No. 2022.