Food - Drink
15 Things You Need To Know About Farmed Fish
By SARA KLIMEK
They're Affordable
Farmed fish is often a more affordable option for seafood lovers because the cost of harvesting, processing, and shipping is lower than wild-caught fish. There are many options for aquacultured products that don't break the bank — and you'll still get a flavorful, fresh filet.
Crustaceans & Shellfish
Crustaceans and shellfish are significant contributors to the domestic aquaculture economy. Freshwater crawfish are grown in the southern United States, Manilla clams and mussels are grown on the West Coast, and hard-shelled clams are farmed on the East Coast.
More Omega-3s
Farm-raised fish may have some nutritional benefits as they are fed processed diets derived from fishmeal, plants, and algae. Since greater control is exerted on the diet of farm-raised fish, producers can maximize the amount of omega-3 fatty acids they contain.
A Sustainable Protein
Aquacultured fish are a “sustainable” protein source because they have a low feed conversion ratio, meaning they require less food to grow. Fish also do not require the same amount of space as terrestrial livestock, so they can be grown indoors or on small plots of land.
Heavy Regulations
Farmed seafood must go through the same regulatory procedures as other agricultural goods. These include rigorous food safety, critical control point testing and documentation, and tests for adulteration and import regulations for seafood entering the U.S.