Aquaculture could grow economy and create jobs in Kansas and across U.S. if Congress acts
When people think of aquaculture, their first thought is often oceans, but the impacts of the farmed fish industry extend far beyond coastal communities.
In fact, growth of the American aquaculture industry would have a profound and positive impact here in Kansas and in communities throughout America’s heartland — creating jobs and increasing our supply of local, affordable and sustainable seafood while reducing prices at the seafood counter.
As businesses and families continue to recover from the economic hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting an aquaculture industry in the U.S. would bolster our local economy.
Increased seafood production would create business opportunities throughout the seafood supply chain, including the hatcheries that rear the fish; the manufacturing companies that supply equipment to the feed suppliers; the feed suppliers that produce the feed; the seafood processing plants that process and package the seafood, and the local retail businesses, markets, and grocery stores that sell the fish.
We would see job creation from the fish farmers and line workers at the processing plants, to the staff in the marketing and sales departments and more.
One of the essential industries in Kansas that stands to benefit from the expansion of aquaculture is agriculture. That’s because the demand for crops that can be used in fish feed, such as corn, soybeans and peas, will increase along with the growth of aquaculture. This would establish new market opportunities for American farmers of these crops throughout the Midwest.
In just the past few years, I have seen the opportunity for growth in the feed industry at my company, Wenger Manufacturing Inc., an equipment manufacturer supplying extrusion systems for the feed used in aquaculture. It’s these types of technologies that enable the industry to be modern, safe, and sustainable.
Aquaculture would also help address many of the other pressing challenges that our country faces — helping to lower our nation’s carbon footprint and increase our food security.
Here in Kansas, we have seen firsthand a rise in climate-related challenges as severe weather and storms grow more frequent each year. This month, as we celebrate National Oceans Month, we are reminded of the importance of protecting and restoring our shared ocean and climate.
To feed our growing world population sustainably, we will need to look to alternative food production methods as land resources become scarce. Aquaculture is an opportunity to meet growing demands for protein in a sustainable way, utilizing the latest research, science and technology and industry best practices to produce seafood in an environmentally friendly way.
In fact, aquaculture has proven to be one of the most resource efficient methods for producing protein. Certain types of aquaculture, such as shellfish and seaweed, can even help clean the surroundings waters and support healthy ecosystems, providing positive benefits to the waters.
You may be surprised to learn that the U.S. ranks only 16th in aquaculture production, lagging such countries as China, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, South Korea, Egypt, Norway and Japan. With an annual output valued at $1.5 billion — only 0.6% of the $263 billion global aquaculture market, the U.S. imports up to 80% of its seafood — mainly from Asia and Europe. Only 5% to 7% of seafood consumed is raised in America.
While several states benefit from local aquaculture and feed production, the U.S. will continue to miss out on major economic opportunities until legislation is passed to support offshore aquaculture in federal waters.
Current legislation in Congress, The Advancing the Quality and Understanding of American Aquaculture Act, would support the development of an offshore aquaculture industry in U.S. federal waters by establishing a clear and predictable permitting process for fish farm operations.
I encourage our federal representatives from Kansas to support the expansion of American aquaculture. With our vast coastlines, expansive designated water zones, skilled labor force, superior technology and ample feed sources, the U.S. has the resources and ability to be one of the top producing countries of farmed fish.
We need Congress’ support so we can realize the full potential of an American aquaculture industry.
Jesse Mitchell oversees technical sales for Aqua Feed at Wenger Manufacturing Inc., which is based in Sabetha and leading supplier of process systems for food, feed and industrial grain processing industries.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Aquaculture could grow economy, create jobs in Kansas with AQUAA Act
