This is the first of three related articles exploring the issue of aquaculture in the US. This series was sparked by NOAA seeking comments on the US National Aquaculture Development Plan. The goal of the plan is to: strengthening U.S. commitment to food security, climate resilience, and the protection of threatened and endangered species.
The last plan was done 40 years ago!
US Aquaculture Could Feed the World
The National Aquaculture Development Plan draft recognizes that, aquaculture done right is good for our health, our environment and our communities. But we are lagging:
- Not Enough Domestic Production: The US imports 65% - 70% of of seafood consumed domestically. A $17 Billion annual deficit. Despite having a huge coastline and prolific fisheries.
- Lagging Seafood Consumption: The U.S. federal dietary guidelines recommend an increase in annual seafood consumption from 19.2 pounds per capita to 26 pounds per capita.
- US Aquaculture Lags Wild Fisheries: U.S. aquaculture produces $1.5 billion in annual farm gate sales, or 20 percent of U.S. seafood production by value. In the rest of the world, aquaculture produces ~50% of the seafood--and is the fastest growing protein source in the world.
The USDA and NOAA are investing to expand US aquaculture. The range of investment in science, technology, and workforce development are compelling.
A challenge that really caught our attention is the recognition that the vast majority of seafood companies lack tools to compete globally. In part this is because ~90% of seafood companies (both wild-caught and aquaculture) are small or medium companies who can't afford to invest in current systems.
We see this every day.
- Small oyster farms that grow a great product but struggle to get it to market–while complying with all the regulatory paperwork and marketing their product. Leading to burnout of owners.
- Clam buyers who are the mercy of distant markets setting the price.
- Fisherman who never know if the product they are harvesting will sell for enough to cover the costs.
- Small wholesalers hustling every day to deliver fish to the retailers and restaurants in their community.
- The mismatch in supply and demand that leaves fish rotting while consumers can’t get what they want. The USDA estimates 39% of seafood is lost in the supply chain.
Meanwhile consumers cite three key reasons that they do not consume more seafood.
- Expense: seafood is an expensive product
- Quality: Freshness is a key
- Concerns over food safety
All of these issues relate directly to the lack of tools in the seafood industry. Small firms reinventing the wheel and doing things manually increases expenses. A cumbersome system slows the movement of product while decreasing quality and raising food safety concerns.
The focus by USDA and NOAA on these important challenges is heartening. Our food security and the health of our rural waterfront communities relies on getting this right.
In our next series, we'll look at options for the industry and government to help.
Just an fyi: while some consolidation is likely we believe that there is a place for well-run small and mid-size businesses to thrive in this world. It is the mission of BlueTrace to make that a reality.
