Structural changes in Midwest agriculture over the past two decades have resulted in a number of empty and unused farm buildings. Farmers therefore have been exploring alternative uses of livestock farm buildings for the production of other cash crops, including aquaculture products. In Indiana, Pacific White shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) production has attracted interest, and a number of small producers are investing in shrimp produc- tion in their farm buildings and other farm facilities. The producers are motivated by the fact that they could produce and market fresh (never frozen) high-quality shrimp products in these systems to compete with imported frozen shrimp.

The hybrid striped bass (HSB) industry is the 4th largest aquaculture industry in the United States in terms of sales value, behind catfish, salmon, and trout. HSB is a cross between a female white bass (Morone chrysops) and a male striped bass (Morone saxatilis). HSB is also known as “”sunshine bass.”” The hybridization of the white bass and the striped bass makes HSB more tolerant to extreme temperatures and dissolved oxygen than either of its parents. There is potential for growth in production in Indiana and the Midwest because of the abundance of farm ponds and private lakes. 

We use research, outreach, and education to bring the latest science to Great Lakes communities and their residents. Here is a quick summary of IISG impacts in the region for educating interested parties about what Sea Grant does.

An extension factsheet to inform Indiana landowners on the best practices for stocking fish into ponds.

This document is also referred to as FNR-569 and PPP-125, and is available at https://mdc.itap.purdue.edu/item.asp?Item_Number=FNR-569.

A summary of marketing and production barriers to walleye aquaculture production in Illinois and Indiana as determined during the first Walleye Aquaculture Working Group workshop.

This brochure describes aquaculture basics and the benefits of eating locally produced fish. This product can be used as a consumer-facing resource to educate communities on sustainable aquaculture in the North Central Region of the United States.

A printer friendly version is available at: https://iiseagrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/EMWF2-7.pdf