Believe it or not, Indiana is a prime location for aquaculture industries due to its rich supply of raw materials for fish food and access to large markets. And as fish continue to be harvested from oceans and other water bodies at unsustainable rates, the role of aquaculture grows ever more vital.
That’s why IISG and Purdue University Extension have joined forces with the Indiana Soybean Alliance and the Indiana Aquaculture Association to help drive growth in the state’s aquaculture industry. Since 2005, Kwamena Quagrainie, IISG’s aquaculture marketing specialist, has held 40 workshops with over 1,200 participants. He has worked one-on-one, advising potential and ongoing producers throughout the state, and engaged in numerous market studies.
This work has led to economic development not just in the aquaculture industry but in a variety of other sectors as well. Research has revealed that farm sales of aquaculture products in Indiana reached about $15 million in 2013, a nearly five-fold increase over 2005. Fish farming in the state supports 280 jobs, 169 directly in the aquaculture industry. Aquaculture generates $3.7 million labor income and $19.5 million added value. The industry output is valued at $23.6 million for a total value of $38 million with other supporting industries.
To learn more about how IISG is empowering communities and individuals to strengthen local environments and economies, check out our 2013 program impacts.