Aquaculture, or farming of aquatic plants and animals, is a fast-growing agricultural industry in the United States. While large-scale production, processing, and marketing of species such as catfish, trout, shrimp, and salmon are well known in states like Mississippi, Idaho, Texas, and Maine, other states are only beginning to enter this industry.

In many of these states, producers are often small scale and the farmed species are relatively unique. As a result, processing and marketing mechanisms developed for large-scale aquaculture industries are usually inappropriate for small-scale industries.

IISG has researched the approaches that small-scale producers can use to process fish to supply local markets. The resulting resources below provide information on small-scale fish processing and marketing, including required training, necessary equipment, and the economic feasibility of hand processing fish to supply direct markets and restaurant markets.

The concepts presented in these resources can be helpful to current fish producers and fish entrepreneurs interested in learning more about processed and added-value fish. Readers are strongly encouraged to contact their state or local agencies regarding regulations regarding processing and marketing of aquatic species before undertaking any of these activities.

Publications

Handbook on Processing Fish for Small-Scale Fish Farmers

IISG23-SFA-BRC-044
Free

The handbook highlights the necessary elements of processing fish to guide any interested fish farmer or entrepreneur.

Download the PDF

A Guide to Small-Scale Fish Processing Using Local Kitchen Facilities

IISG22-SAF-BRC-012
Free

The brochure is an overview for fish producers who are thinking about small-scale fish processing. The brochure includes training requirements, available facilities, and highlights from some farmers who have gone through the process.

Download the PDF

Videos

Exploring Small-Scale Seafood Processing

Seafood HACCP Training: Experiences & Perspectives

How to Fillet a Whole Barramundi

Fish Cooking Demo: Post-Harvest Handling of Fish