According to the 2010 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) report, aquaculture is the fastest-growing animal-food-producing sector in the world. It is set to overtake fisheries as a source of food fish. Global aquaculture production grew from 2.5 million tons in 1970 to 52.5 million tons in 2008. However, the U.S. lags behind the global trend with 0.3 million tons of production and sales value of $1.2 billion in 2009.
Efforts to promote aquaculture within the U.S. and increase global trade are being taken. Expansion of the industry can serve to increase exports and economic potential, and reduce trade deficits. These efforts depend on ensuring the trade and transport of healthy aquatic animals and avoiding disease transfer between aquaculture facilities and wild stocks.
Center for Food Security and Public Health