Aquaculture sales in the Florida last year totalled $69 million, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer services.
A statewide survey of 404 farms was carried out, covering ornamental fish, shellfish, alligators, aquatic plants, and food, game and bait fish, among other aquatic animals.
“We know Florida has some of the best seafood in the world. This survey shows that demand is still great for our high-quality, wholesome seafood,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
Sales of aquaculture products for human consumption totalled $24.1 million, which includes freshwater and marine fish, clams, oysters, shrimp, prawns, alligators and turtles.
Ornamental sales of $35.5 million were recorded, consisting of freshwater and marine animals and plants, which are sold nationally for ornamental uses such as aquariums and water gardens. All other aquaculture totalled about $10 million.
The last statewide aquaculture survey was conducted in 2005 and showed $66 million in sales. However, aquaculture sales for food, including mollusks and food fish, increased by more than $2 million, while the biggest drop was in sales of ornamental aquaculture. There were 686 operations that reported being in business in 2012, of those, 404 reported sales during 2012.
