The third annual Aquaculture Day is almost here!! This past spring the Wisconsin state senate and assembly passed a resolution declaring that the 3^rd Saturday in July would be known as Aquaculture Day. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2010.  That's when 12 fish farms around the state will be open for farm tours, information, and some will be sharing delicious recipes.

 

Wisconsin Aquaculture contributes 21 million dollar in economic activity to Wisconsin. Wisconsin alone has 2,314 registered fish farms, and 1,984 private farms with ponds.   There are also about 125 business farms and 213 public fee fish farms. This is huge and the industry is continuing to grow. Jim Pierce, of Trout Palace, explained how getting started in the Aquaculture Industry can be rough, but once in it...it’s worth it. He explained how contacting the Wisconsin Aquaculture Association and the Department of Trade and Consumer Protection would be the best place to go for information on how to get started. They would be able to get you information on requirements and regulations and most importantly contact information for mentors for help along the way.

 

Jim Pierce owner of Trout Palace, says they raise only Rainbow Trout. Pierce says they purchase the eggs from Washington and raise the fish to the desired size on their farm. He says for him it is not only a sideline business, but a way of life. Pierce explained how some farms are small and like a second from of income for a family, but others are much bigger and are the only source of income for a family. He said that others still are large enough that they need to employ other people to help keep their farm growing strong. Trout Palace is one of the farms open to the public this weekend, and Jim and Cathy will be giving tours of their place.

 

If you are looking for a way to spend your Saturday be sure to check out some of Wisconsin’s Aquaculture Industry and take advantage of the Aquaculture Day. You will be able to learn firsthand what goes on behind the scenes of a fish farm and see exactly how a farm works.  Activities will include farm tours & talks, some farms will have cooking demonstrations and sampling of fish products, fee fishing and will have their products for sale. For more information on individual farms be sure to visit the Wisconsin Aquaculture Association’s webpage – WisconsinAquaculture.com, or for information on aquaculture in the United States visit,  the US Trout Farmers Association’s webpage, or the US Aquaculture Associations webpage.