What is the outlook for aquaculture in Hawaii?
Hawaii’s commercial aquaculture sector has expanded from 13 farms in 1976 to 100 in 2003. Continued expansion with more species cultured and substantial monies invested, is projected. Targeted sectors for greater development based on the industry’s track record to date are: 1) high value seafood products for local consumption and export; 2) macroalgae or seaweeds for food or specialty chemicals; 3) microalgae for health foods or specialty chemicals; 4) year-round production of specific pathogen-free broodstock and seedstock; 5) marine and freshwater aquarium species for export; and 6) offshore and open ocean production of fish and pearl oysters. Research and educational activities are also expected to accelerate as new technological improvements are developed to sustain the rapid expansion of the industry, and as increasing numbers of trained people are needed in Hawaii and around the world.
