Oregon fishes for aquaculture investment and growth, Nov. 13

Oregon lags way behind its neighboring states in aquaculture production. But the state could catch up in a hurry if it takes the proper steps to reach its potential. An advisory group appointed by Oregon Department of Agriculture Director Katy Coba is meeting to continue its quest to find ways to boost the state’s participation in one of the world’s fastest growing industry sectors. “Roughly 90 percent of all the fish we consume in the United States is imported and about 46 percent of those imports are farmed fish,” says Jerry Gardner, ODA’s business development manager. “Oregon aquaculture right now is very small scale, but there is great capacity to do more. We want and need to create something that will attract investment.” The Oregon Aquaculture Advisory Group is bringing together those state agencies that have a role to play in the aquaculture arena. Coordination of responsibilities and perhaps the development of a streamlined process for those interested in starting up an aquaculture venture are two of the group’s primary goals.