While aquaculture is gradually gaining traction in the United States, it’s important to note that this approach to farming has a long and established history in many parts of the world, particularly in Asia. Asia accounts for over 90% of global aquaculture production, with China, India, and Indonesia leading the sector. The most commonly cultivated species in Asia include carp, shrimp/prawns, and tilapia.
Koi Farming in Japan – Dexter’s World
In the United States, the Southern* states are at the forefront of aquaculture, contributing over 50% of the nation’s total domestic aquacultured species and generating $850 million in annual sales. From Louisiana’s renowned crawfish industry to the burgeoning oyster industry in the Atlantic and Gulf states, and the established catfish industry in Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas, the Southern states produce some of the most well-known aquacultured seafood. Farmed oysters from the South are commonly found in markets from New York to California, and Louisiana’s crawfish industry supplies much of America’s crawfish boils.
Several universities in the region are at the cutting edge of aquaculture research. Institutions like Auburn University, the University of Florida, Florida State University, Louisiana State University, the University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi State University, and the University of Georgia are dedicated to developing the best growing techniques and finding solutions to animal health issues. Aquaculture is a rapidly evolving industry, with advancements in husbandry practices and disease resistance occurring daily.
Fresh Farmed Shrimp – Auburn University
In this series, we aim to explore aquaculture in the Southern states comprehensively, breaking down the information by state and, eventually, by species. We hope this series will illuminate the world of aquaculture in America and inspire readers to try some delicious aquacultured seafood.
In Part 2 of our series, we will delve into the aquaculture profiles of Alabama and Arkansas!
* – Southern States for our discussion include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas
| States | # of Farms | % South | % USA | Sales (x $1,000) | % South | % USA |
| Alabama | 102 | 6% | 3% | 131,906 | 14% | 7% |
| Arkansas | 55 | 3% | 2% | 84,172 | 9% | 4% |
| Florida | 488 | 27% | 14% | 165,940 | 17% | 9% |
| Georgia | 22 | 1% | 1% | 0* | 0% | 0% |
| Louisiana | 818 | 45% | 24% | 195,244 | 21% | 10% |
| Mississippi | 129 | 7% | 4% | 276,950 | 29% | 15% |
| North Carolina | 95 | 5% | 3% | 33,225 | 3% | 2% |
| South Carolina | 25 | 1% | 1% | 6,961 | 1% | 0% |
| Tennessee | 21 | 1% | 1% | 3,990 | 0% | 0% |
| Texas | 75 | 4% | 2% | 53,914 | 6% | 3% |
| Total South | 1830 | 952,302 | ||||
| Total US | 3453 | 1,908,022 | ||||
| The Percentage the South Accounts For in US | 53% | 50% |
*withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual farms
Resources:
USDA Economic Resource Division: Aquaculture
Marine Aquaculture in NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Region
- Aquaculture in the Southern United States: Part 1 – Introduction - August 17, 2025
- Aquaculture 101: Aquaculture in The USA - May 12, 2025
- Aquaculture 101: The History of Aquaculture - April 25, 2025