by Thomas Derbes II | Aug 25, 2025
The two A states in the South, Alabama and Arkansas, kick off our state aquaculture spotlight portion of our series on Aquaculture in the Southern United States. Alabama and Arkansas together contribute about 9% of all Southern aquaculture, with 102 and 55 farms, respectively. Catfish farming reigns supreme in Alabama, accounting for approximately 50% of all farms in Alabama. Baitfish farming is very popular in Arkansas, and the Arkansas baitfish industry provides over 60% of the baitfish in the United States. Let us take a quick dive into both of these A states!
Alabama Aquaculture
Just like the Song of US States we learned in grade school, we start off our state spotlights with Alabama. Alabama, especially West Alabama, is known for its catfish farms. In 1960, a small channel catfish hatchery opened up in Greensboro, Alabama, and helped jump-start the commercial catfish farming industry.
Environmental and economic factors have favored Alabama’s success, including a warm climate, suitable topography, abundant rain, low energy costs, and proximity to Auburn University’s fisheries expertise. The channel catfish is hardy and adaptable, making it ideal for farming. The STRAL Company, founded by Chester Stephens, Richard True, and Bryant Allen, was pivotal in developing catfish farming. They used methods from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service researchers and opened the first successful hatchery.
Catfish Harvest – Alabama Extension
The industry faced early challenges, including market oversupply, high feed costs, and disease outbreaks. Technological advancements, such as the paddle-wheel aerator and improved feed, helped address these issues. The establishment of the Alabama Fish Farming Center in 1985 provided essential research and support. The industry also formed marketing associations and legislative measures to combat predators and imported competition.
Down on the coastline, oyster farming is the major contributor to marine aquaculture. In Bayou Le Batre, Point Aux Pins started oyster farming in 2009. Recognized as one of the first pioneer oyster farms in Alabama, Steve and Dema Crockett opened their farm to interested oyster farmers (in fact, it was the first oyster farm I visited). The Crockett’s farm and business, eventually joined by the McClure family, were dedicated to producing off-bottom oysters for upscale restaurants and raw bars around the United States. To this day, they are credited with helping grow and spread oyster aquaculture across the Gulf.
Working an Oyster Farm – Chris Verlinde
Auburn University and their extension program has played a vital role in supporting aquaculture development in Alabama. Currently, Auburn has a lab on Dauphin Island dedicated to oyster aquaculture, an inland shrimp farm in Gulf Shores dedicated to shrimp & pompano aquaculture, and the E.W. Shell Fisheries Center, located just north of campus, dedicated to freshwater aquaculture, catfish genetics, and pond management.
Auburn Students Weighing Farm-Raised Catfish – Auburn Fisheries
The Claude Peteet Mariculture Center, located in Gulf Shores, plays a vital role in marine aquaculture research and production. It features a hatchery used to raise species such as red drum, pompano, and flounder, and earthen ponds to grow out red drum and pompano. The center also conducts research on broodstock management.
| Alabama Aquaculture |
| Category |
2017 Farms |
2017 Value* |
2023 Farms |
2023 Value* |
+/- Farms |
+/- Value |
| Catfish |
141 |
$ 115,781 |
89 |
$ 100,571 |
-52 |
-$15,210 |
| Trout |
1 |
(D) |
1 |
(D) |
0 |
(D) |
| Other Food Fish |
14 |
$ 138 |
14 |
$ 116 |
0 |
-$22 |
| Baitfish |
2 |
(D) |
1 |
(D) |
-1 |
(D) |
| Crustaceans |
10 |
$ 1,260 |
3 |
$ 1,623 |
-7 |
$363 |
| Mollusks |
8 |
(D) |
10 |
$ 992 |
2 |
(D) |
| Ornamental Fish |
6 |
$ 5 |
2 |
(D) |
-4 |
(D) |
| Sport/Gamefish |
38 |
$ 3,644 |
40 |
$ 4,776 |
2 |
$1,132 |
| Other Aquaculture |
13 |
(D) |
16 |
$ 1,231 |
3 |
(D) |
| Total |
233 |
$ 120,828 |
176 |
$ 109,309 |
-57 |
-$11,519 |
*x $1,000
Arkansas Aquaculture
Arkansas is the birthplace of warm-water aquaculture in the United States, with the first commercial goldfish farms established in the 1940s. Since then, the industry has expanded to produce more than 20 species of fish and crustaceans, serving food markets, recreational fishing, the aquarium trade, water gardening, and aquatic weed or parasite control.
The state ranks second nationally in aquaculture production and leads the country in baitfish, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass fry, and Chinese carp. It also ranks third in catfish production. Lonoke and Monroe counties are home to the world’s largest baitfish, goldfish, largemouth bass, and hybrid striped bass farms. By the mid-2000s, Arkansas farms were selling more than six billion baitfish annually, shipped nationwide and internationally.
Golden Shiner Minnows – Jeremy Trimpey
Catfish farming began in the 1950s and remains a cornerstone of the industry, with major economic impact in counties such as Chicot. However, baitfish aquaculture is the biggest industry in Arkansas, producing about 61% of the nation’s cultured baitfish value. Each year, six billion minnows (primarily golden shiners, fathead minnows, and goldfish) are raised on Arkansas farms and shipped nationwide. With an annual farm-gate value of roughly $23 million and a six- to seven-fold economic impact, the industry supports local economies in counties such as Lonoke, Prairie, and Monroe.
Before farming, most baitfish were harvested from the wild, often leading to ecological risks like accidental transfer of invasive species. Farm-raised baitfish, however, provide a renewable, healthy, and consistent supply. Arkansas became the hub of the industry due to favorable soils, climate, water, transportation, and pioneering farmers who developed production methods with support from the Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Center. The baitfish industry generates jobs, supports feed mills, supply companies, and live-hauling businesses, and has adopted best management practices to conserve water, ensure biosecurity, and provide sustainable “Quality Bait from the Natural State.”
In addition to large-scale farms, Arkansas has hundreds of thousands of farm ponds managed for livestock water, wildlife, and recreational fishing. Stocking combinations of bass, bluegill, and catfish are common, with populations managed to sustain healthy fisheries.
Aquaculture is especially important in the Arkansas Delta, a region challenged by poverty and unemployment. Fish farms often serve as major local employers and generate demand for supporting businesses such as equipment suppliers, tradespeople, and transport services. Today, aquaculture ranks among Arkansas’s top ten agricultural industries, blending economic significance with ecological and recreational benefits.
UAPB Students With a Fresh Catfish Harvest – UAPB
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is the only university in Arkansas that has an aquaculture program, and is home to the Aquaculture/Fisheries Center of Excellence, a research and extension center that is dedicated to aquaculture research and dissemination of problem-solving information.
| Arkansas Aquaculture |
| Category |
2017 Farms |
2017 Value* |
2023 Farms |
2023 Value* |
+/- Farms |
+/- Value |
| Catfish |
41 |
$ 25,484 |
34 |
$ 30,188 |
-7 |
$ 4,704 |
| Trout |
5 |
$ 2,717 |
5 |
$ 2,965 |
0 |
$ 248 |
| Other Food Fish |
6 |
$ 10 |
1 |
(D) |
-5 |
(D) |
| Baitfish |
47 |
$ 26,530 |
37 |
$ 29,172 |
-10 |
$ 2,642 |
| Crustaceans |
2 |
(D) |
12 |
$ 301 |
10 |
(D) |
| Mollusks |
1 |
(D) |
1 |
(D) |
0 |
(D) |
| Ornamental Fish |
4 |
(D) |
3 |
(D) |
-1 |
(D) |
| Sport/Gamefish |
24 |
$ 15,947 |
27 |
$ 20,177 |
3 |
$ 4,230 |
| Other Aquaculture |
4 |
$ 122 |
7 |
$ 137 |
3 |
$ 15 |
| Total |
134 |
$ 70,810 |
127 |
$ 82,940 |
-7 |
$ 12,130 |
*x $1,000
Up Next – Florida and Georgia!
References
https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2022/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Chapter_1_State_Level/Arkansas/arv1.pdf
https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2022/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Chapter_2_County_Level/Alabama/st01_2_022_022.pdf
https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/catfish-industry/
https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/coastal-programs/oysters-in-alabama/
https://alaquaculture.com/state/
https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/baitfish-industry-3641/
https://uapb.edu/academics/safhs/department-of-aquaculture-fisheries/aqfi-center-of-excellence/
https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/plant-industries/regulatory-section/aquaculture/
by Laura Tiu | Aug 17, 2025
A blue bowl filled with bay scallop linguini in a white wine garlic sauce.
I love harvesting and eating local Bay scallops. Port St. Joe Bay is the scalloping area closest to Walton County. These tasty mollusks live in sea grass beds in shallow water. This makes them easy to find simply snorkeling, on a paddle board, kayak or from a boat.
Scallops used to be plentiful in all our Bays, including the Choctawhatchee Bay. These shellfish, however, are sensitive to environmental changes and due to their relatively short lifespan, are susceptible to periodic collapses. To enjoy recreational scalloping for years to come, it is important that safety and conservation stay top of mind. Following the best practices below will ensure the bay scallop fishery is protected for future generations to enjoy.
- Throw back small scallops. Recreational harvest occurs before scallops are given the chance to reproduce. Smaller ones are younger than older and have a higher chance of living to reproduce in the fall and possibly again in the winter. In Florida, scallops typically live for about 18 months. While it is not legally required, throwing back small scallops (those less than 2 inches) is a great way to do your part to protect the fishery. Also, small scallops have smaller muscle meat so it might not even be worth your while to shuck the small ones.
- Keep only what you will eat. While “limiting out” might seem like an obvious goal, don’t forget that someone will have to shuck all those scallops! One pint of scallop meat (the typical daily limit for one person) is roughly four servings of scallops. Rather than setting a goal of catching your limit, consider setting a more conservative goal based on how much meat you will eat. Scallop meat only keeps in the fridge for 1 day or about 3 months frozen. Plan accordingly!
- Never double dip. Locals and law enforcement officers in the bay scallop harvest areas often report “double dipping”, or scallopers going out for a second trip after landing one limit. Without question, this is illegal. But is is also highly unethical and shows disrespect for the fishery and the people with livelihoods that depend on bay scallops.
- Protect seagrass when boating. Be aware of seagrasses while boating in shallow areas! Many species, including bay scallops, depend on seagrasses. Damage from propellers and boat anchors (called seagrass scarring) reduces habitat quality and resilience of seagrasses over the long-term. Please visit the Be Seagrass Safe website for more information
- Discard shells responsibly. Shells and soft tissues should be disposed of in open Gulf of Mexico waters with moderate to strong currents that are not channels, canals, marinas, springs, or boat ramps. Shells and soft tissues can cause problems for water quality and boating when dumped in high traffic areas close to shore. Shells disposed of in shallow swimming areas, such as springs or sandbars, pose a serious hazard to swimmers. If you clean your catch on shore, dispose of shells/soft tissues in the trash or clean and re-use for crafts or landscaping around the house.
Scalloping
by Rick O'Connor | Aug 17, 2025
In Part 15 of this series, we mentioned the need to begin seeking new sources of energy. Currently fossils fuels are our go-to source, but this source is limited, and the demand is rising. There are also issues with the waste produced from the drilling, processing, and burning of fossil fuels. Just as we moved from wood to coal, and from coal to oil – we need now to begin looking for what will follow oil. What options do we have?
Drilling platform.
Photo: Florida Museum of Natural History
Is oil still an option?
As most know, crude oil and natural gas are found in pockets beneath the earth’s surface. We extract it by drilling deep wells, using gravity to drive the product towards the well head, and pump it to the surface. At some point in time, usually about a decade, the pressure is lower and the well has reached peak production. At that point we need to drive another well, sometimes in another location. With the demand for this energy source rising, peak production wells are becoming common and new sources of oil are becoming harder to find. The United States is particularly in a situation due the fact we use more oil than any other nation (24% of the world’s oil in 2011). Much of the oil reserves are outside of the U.S. and managed by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) – which includes 12 nations. OPEC stated that since 1984 oil production from existing reserves has exceeded the discoveries or new sources – this resource is diminishing. It was predicted in 2011 that by 2025 70% of our oil needs would come from imports. However, there was a decline in imports beginning around 2005 and today 60% of our oil use comes from domestic sources. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of continuing with oil posted in 2011.
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Ample supply for 40-100 years |
Need to find substitutes within 50 years |
| Low cost |
Large government subsides |
| Easily transported within and between countries |
Pollutes air when produced and burned |
| Technologies are well developed |
Can cause water pollution as well |
Is natural gas an option?
Much of the natural gas reserves (27%) are found in Russia. Other leading producers include Iran and Qatar – the U.S. only produces 3%. This fossil fuel can be used to power factories, cook and heat homes, and power transportation. Though extracting and burning natural gas produces greenhouse gases, it is less than coal and oil. It can be transported across oceans if liquified.
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Ample supplies |
Releases CO2 when burned |
| High net energy yield |
Government subsides |
| Low cost |
Methane can leak from pipelines |
| Less air pollution than other fossil fuels |
Difficult to transfer from one country to another |
Is coal still an option?
In 2011 about 40% of the world’s electricity was generated by coal fired power plants. There has been a decline over the last decade, with a particular drop during the pandemic, but it has seemed to have rebounded some since with an current estimated of about 33% of the world’s electricity being produced by coal. Due to the pollution issues many nations have already begun to turn away from coal. According to the International Energy Agency, China is currently burning three times more coal than all other countries combined. However, this is expected to plateau by 2027. It is the world’s most abundant fossil fuel source. The US Geological Survey estimated in 2011 that coal could last between 214 and 1,125 years. Today the current reserves in the US could last another 422 years. The pollution issue is not only carbon dioxide but sulfur dioxide and trace amounts of mercury, and radioactive materials – it is the “dirtiest” fuel.
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Ample supplies |
Severe land disturbance, air pollution, and water pollution |
| High net energy yield |
Soot is a human health risk |
| Low cost |
Large government subsides |
| Well-developed technology |
High CO2 emissions when produced and burned |
Is nuclear energy an option?
For the purpose of boiling water to produce steam that spins a turbine and generates electricity, nuclear power plants are quite complex and expensive. The fuel is mined uranium which is enriched from 0.7% fissionable uranium-235 to about 3%. It is made into pellets. These pellets are about the size of a pencil eraser and each pellet contains the energy equivalent to a ton of coal. These pellets are placed into pipes called fuel rods. The rods are moved in and out of the reactor to control the reaction and avoid a meltdown which could release large amounts of radioactive material. The system is cooled by water. This system is encased in a thick concrete structure called a containment shell to avoid the accidental release of radioactive material. About once a year the spent fuel rods are removed, placed in holding tanks, and transported to an underground holding facility for long term storage – between 10,000 and 240,000 years. However, after 60 years of using this form of energy – no country has developed such a storage facility, and the spent rods are currently stored on site.
In the 1950s researchers predicted that by the year 2000 at least 1,800 nuclear plants would supply 21% of the world’s energy. In 2011, after large investments and government subsidies, there were 439 commercial power plants in 30 countries producing only 6% of the world’s energy. That number has not changed. Reasons for the decline include construction costs, operating costs, low net energy yield, public safety concerns, and increased safety regulations.
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Ample supply of fuel |
Cannot compete economically without government subsides |
| Low environmental impact (without accidents) |
Low net energy yield |
| Moderate land use |
Risk of catastrophic accidents |
| Low risk of accidents due to large number of safety systems |
Long term storage problem |
|
Subject to terrorist attacks |
|
Spread knowledge and technology for building nuclear weapons |
Listed above are the advantages and disadvantages of fossil fuel and nuclear energy – systems we have been using for a while. With the concern of climate change, and other environmental risks, humans have begun looking at other energy sources. In the next article we will look at those. Either way – we still need the energy.
References
Coal. The International Energy Agency. https://www.iea.org/energy-system/fossil-fuels/coal.
Coal Explained. How Much Coal Is Left? U.S. Energy Information Agency. https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/coal/how-much-coal-is-left.php.
Miller, G.T., Spoolman, S.E. 2011. Living in the Environment. Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning. Belmont CA. pp. 674.
by Thomas Derbes II | Aug 17, 2025
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:
2023 Census of Aquaculture
USDA Economic Resource Division: Aquaculture
Marine Aquaculture in NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Region
by Rick O'Connor | Jul 19, 2025
We stated in the last article that we have plenty of water on our planet; we just do not manage it well. So, what are some ways to do this? Below we will review some ideas provided by Miller and Spoolman back in 2011 and we will add a few more.
Is Extracting More Groundwater the Answer?
Groundwater that is used to supply cities and grow food is being pumped from aquifers in some areas faster than it is renewed by precipitation. Some advantages of this method include the water is useful for drinking and irrigation, its available year-round, and there is no evaporation loss. The disadvantages include it is being depleted, sinking of land (subsidence) occurs from over pumping, some aquifers have been polluted by deep well injection of waste. The largest aquifer in the world is the Ogallala Aquifer found beneath South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. It is showing signs of severe overdraft particularly near Texas and New Mexico. Methods of managing this water source would include wasting less water, restricting the number of wells allowed, planting crops and landscapes that require less water.
This is a common method used to irrigate crops across the U.S.
Photo: UF IFAS
Is Building More Dams the Answer?
Building dam and reservoir systems has greatly increased water supplies in some areas, but it has disrupted ecosystems (causing other financial losses) and displaced people. Some positive aspects of creating reservoirs are creating a large source of water, recreational uses in these new lakes, and the dams produce low-cost electricity. But the negatives include the new lakes that flood cropland and displace people, evaporation loss of this needed resource is very high, disrupts the migration and spawning of many species of fish (some of which are economically valuable). With some current dam systems, the rivers are running dry downstream, and the lakes are shrinking. We saw this firsthand at the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River in Arizona.
Glen Canyon at the Utah/Arizona border.
Photo: NOAA
Is Transferring Water from One Place to Another the Answer?
Transferring water from one place to another has greatly increased supplies in some areas, but it has also disrupted ecosystems and commercial ventures in others. One place this has been used is the California Water Project – where water from wooded northern California has been piped to the deserts of southern California. For decades battles have been fought as to how much of this water should be sent south. Southern California uses this water in large agriculture projects and for large cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. 75% of this water is used in agriculture – but often for water thirsty crops like rice and alfalfa being grown in desert conditions. Northern California contends that these water transfers reduce the ability to flush pollutants from San Fransico Bay and has reduced important fisheries. They argue that southern California could help by using better irrigation methods and crop selection. Several studies suggest that climate change will reduce the amount of water currently available in this system and they are already over pumping their ground water. In 2011 China was planning a similar project moving water from southern part of the country to the north. But will this solve our water management problems?
Is Desalination of Seawater the Answer?
There is certainly plenty of seawater – and we know how to convert seawater to freshwater – but the cost is high, and the resulting salty brine must be disposed of without harming aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems. In 2004 there were about 15,000 desalination plants around the world – that number has not increased much over the last 20 years. Most were in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia had the largest number, followed by the U.S. Almost 50% of Isarel’s water was produced from desalination. In addition to high cost and issues with what to do with the brine produced, there is the problem of adding chemicals to this water as it is being piped to reduce algae. This chemical treatment has been shown to cause severe problems for natural ecosystems.
So, How Can We Use Water More Sustainably?
We can do so by reducing water waste, raising the price of water, slowing population growth, and protecting our aquifers and habitats that store and release water.
We can reduce irrigation waste by…
- Line irrigation canals
- Irrigate at night to reduce evaporation
- Monitor soil and irrigate only when needed
- Avoid growing water thirsty crops
- Irrigate with treated urban wastewater.
We can reduce water waste by…
- Redesign manufacturing systems so they use less water
- Recycle industrial water
- Landscape our yards with plants that require little or no water
- Use drip irrigation
- Raise water prices
- Use water saving toilets, showerheads, and front-loading clothes washers
- Collect and reuse household water for irrigation of nonedible plants.
How Can We Reduce the Threat of Flooding?
We can lessen the threat of flooding by protecting more wetlands and natural vegetation in watersheds and not building in areas subject to frequent flooding. You may have noticed with the recent building trends in the Florida panhandle, this is not being considered – but should.
Other ideas in conserving and reducing problems with water management include green roofs and Florida Friendly Landscaping. You can learn more about how to protect your water resources by visiting your local county extension office.
Reference
Miller, G.T., Spoolman, S.E. 2011. Living in the Environment. Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning. Belmont CA. pp. 674.
