Maryland's first aquaculture legislation was passed in 1988. Since then, most aquafarmed products have been grown in ponds. A new intensive aquaculture, however, now uses recirculating tanks, making farm-raised fish available year-round.
In 1997, the wholesale value of aquafarm-raised products in the State totaled nearly $21.4 million. Estimates for 1997 indicate that Maryland aquafarmers grew 285,000 pounds of hybrid striped bass; 50,000 pounds of catfish; 1,340,000 pounds of tilapia; and 20,000 pounds of trout. Nearly 11 million individual ornamental fish and 8 million oysters were harvested. Wholesale sales dominated the market in 1997, followed by retail and direct-to-consumer sales, while government sales and fee fishing declined. Tilapia, trout and oyster sales continued to grow most rapidly as ornamental fish sales leveled off. Estimated harvests for 1998 include 242,000 pounds of hybrid bass, 86,000 pounds of catfish, and 2,400,000 pounds of tilapia.
New species under consideration for aquafarming include black sea bass, yellow perch, and eels.
Aquaculture is a concern of the Aquaculture Development and Seafood Marketing section of the Department of Agriculture.
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