Fisheries and Aquaculture

Source: NOAA

Fisheries and aquaculture (the farming of aquatic species) contribute over $1 billion to the U.S. economy annually. These fish and shellfish are used for human consumption as well as feed for animals and livestock. Most fish thrive under species-specific optimum conditions. For example: Cod prefer ocean waters less than 54˚F, while catfish prefer warmer waters. Many commercially valuable fish species use protected environments such as estuaries, coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds as nursery grounds.