Aquaculture is fish and aquatic plant farming. There are many facets to the aquaculture industry, including the production of all kinds of aquatic species - both animals and plants - for food, stocking into the wild and bait.

Fish farming is an important component of Wisconsin's agricultural industry. Many farms in Wisconsin now have aquaculture as the primary or a secondary farm income source. And there is tremendous potential for continued growth in this industry that bolstered the state's economy by more than $45 million in 2000.

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has a wide range of resources to help fish farmers, whether you're just getting started or if you're ready to market your products. In addition, the department is responsible for fish farm registration and the oversight of out-of-state imports of live fish and fish eggs, as well as the licensing of fish processing plants.

What You Need to Know
From getting started as a fish farmer to bringing your finished product to market, the department has resources to assist the state's aquaculturists with each step of the process.

Fish Health
Wisconsin's veterinary approach to aquaculture, advisories about emerging disease threats to fish, and training opportunities for veterinarians are posted here.

Aquaculture Publications
The department has numerous publications that can be beneficial to everyone from the beginning fish farmer to the commercial aquaculturist, including a full-color Fish of Wisconsin poster.

Events
There are many conferences, meetings and other activities held in and around the state that will be of interest to Wisconsin aquaculturists.

Aquaculture Resources
DATCP provides a wide array of resources and industry links to Wisconsin fish farmers.