The rôle of aquaculture in the industrial regions of the temperate zone

The prosperous industrial areas of North America and Europe support a diverse and vigorous aquaculture industry. Although climatic restrictions of temperature, photosynthetic energy and exposure may limit the potential, the relatively intensive forms of production of the area are supported by good and expanding market demand. Thus, many forms of production are technically sophisticated. Capital and operating cost levels are generally high and technically difficult. Poorly marketable products are not economically viable. The bulk of production is therefore concentrated on three fish groups: rainbow trout, Atlantic and Pacific salmon, channel catfish, and two mollusc groups: oysters and mussels. The potential for growth and development of the industry is good but is increasingly controlled by market expansion rather than by technical innovation.