Overview

Ornamental fish like koi or carp are usually warm water, freshwater fish that include the South American and African chiclids, many catfish species and other “exotics” that include species from around the world. Far more specialized (saltwater) marine species are cultured to a very limited extent due to the difficulty of breeding and rearing these species in contained systems; they tend to be wild-caught fish sold into the trade.

The actual market for ornamental fish is difficult to determine due to the number of hobbyists who sell their product locally to one another and to pet shops. Other sales are nationally via the Internet, trade magazines and specialty newsletters. These are very high-value fish and many “sales” are on a cash basis or involve barter for other species. However, the United Nations estimates that world ornamental production in 2006 was 51.7 million tonnes and was valued at $78.8 billion (State of World Aquaculture 2008).  June 2010 ... Koi or Carp


Other Links

• Alaska Mariculture - Alaska state mariculture site includes razor clam restoration information, permit information, overviews of state production and related information from the Alaskan Department of Fish and Game.
• Aquaculture Certification Council - A nongovernmental body established to certify social, environmental and food safety standards at aquaculture facilities throughout the world. This Missouri nonprofit, nonmember public benefit corporation builds on elements of the voluntary Global Aquaculture Alliance Responsible Aquaculture Program system that combines site inspections and effluent sampling with sanitary controls, therapeutic controls and product traceability.
• Aquaculture, Economic Research Service (ERS), USDA.
• Aquaculture (Domestic Production and International Trade Information), FSAonline, USDA.
• Aquaculture in Hawaii - Hawaii Aquaculture web page, an information source and guide to getting started in aquaculture in Hawaii, presented by the State Aquaculture Development Program, State Department of Agriculture.
• Aquaculture Outlook, ERS, USDA, 2006.
• The Aquaculture Network Information Center (AquaNIC) - The AquaNIC is a gateway to the world's electronic aquaculture resources.
• Aquaculture Resources - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), fisheries market news and statistic summaries (aquaculture results by catch), available grants, new marine product food safety guidelines, endangered natural stocks, export guidelines for shipments to the European Union, links and addresses of many National Marine Fisheries Support Offices, and other information. Site includes information on Department of Commerce Aquaculture Policy, the National Aquaculture Act of 1980, recent NOAA Aquaculture Policy and breaking research and legislative news.
• Aquatic Network - Aquaculture topics, educational information, publications and products and services listing.
• Census of Aquaculture (2005), USDA, 2006.
• Commercial Koi Production - Extensive site on koi culture, breeding, importation, pond and tank equipment, etc.
• CropKing.com - Aquaculture and hydroponics' supplies and producer support located in Ohio.
• FishLink.com - An Internet information and resource for aquaculture and fisheries. Contains directories, news, statistics and other related information.
• Great Lakes Aquaculture (Sea Grant): Aquaculture and Sea Food Safety - Overview of various programs and initiatives of the Great Lakes Sea Grant Program. Sea Grant researchers are studying several fish species suitable for aquaculture in the Midwest, including walleye, sturgeon, hybrid striped bass, sunfish, bait fish, yellow perch, tilapia, bluegill, crappie, bullhead, crayfish and a variety of salmonids. A variety of techniques are being examined, including pond culture, cage culture and indoor contained systems. The Great Lakes Sea Grant Network also has developed a regional resource list of aquaculture publications and audiovisuals for current and potential aquaculturists.
• Koi Magazine USA - Primary publication resource of Associated Koi Clubs of America, the koi industry and enthusiasts. Site contains a list of links to equipment suppliers, clubs and private individuals.
• National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Commercial Services: Aquaculture and Seafood - Contains leads, current and historical trade statistics, import requirements, news and regulatory information. This mission of the Trade and Commercial Service staff is to promote and facilitate trade for the U.S. seafood and aquaculture industries by expanding existing markets and opening new ones for the U.S. producers and processors.
• North Carolina Aquaculture Production Statistics, NCDA&CS Aquaculture Division - Summarized by number of producers, species, pounds of production and estimated value.
• Permaculture: Aquaculture - Huge bibliography of written resources and links from CrescentMeadow.com, Crescent Meadow Systems, a pemaculture reference site.
• Pond Dynamics/Aquaculture - The Pond Dynamics/Aquaculture Collaborative Research Support Program (PD/A CRSP) represents an international, multi-disciplinary effort to improve human nutrition through pond aquaculture research. The work of the PD/A CRSP benefits both domestic and international aquaculture.
• World Aquaculture Society - International society of aquaculturalists working to improve education and communication within the industry.
• State of World Aquaculture 2008, FAO, United Nations.

Links checked June 2010.