Abstract

Catfish farming continues to be the largest segment of U.S. aquaculture, and U.S. catfish farmers have demonstrated resilience and resourcefulness in adapting to changing economic conditions. Commercial production began in the 1950s–1960s, with growth leading to processing and marketing challenges in the 1970s. By the early 1980s, the key production, processing, and marketing pieces were in place to transform catfish farming into a major enterprise. Keys included development of efficient aerators, nutritionally complete feeds, multiple-batch production providing year-round supply of fish, processing innovations, and creation of The Catfish Institute (TCI) for marketing and public relations. The successful expansion into nontraditional catfish markets attracted competition of pangasius catfish imported from Vietnam by U.S. seafood importers, free riding on successful marketing programs. The 2003–2013 contraction of the U.S. industry was the combined effect of four external economic shocks; trough of price cycle; 2001 recession; September 11 terrorist attacks; and Vietnamese pangasius imports. Prices fell to historical lows and remained below production cost for 3 years. Adoption of intensive systems (split ponds, intensive aeration) that reduced costs led to steady growth from 2014 to 2019. Lessons for U.S. aquaculture include the importance of fingerling/seed technologies, farmer associations, research, Extension, marketing, and state/federal support.

摘要

鲶鱼养殖仍然是美国水产养殖的最大部分，美国鲶鱼养殖者在适应不断变化的经济条件方面表现出韧性和足智多谋。商业生产始于 1950 年代至 1960 年代，其增长导致 1970 年代的加工和营销挑战。到 1980 年代初，关键的生产、加工和销售环节已经到位，将鲶鱼养殖转变为大型企业。关键包括开发高效曝气机、营养全面的饲料、提供全年鱼类供应的多批次生产、加工创新，以及为营销和公共关系创建鲶鱼研究所 (TCI)。成功扩展到非传统鲶鱼市场，吸引了美国海鲜进口商从越南进口的鲶鱼竞争，在成功的营销计划上搭便车。2003-2013 年美国工业的收缩是四次外部经济冲击的综合影响；价格周期的低谷；2001 年经济衰退；9月11日恐怖袭击；和越南鲶鱼进口。价格跌至历史低点，连续三年低于生产成本。采用降低成本的集约化系统（分池、集约化曝气）导致 2014 年至 2019 年稳定增长。美国水产养殖的经验包括鱼种/种子技术、农民协会、研究、推广、营销和州/联邦支持的重要性. 和越南鲶鱼进口。价格跌至历史低点，连续三年低于生产成本。采用降低成本的集约化系统（分池、集约化曝气）导致 2014 年至 2019 年稳定增长。美国水产养殖的经验包括鱼种/种子技术、农民协会、研究、推广、营销和州/联邦支持的重要性. 和越南鲶鱼进口。价格跌至历史低点，连续三年低于生产成本。采用降低成本的集约化系统（分池、集约化曝气）导致 2014 年至 2019 年稳定增长。美国水产养殖的经验包括鱼种/种子技术、农民协会、研究、推广、营销和州/联邦支持的重要性.