Celebrating Aquaculture Day

On 26 April of last year, the Wisconsin Senate and Assembly passed a joint resolution declaring the 3rd Saturday in July as Aquaculture Day. This resolution acknowledges aquaculture (fish farming) as an important agricultural industry in Wisconsin and having a sound environmental history using sustainable best management practices.

Wisconsin's fish farmers contribute $21 million to Wisconsin's economy through live bait, fee fishing, stocking and food fish production. Wisconsin is the largest seller/producer of aquaculture products in the Midwest with their products not only supplying gamefish and bait for recreational use, but their high quality food fish are offered in some of the top restaurants and stores in the Upper Midwest.

This year, 8 WAA members will open their farms and facilities to the public.

These farms will offer a wide variety of activities ranging from fee fishing, fresh and smoked products for sale, cooking demos, product sampling, farm tours, and live music.

An added highlight will be a visit from Alice in Dairyland. Alice has stopped by one of our farms each year and this year Katie Wirkus, the 64th Alice in Dairyland, will be stopping in before noon at Woods and Waters Enterprises in Juneau to talk to visitors about the importance of Wisconsin Aquaculture.

These farms raise a variety of fish - from trout to walleye, bass, musky, yellow perch and tilapia, providing the fresh, local fish you can purchase at farmer's markets, stores, and restaurants, as well as the fish used for bait and for catching in our Wisconsin's lakes.