Fish May Provide Ga. Farmers With Income

GEORGIA - The gurgling tanks in Pat Duncan's greenhouses are filled with colorful fish and lush water hyacinths. Nearby, herbs are growing, sustained by the tanks' nutrient-laden water.

Duncan is an aquaculture specialist and hopes her fish production research at Fort Valley State University will provide Georgia farmers with an alternate source of income. And with the latest compact recirculating systems costing as $1,000 to $2,000, fish farming can be an option for just about anyone, from Atlanta condo dwellers to plantation owners.

"We're here to help Georgians with any type of aquacultural systems they set up, whether it's in ponds, raceways, recirculating systems or in cages," Duncan said.

Duncan's push for aquaculture comes at a time when demand for fresh and saltwater shrimp, catfish and tilapia, all of which can be produced in Georgia, has been increasing. U.S. seafood consumption climbed three straight years before hitting a record 4.8 billion pounds in 2004, the latest year for which government statistics are available.

Source: Chron