Aquaculture

The aquaculture sector in Wisconsin includes raising fish (or other aquatic species) on farms to be used as food, bait, recreation fee fishing or stocking in public and private waters. With our availability of clean water, Wisconsin is poised for a major expansion of the aquaculture industry, which means more fisheries and fish farms in the state.

The consumer demand for fish has remained strong and the wild harvest of quality fish has steadily declined. Consumers prefer the freshness and quality of locally grown fish that are free from any contaminants. Our natural resources are well suited for aquaculture and the challenge we face is using these resources wisely without causing any degradation to our environment.

Getting Started

This web site is intended to guide new fish farmers in selecting and evaluating their potential site, to design an aquaculture system that minimizes environmental impacts. It contains information about regulatory requirements and DNR permits that may be needed.

• Getting Started in Aquaculture: Environment Concerns and Regulations [PDF 64KB]
• Permit Primer

Types of Aquaculture Systems

• Flow through Systems
• Pond Systems
• Recirculating Systems

Aquaculture Products

• Food Fish
• Fee Fishing
• Bait Fish
• Stocking

Environmental Issues

The construction and operation of an aquaculture facility will require the use of some natural resources. A carefully planned and well managed fish farm will have a minimal environmental impact. An understanding of the environmental issues and environmental regulations will contribute to the success of an aquaculture project.

• Water Discharge
• Water Supply
• Pond Construction
• Raising Fish in Natural Waterbodies
• Importation of Native and non-Native Species
• Wild Bait Harvesting
• Fish Farm Registration

University of Wisconsin Extension Aquaculture Specialists:

Ron Johnson (northern third of state)
P.O. Box 165
Bayfield, WI 54814
(715) 779-3189
RJohnson@uwsp.edu

Sarah Kaatz (central third of state)
UW-Stevens Point
234 Nelson Hall
Stevens Point, WI 54481
(715) 346-3037
SKaatz@uwsp.edu

Jim Held (southern third of state)
302 S. Main Street
Lake Mills, WI 53551
(920) 648-2902
JAHeld@wisc.edu