Expanding Use of Soy in Aquaculture

The U.S. Soybean Export Council, USSEC, in conjunction with USB New Uses and Domestic Marketing, recently held The Soy in Aquaculture Stakeholders' Meeting at the New England Center in Durham, N.H. State Representatives from Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota and Tennessee, along with representatives from USSEC, USB and researchers from various organizations gathered to discuss recent activities in the program. Presentations covered current international marketing and research activities and FY09 New Uses and International Marketing aquaculture research proposals.

The Soy in Aquaculture Program works to increase the amount of soy used in the aquaculture industry. Current soy use in fish diets is estimated at 300 million bushels annually.

Representatives from the University of New Hampshire hosted the stakeholders' visit to the Cooperative Institute for New England Mariculture and Fisheries research facilities and offshore ocean cage program at Portsmouth, N.H. While there, attendees witnessed offshore tests of improved Ocean Cage Aquaculture Technology cages. Participants discussed additional cooperative studies to further improve and expand OCAT applications.

The U.S. Soybean Export Council, through the Soy In Aquaculture program, increases soybean meal demand for U.S. soybean farmers. With the worldwide population expected to grow by two billion people by 2025 and continued emphasis on the nutritional benefits of consuming fish, the aquaculture industry needs a protein source that is renewable and facilitates profitability. Feeding demonstrations such as these prove that soybean products provide a powerful solution to those challenges.

For additional information, please contact USSEC Communications Associate Cathryn Wojcicki.

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Expanding Use of Soy in Aquaculture