Is water used for "fish farming?"

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Welcome to CoreFacts, where we're always short on time and big on science. I'm Jessica Robertson. Today's question is a pretty interesting one.

Is water used for "fish farming?"

I know that some of you are probably thinking - wait, the U.S. grows fish? You mean you've never eaten farm-raised catfish, or a trout from a "trout farm?" Fish farming is a big business in some places. There are large catfish farms in Arkansas and Mississippi. In 2000, Idaho used about 1,970 million gallons of water per day to grow trout, and accounted for a large percentage of the world's farm-raised trout. In Louisiana, more than 50 times more water is used for fish farming than is used for animals that produce meat, poultry, and milk.

And now you know. Join us again every weekday for a new CoreFact. For other CoreFacts, or for CoreCast, our in-depth science podcast, go to usgs.gov/podcasts. If you'd like to have a question featured on our show, give us an email at corefacts@usgs.gov or a phone call at 703-648-5600. Remember, long distance fees do apply.

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