FISH FARMING
During the Tang Dynasty (around 900 A.D.) the Chinese were 'farming' fish exclusively for the emperor's consumption. Some sources date the beginnings of Chinese fish farming as far back as 3,500 years ago.
Today China farms more freshwater fish than any other country.
In the U.S. about 1/2 of the oysters and almost all of the catfish, crawfish and rainbow trout sold commercially are farm raised. Catfish is the largest 'crop', followed by crawfish and the third largest 'crop' is rainbow trout.
Worldwide, fish farming accounts for more than 70 million tons of fish each year.
Carp is one of the most widely distributed freshwater fish in the world. Originally from Asia, the were probably introduced into Europe by the 13th century, and brought to the United States by 1876. The carp family also includes goldfish and minnows. In the Middle Ages monks raised them in ponds to provide food for fast days when they could not eat meat. It is frequently raised in ponds and lakes today.
Norwegian scientists attract young cod to feeding sites by playing recordings of tuba music underwater.
Salmon raised in pens have white rather than 'salmon pink' flesh because their diet does not include most of the natural foods that color the flesh of wild salmon. Fish farmer's have begun adding pigment to the farm raised salmon's food to get that 'natural' color.
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