When fish or
even aquatic plants are raised in a controlled
fresh or salt water environment, it is known
as aquaculture.
In ancient Egyptian
tomb paintings we can find evidence of fish
farms. This is the first we get to know of aquaculture.
In the 5th century B.C. China had already known
of aquaculture for many years. The first freshwater
fish, which was spawned under controlled conditions,
was trout. A German scientist was responsible
for this in 1760. But only in 1920, was trout
raised for consumer usage in the United States.
After 1960, the production went beyond 1 million
and the industry became well established.
There is an increasing
demand for freshwater fish and seafood in the
Global Market. Research clearly shows that people
all over the world now have a definite inclination
towards fish and seafood. With aquaculture,
it is now possible to maintain a year round
supply of consistently superior freshwater fish
products.
The Rainbow trout
is the most popular of this species. More than
70% of the Rainbow trout in the US is grown
along the Snake River in the Magic Valley. This
place is ideal because of the availability of
pure spring water. Pure, oxygenated water is
necessary for raising fine Rainbow Trout.
Aquaculture now
has significant opportunities in the overseas
market. The number of exporters of freshwater
fish and seafood has increased in the last few
years and so has the value of products exported.
This has increased most dramatically since the
liberalization of the foreign exchange. The
most spectacular increase between 1992-93 were
recorded in exports of freshwater fish. These
opportunities are mainly provided because of
the global trends of healthier eating.
Freshwater fish
has now become a favored food item in the Western
countries and the distribution channels include
outlets like the chain stores and large supermarkets.
Another freshwater
fish is Tilapia. Mass culture of Tilapia is
possible at low cost because Tilapia has favorable
ecological and biological characteristics. Tilapia
reproduces fast, eat any algae, are highly resistant
to disease, can tolerate high temperatures,
low oxygen content and high metabolic concentration.
Tilapia can grow in fresh or brakish waters.
The dietary trends
today are towards fresh, healthy, low calorie
foods. This has led to an increase in freshwater
fish consumption. The demand for freshwater
fish is much more today. Tilapia Red Hybrids
have a consistent supply and increased quality
because of production in a controlled environment.
Tilapia also has an all round growing season.
Another important
freshwater brakish fish is the Rohu. This fish
is highly commercial. It is eaten by fish eaters
in India and has now become a major export item.
It is typically found in weedy and slow flowing
or standing waters of lakes, ponds, pools and
rivers.
Catla is another
freshwater fish variety with a deep body, a
conspicuous head and large upturned mouth. Catla
when cooked is a very tasty fish. The meat is
succulent and it is an oily fish.
The other freshwater
fishes exported from Asia are Mrigal, Barramundi,
Boal, Hilsa, Ayer and many others. Hilsa is
an extremely tasty fish and is a great delicacy
at home and in high class restaurants.
The International
market today is gradually getting flooded with
freshwater fishes from Myanmar, India, Thailand
, Vietnam and China. The cultivation of these
fishes are possible in controlled situations
in lakes and ponds and artificially created
water bodies. The freshwater fish industry is
steadily growing in order to keep pace with
consumer demands.
For price
quotes and any further information, feel free
to call us today at:
Siam
Canadian Foods Co., Ltd.
9th Floor, Suite 283/44, Home Place Office Building.
283 Thonglor 13, Sukhumvit 55
Kongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110,
THAILAND
Call us at +66-2-185-3311
Fax: +66-2-185-3317
Email us at info@siamcanadian.com
