Aquaculture
Arkansas Aquaculture Facts
Aquaculture began in the 1940s, with baitfish production peaking in the 1970s.
Arkansas leads the U.S. in baitfish and sport/game fish production, with all farms being family-run or small businesses.
2022 Aquaculture Sales Overview:
- Total Sales: $83 million (+14% from 2017)
- Baitfish Sales: $29.2 million (67% of U.S. total)
- Sport/Game Fish: $20.2 million
- Catfish Sales: $23.1 million (6.5% of U.S. total)
Aquaculture Species & Products:
- Catfish, Trout, Crappie, Bass
- Bluegill, Hybrid Bream, Crawfish
- Baitfish (Golden Shiners, Fathead Minnows)
- Mollusks, Ornamental Fish, Other Aquatic Products
According to USDAs 2022 Ag Census data, these counties were the top three baitfish producing counties in Arkansas:
- Lonoke
- Prairie
- Greene
According to USDAs 2022 Ag Census data, these counties were the top three Sport/Game Fish producing counties in Arkansas:
- Lonoke
- Garland
- Prairie
According to USDAs 2022 Ag Census data, these counties were the top three catfish producing counties in Arkansas:
- Desha
- Lonoke
- Lafayette