Hybrid Striped Bass

Hybrid striped bass is one of the largest aquaculture sectors in the United States. The majority of hybrid striped bass are farmed in earthen ponds throughout the western and southern regions of the US –  with some production occurring using recirculating aquaculture systems. The vast majority of hybrid striped bass are sold within the US and Canada. Hybrid striped bass are considered to be fast growing and resilient – making them an ideal aquaculture species. 

While there is no national oversight agency for aquaculture in the US, management of US-based farms is considered to be strong and there are extensive regulations in place regarding predator controls, therapeutant use, and disease management. Permitting varies by state with numerous federal agencies providing some degree of oversight. These include:

• The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – which is responsible for coordinating national aquaculture policy and providing industry with research, information, and extension services;
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – which regulates waste discharge from aquaculture facilities. The EPA authorizes state governments to regulate aquaculture discharges in accordance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. These permits help control and monitor discharge levels of solids and other pollutants. Discharge from aquaculture facilities is also subject to additional regulations under individual state laws and agencies;
• The Fisheries and Wildlife Service (FWS) – which regulates the introduction and transport of fish. As the majority of hybrid striped bass is farmed using ponds that are known to attract bird populations, the FWS can also issue permits to these facilities for the capture, trapping, and taking of certain bird species; and,
• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine is responsible for approving and monitoring the use of drugs and medicated feeds used in the aquaculture industry.

Private associations such as the Striped Bass Growers Association, the National Aquaculture Association, and the US Chapter of the World Aquaculture Society also develop environmental codes of conduct and best management practices for hybrid striped bass production. These codes and guidelines often follow the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.