The Census submission deadline has been extended to March 1st, 2024! 

Farmers that did not receive a Census or lost their survey form are strongly encouraged to download, fill out the Census and mail it to Census of Aquaculture, 1201 East 10th Street, Jeffersonville, IN 47132 on or before March 1^st.

DOWNLOAD THE 2023 CENSUS OF AQUACULTURE

DOWNLOAD THE CENSUS INSTRUCTION SHEET

Know of someone that did not complete the Census?

If you are a farmer or Aquaculture Extension Specialist, share this webpage with them!

What is the Census of Aquaculture?

Every five years the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) surveys all farmers and ranchers for production, sales, labor, land use and other information to inform national and state programs that benefit U.S. agriculture. The Census of Aquaculture includes information specific to aquaculture like species farmed, production quantity and value, water sources, production systems, submerged land leases for shellfish production and state-by-state production statistics.

The 2023 Census of Aquaculture survey forms were mailed December 18, 2023. The information you provide is not shared with other federal agencies and there are criminal penalties if individual farm information is shared. 

Why is the Census of Aquaculture Important?

Last conducted for production year 2018, the Census of Aquaculture will yield current industry-specific data. This information is used by federal, state, and local governments, agribusinesses, trade associations, and producers to make decisions impacting the sustainability and growth of the U.S. aquaculture. The data is also used to support and justify federal and state research, education, extension, aquatic animal health programs and opportunities for farmer participation in demonstration projects and efforts to reform regulations.

Did you know that the Census provides a means for each House of Representative member to find out instantly how big agriculture and aquaculture is in his or her district? It is, please click here: USDA - NASS, Census of Agriculture - 2017 Census Publications - Congressional District Profiles.

Participation in the Census will help show the Congress, state and local governments and federal and state agencies that aquaculture is a growing, diverse and vibrant economic force producing great farm-raised seafood (fish, clams, oysters, mussels, shrimp, and seaweed), bait, freshwater and marine aquarium fish, corals, or invertebrates, recreational fish for private and public stocking, and other products like exotic alligator leather, live turtles as pets, or triploid grass carp to control nuisance aquatic plants. In order for U.S. aquaculture to gain traction at the federal or state levels, legislators and federal and state agencies representatives need to understand the scope and breadth of U.S. aquaculture.  And the jobs and income created and sustained by rural, urban, and coastal farms.

Please Complete a 2023 Census of Aquaculture Survey!!!

By filling out your Census form, you provide the most accurate information possible.  The NAA has been diligent to bringing a variety of concerns to Washington DC but in order for Congress or the federal agencies to take significant action or to demonstrate that these needed changes are real, the NAA and you have to have the numbers. Please support and strengthen U.S. aquaculture by participating in this important Census.