Save the Date / Feb 12–13, 2027

32nd Annual Wisconsin Aquaculture Conference.

Join producers, researchers, and industry partners for two days of sessions, networking, and the latest in Wisconsin fish farming. Registration and program details coming soon.

  • DATEFeb 12–13, 2027
  • VENUEHotel Marshfield
  • LOCATIONMarshfield, WI
  • DETAILSwisconsinaquaculture.com
Save the Date — 32nd Annual Wisconsin Aquaculture Conference, February 12–13, 2027 at Hotel Marshfield
ESTABLISHED 1987 — THE VOICE OF WI FISH FARMING

Cultivating the Clearwater Future.

The Wisconsin Aquaculture Association represents over 2,400 farm families and businesses dedicated to sustainable production in the Great Lakes region.

School of farm-raised walleye swimming in a Wisconsin aquaculture tank
$21M+
Economic Impact
2,400
Jobs Supported
35+
Species Raised
15k+
Acres Managed

Advocating for the Industry.

We serve as the bridge between regulatory bodies, scientific research, and the boots-on-the-ground farmers who feed the state.

Explore our mission
01 / ADVOCACY

Regulatory Reform

Regulatory Update

VHS-Susceptible Species List — Enforcement Delayed

DATCP will delay adding eight species to Wisconsin's VHS-susceptible species list and will hold stakeholder meetings to discuss practical compliance options for baitfish producers and harvesters. Current Fish Health Certificates remain valid for movements — including Fathead Minnows — without VHS testing, and Animal Health Inspectors will not enforce those testing requirements in the meantime. Questions: Dr. Rosemary Marusak, Aquaculture Program Manager, (608) 982-6414, rosemary.marusak@wisconsin.gov.

DATCP Division of Animal Health
02 / EDUCATION

Technical Training

Featured Course

Seafood HACCP Course

Sponsored by DATCP in association with NCAFDO, this 2.5-day in-person course covers developing and reviewing seafood HACCP plans and meets the federal training requirement (21 CFR 123.10). $325 per person; registration closes September 25, 2026.

Course details & registration
03 / COMMERCE

Market Access

Market Updates
Oct 2019

The 20,000-Pound Scale Barrier

Feedstuffs reported on UW-Madison's comprehensive statewide economic assessment of Wisconsin aquaculture, which found a majority of private fish farms produce under 20,000 lbs of fish per year — volumes too small to enter large commercial grocery supply chains, keeping most sales direct-to-consumer or to restaurants.

News Feed

Recent stories from Wisconsin fish farms, the Great Lakes region, and the national industry.

47 stories

Local–Regional

RegionalOct 11, 2026

Minnesota Golden Shiner Shortage Pushes Bait Toward Farming

Minnesota is short about 80,000 lb of golden shiners a year. With live baitfish imports banned, Minnesota Sea Grant trials (2022–2024) found several systems can raise market-size shiners in-state, signaling strong regional bait demand. Source: Great Lakes Echo.

RegionalSept 16, 2026

Former Ohio AquaBounty Site May Become a Data Center

AquaBounty’s former land-based fish farm site in Pioneer, Ohio, may be repurposed as a data center. The proposal highlights the uncertainty facing some large regional RAS developments. Source: Undercurrent News.

RegionalSept 16, 2026 (event)

Great Lakes Aquaculture Talk Connects Regional and National Trends

A Michigan Sea Grant presentation explored how Great Lakes aquaculture can align with national industry trends. The session brought a regional perspective to sector growth and development. Source: CIGLR / University of Michigan.

National–International

National / InternationalOct 19, 2026 (live blog updated)

Seafood Tariff Updates Add Uncertainty for Domestic Producers

A running tariff-policy blog tracks changes affecting seafood imports, including trade with India. The briefing also highlights higher tariffs on Chinese and Brazilian tilapia, while soft U.S. wholesale prices limit any immediate benefit for domestic producers. Sources: Undercurrent News live blog (started Aug 11, 2026) and The Fish Site analysis (March 28, 2025).

InternationalOct 19, 2026

Mowi Reports Record Third-Quarter Salmon Harvest

Mowi reported a record 186,000-tonne harvest and €275 million in operating profit for Q3 2026. The update offers a benchmark for global salmon production as the industry watches the 2027 supply outlook. Source: Mowi Q3 update / GlobeNewswire.

InternationalOct 16, 2026

Peru Cancels Second Anchovy Season; Fishmeal Hits Record

Peru won’t open its second 2026 anchovy season because juveniles make up 79% of the stock. Super prime fishmeal in China is back at a record high; expect tight supply into 2027, hitting trout, salmon, walleye and perch feeds. Sources: The Rio Times and Undercurrent News.

Upcoming & Recent

Membership / 2026

Join the Association.

Annual dues fund advocacy, technical resources, and the statewide voice of Wisconsin fish farming. Membership runs January through December.

Download application (PDF)
01 / ACTIVE — VOTING MEMBER
$75per year

Full membership valid for 1 year with full voting and leadership privileges.

  • +Name and address listed on members search
  • +Inclusion on member only mailing list for vital information
  • +Ability to vote
  • +Ability to serve on board, as officers, or on WAIAC
Join as Voting Member
02 / NON-VOTING MEMBERSHIP
$35per year

Valid for 1 year. Recommended for students and those interested in supporting Aquaculture in Wisconsin.

  • +Name and address listed on members search
  • +Inclusion on member only mailing list for vital information
Join as Non-Voting Member
Sign Up / Step 01

Request a membership packet.

Submit the form and our membership coordinator will reply within 2 business days with an application, invoice, and welcome materials.

  • DUES YEAR2026
  • PAYMENTCheck / ACH / Card
  • TAX STATUS501(c)(6)
  • RENEWALAuto-reminder Dec 1