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.

13 stories
LocalSept 4, 2026

UWSP Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility Joins “100% of Each Fish” Initiative

NADF and Wisconsin's Aqua Garden LLC (first land-based walleye farm) commit to full-fish utilization as part of the Great Lakes Governors & Premiers' regional program.

NationalMay 14, 2026

NAA Letter to USDA Secretary Rollins on the Office of Seafood

NAA urges USDA to keep farmers central to the newly formed Office of Seafood's policy priorities.

LocalMarch 13–14, 2026

2026 Wisconsin Aquaculture Conference — Marshfield, WI

Upper Midwest's largest aquaculture event; farmers, researchers, educators, and vendors convene at Hotel Marshfield.

Upcoming & Recent

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
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