It is well-known that U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish is good for your health, but did you know it is also good for the environment? Catfish farming in the United States evolved over decades to protect natural resources, support local communities and deliver a healthy, high-quality product to consumers.

Why Catfish Farming Matters to the Environment

The growing demand for seafood is putting increased pressure on the world’s oceans. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations recently released a report revealing that more than 75% of the world’s fish species are overexploited or depleted. Fortunately, many types of aquacultures – or fish farming – represent a viable alternative for their future preservation. Catfish farming is the largest segment of American aquaculture, ensuring that safe, nutritious seafood remains available to consumers at a reasonable price.

Clean Farming

Unlike fish production facilities located in rivers, bays or on coastlines, enclosed ponds on U.S. catfish farms are not exposed to natural or man-made pollution from outside sources. In addition, unlike open-water fish farms, the ponds ensure that the fish cannot negatively affect natural ecosystems. Catfish ponds are self-contained and have very little influence on the surrounding environment. Ponds are filled with groundwater and the use of antibiotics for disease control is very low.

Supporting Healthy Ecosystems

Catfish farms provide safe wetland habitats to support healthy bird populations facing natural wetland habitat loss. Site selection for ponds is based upon avoiding protected wetlands or areas with any history of pollution or contamination from any source. Ponds are constructed to minimize seepage or erosion to isolate the habitat from outside influences. These practices make U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish one of the most eco-friendly protein sources available.

Choose Heartland Catfish

Heartland Catfish Company is one of the largest vertically integrated entities in the U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish industry. Our catfish is raised in man-made freshwater ponds that use the latest farming practices and best management practices. From our pond to your plate, Heartland Catfish products are a healthy, safe and viable food source. Visit our website to learn more!