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Aquaculture The Massachusetts aquaculture industry is a very diverse sector of the Commonwealth’s agriculture industry. Although the cultivation of aquatic species (specifically shellfish and crustaceans) was practiced by the native Americans and later by the colonists on Cape Cod, it was not until the 1970s when more efficient cultivation techniques were developed that commercial cultivation activities began. Since that time aquaculture in Massachusetts has grown to include more than 24 species of fish and shellfish that are cultivated for food, research, biomedical, sport and ornamental purposes. Some estimates have suggested that the Massachusetts aquaculture industry generates more than $8 million annually. However, as a result of possible reporting of aquaculture product as wild fisheries harvest and other variables, there is some speculation that the industry farm gate value is greater than that. As of 1999 there were more than 450 individuals and companies involved in aquaculture in Massachusetts with nearly 400 as marine shellfish culture enterprises growing primarily Quahogs (hard shell clam) and American oyster. The Commonwealth’s finfish growers produces primarily three species of finfish, hybrid striped bass, tilapia and trout sp. Although there are a number of institutions, organizations and government entities involved in the Bay State’s aquaculture industry, the primary trade group working for the industry is the Massachusetts Aquaculture Association. 
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