The Atlantic Salmon is the major species farmed in Europe and in 1996 salmon fish farming overtook commercial fishing as the top method of producing salmon. Around two thirds of global production comes from Norway and Chile, with other countries, including Scotland producing the remainder.
Commercial t rout farming was introduced in the 1950's and various species of trout are now farmed. In Europe these are the Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Golden Trout and the Blue Trout. The Rainbow Trout is the main species farmed with in excess of 16,000 tons produced in the UK.
The Atlantic Cod has been a staple food for over 500 years. The cod has been seriously threatened by over-fishing in recent years, however, with new fish farming techniques it can now be cost-effective to farm. The cod is a fairly hardy fish more suited to a farming environment than most other species.
Naturally a coastal dwelling fish, the sea bass is highly prized for its fine white flesh. It can grow to a large size in the natural state, but famed fish usually range between 400 to 550 g. The majority of sea bass farms are located in Europe, with Greece as the major producer.
The varieties of fish species farmed throughout the World is expanding and includes: Various species of Salmon, Rainbow and Brown Trout, Halibut, Turbot, Sea Bass, Groupers, Barramundi, Sea Bream, Amberjack and Yellowtail, Catfish, Carp, Cod, Eel, Japanese Flounder and Tilapia.
Vaccines are currently available for many of the major diseases.