The North Central Region (NCR) of the U.S. aquaculture industry is growing and changing. Salmonids (salmon and trout) are among the principal fishes currently cultured in the NCR — the rainbow trout being the number one species produced commercially (NCA-23 1987). Though it is relatively small when compared to the Idaho trout industry, trout farming in the NCR adds significantly to agriculture diversity in the region and to the total national production of trout (NCA-23 1987; WASC 1988). To better assist the salmon and trout producers within the NCR, the North Central Regional Aquaculture Center (NCRAC) has established a Salmonid Research Work Group to initiate new research that will benefit the aquaculture industry. The first Work Group meeting decided that a survey of the trout and salmon producers in the 12-state NCR be initiated to document the volume of production of trout and salmon eggs and fingerlings.

Salmonids are grown in many states in the North Central Region (NCR) with a major emphasis on rainbow trout production. The North Central Regional Aquaculture Center (NCRAC) Industry Advisory Council (IAC) designated salmonids as a high priority area and research on salmonids has been supported by NCRAC since 1990. Recently concern was raised over the long-term focus of NCRAC funded research and extension activities and at the June 1999 NCRAC Board of Directors (Board) meeting, it was decided that additional white papers should be developed to help strengthen various focus areas. As a result, the Board determined that one of these white papers should be on salmonids. This white paper reviews the current status of the salmonid industry, addresses critical limiting factors and research/outreach needs, and gives recommendations for future research/extension priorities. It should be viewed as a “living document” and updated periodically as new developments occur.

This study was designed to: (1) determine existing salmonid production by species and strains, and in what states they are being produced; (2) provide a description of salmo- nid egg purchase, source, and type; (3) summarize salmonid egg production, point of sale, and type; (4) determine salmonid fingerling purchase and source; and (5) describe salmonid fingerling production and point of sale.