Our Planet
Certified Texas Farm-Raised Catfish is a food consumers can feel good about! Catfish is one of the most eco-friendly protein sources available today for two reasons;
- Efficient feed-to-weight gain
ratio
- Environmentally respectful, sustainable growth practices
U.S. catfish
production standards are the highest in the world and
strictly controlled "Pond-to-Plate."
Water Quality – In the United States catfish is raised in self contained fresh water ponds that are insulated from natural or man-made pollution. In other countries fish may be farmed in ponds, or in cages in rivers, bays and on coastlines that are subject to industrial pollution. This type of farming is not good for the environment, the fish or the consumer. However, our fish are raised in ponds that are designed to protect not only the fish from outside pollutants but also ensure that the fish and the fish farm do not adversely effect surrounding fragile ecosystems or water tables. Our farmers use precise farming techniques to ensure that overcrowding does not occur to protect the health of the fish, and to continually ensure the quality of the water. Water quality management is one of the major contributing factors to the great taste of Certified Texas Farm-Raised Catfish.
Healthy Oceans – The growing demand for seafood is causing over fishing throughout the world's oceans. Seventy five percent of the world's fish species are expected to be over-exploited or depleted according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Catfish farming provides a viable and sustainable alternative that will help preserve our oceans for generations to come.
Endorsements – U.S. farm-raised catfish has been named by the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program as a "Best Choice" – their highest ranking for seafood indicating that it is good for the consumer and safe for the environment. Seafood Watch keeps a close eye on the health of global waters and has established their consumer rating system to inform fish lovers about health and environmental concerns associated with seafood, thereby empowering consumers to be well informed and address these issues with their dollar. Other prominent organizations that have endorsed the U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish industry include The World Wildlife Fund, the Sustainable Fishery Advocates, the National Audubon Society, and the Environmental Defense Fund.
Wildlife Habitat – Texas catfish farms provides much of the needed protected wetland environment for a wide variety of birds and wildlife. It is against the law to hunt commercial fish ponds for birds.
Around the Globe – Fish farming throughout the world is largely unregulated with little to no standards. Fish may be grown in rivers, streams, bays, and along coastlines. These waters may be contaminated with industrial pollutants. These foreign farms themselves may also be contributing to water pollution further degrading the environment. In foreign countries fish may be grown in crowded conditions and varying levels of cleanliness. This requires antibiotics and chemicals to keep fish alive. Such dirty conditions are good environments for viruses, bacteria, and parasites to thrive. Antifungal and antibacterial solutions are applied to fillets after processing to decrease contamination. One of the products found frequently in imported fish is a U.S. banned fungicide called Malachite Green, which is known to cause cancer and birth defects. In 2006 the U.S. imported over 74 million pounds of catfish. This type of catfish production is not good for the environment or the consumer.
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