Ohio fish farmers work to fill seafood void

NEW LONDON, Ohio -- New trends in aquaculture could launch Ohio to the top in farm raised fish and shrimp production.

Aquaculture is the fastest growing segment of agriculture in Ohio.

As a nation, we run a seafood deficit of nearly $19 billion, with the biggest segment being with shrimp.

That deficit will more than likely grow with the Gulf oil spill.

Along with several other species of farm-raised fish, Ohio is working to shrink that gap, even with shrimp, and they're getting international help.

WKYC Photojournalist Carl Bachtel recently toured a local fish farm along with an agricultural delegation from Israel, where aquaculture is big business.

To see what they are doing to help Ohio farmers, click the "play video" link to the right.