Fish and Alligators for Eating
Leo Ray was probably the first person in Idaho to put geothermal water to work for raising aquatic life. Mr. Ray's business, Fish Breeders of Idaho, is located near the Snake River in the Hagerman Valley of Twin Falls County. Catfish, tilapia, and alligators are raised in 95° F water. Tilapia is the most commonly raised fish in Idaho's geotehrmal waters. Geothermal water is an excellent environment for the alligators of southern Idaho. Mr. Ray's alligators serve multiple purposes. In addition to being edible, they help with waste management by consuming cull fish from Ray's other acquaculture opertions. The hides are also cured and processed into leather products such as boots, vests, and purses.
Nine of the 13 geothermal aquaculture businesses raise tilapia, making it the most commonly grown fish in Idaho using warm water. However, the tilapia industry has faced some challenges. In the U.S., tilapia producers had to make changes in marketing practices when the cost of producing fillets ceased to be competitive with oversea producers. Bob Williams, owner of Arraina Inc. and Ace Development, has created a lucrative aquaculture oasis in the Owyhee desert that is successful because of creative marketing. The company delivers live tilapia to Vancouver, British Columbia, where the large Asian population prefers to buy live seafood. Additional markets in large west coast cities such as Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco have been developed for Idaho's live tilapia product.
Ornamentals and Aquatic Plants
Six places in Idaho use geothermal water for raising ornamental aquaculture products. In south-central Idaho, angel fish are grown for tropical fish tanks. Goldfish are being raised in Caribou County and ornamentals in Twin Falls and Owyhee Counties. In Ada County, Flora Company raises koi and shobukin in a cascading application that is downstream from their geothermal greenhouses. Also in Ada County, the Geothermal Aquaculture Research Foundation (GARF) raises a collection of aquatic plants, fish, and reef animals and products. One of GARF's goals is to stimulate interest in, appreciation for, and an understanding of these marine organisms.In addition to fish and reef colonies, GARF raises a variety of aquatic plants. One would never know passing by this home that, nestled in the back, is this magnificent wetlands project. The project was started 20 years ago, and consists of valuable aquatic plants collected from around the world to enhance the study of algae control plants and the balance of nature. All of these plants thrive and reproduce rapidly due to the continued availability of geothermal water in the Boise Warm Springs Water District.
Source:http://www.energy.idaho.gov/alternative_fuels/geothermal/aquaculture.htm
