economic impact of the trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, industry on Transylvania County, North Carolina

• Published in: Journal of applied aquaculture Vol. 15; no. 1-2; pp. 61 - 83
• Main Authors: Kaliba, A.R, Engle, C.R, Pomerleau, S, Hinshaw, J.M, Sloan, D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2004
• Subjects: econometric models; Economic impact; fish culture; fish farms; Freshwater; input output analysis; Oncorhynchus mykiss; Transylvania; trout; trout industry; North Carolina; USA, North Carolina, Transylvania Cty
• ISSN: 1045-4438; 1545-0805
• DOI: 10.1300/J028v15n01_04

The commercial culture of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, in Transylvania County, North Carolina, generated approximately $9 million in economic output in 2002. Commercial trout farming began in North Carolina more than 45 years ago. Twenty of the 57 commercial trout farms in production in North Carolina are located in Transylvania County, ranging in size from 1,135 to 204,300 kg annual production in 2002. North Carolina presently ranks second in the United States in commercial trout production, behind Idaho. The study shows that, in 2002, the trout industry generated about $9 million in economic output, created 201 jobs, and generated $3 and $0.9 million, respectively, as labor income and tax revenue in 2002. This is particularly important for Transylvania County where economic prosperity depends on locally available jobs and diversification of economic activities.