Aquaculture has nothing to do with the customs and social institutions of Poseidon’s underwater world. It is a technique used for cultivating or raising aquatic animals that is quickly growing in popularity. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, aquaculture is one of the fastest growing forms of food production in the world as it is responsible for almost half of the seafood consumed by humans globally.
The Brazos Valley isn’t immune to the aquaculture trend. Paul and Stephanie Patranella, owners of The Bait Barn Fisheries, have implemented the technique to support their business and as a homegrown garden.
The Bait Barn is a small, family owned fishery specializing in quality farm-raised freshwater fish. “Our business is split into three aspects: We sell bait and tackle, fish to put into people’s lakes, and then delivering for urban fishing programs,” says Paul. While they are not a fish farm, they have plenty of fish on their property and must maintain peak conditions to keep them alive and well. “What we do is we’re actually a middle guy. We’re fish wholesellers and we have a retail shop for the public.”
At the Bait Barn, incorporating aquaculture into their business meant adding plants into their pre-existing vats that hold the fish on property. “The introduction of rock beds and plants has been since we started about five years ago,” says Stephanie. “It really has been all about the feasibility of saving our water because of our location.”
When introducing aquaculture into The Bait Barn operations, the Patranellas were looking for a way to improve their business. “We really got into [aquaculture] for our live fish,” says Stephanie. “We use the plants to keep the water clean. The vegetation is really a byproduct for us. We share what we grow amongst our workers, but the main benefit is the clean water.”
Located in Bryan, The Bait Barn does not have the same resources as a similar operation located in a coastal region. “With this place being where it is, we’re really limited on water supply,” says Paul. “We have to find ways to keep our water clean. Our water quality is 100 percent better, which is huge in our business.”
Aquaculture improves the water quality by playing a part in creating the optimal environment for fish. “[The vats] are wood and lined so that they can hold water,” says Paul. “We then aerate them and add worms and plants to help keep it clean. Aeration causes bacteria to have a place to grow and changes the nitrates and nitrites.”
With improved water, The Bait Barn is able to more effectively run their business. “We can keep fish as long as we need because our water is so good,” says Paul.
For the Patranellas, having vegetables growing steps away from their home is a happy byproduct that is flourishing. “We make stuff for us to eat. We have brussel sprouts, bok choy, and broccoli,” says Paul. “Cabbage and kale do really well for us,” adds Stephanie. The list goes on and on of the vegetables they are able to grow, all of which are creating better water for their fish.
There is tremendous potential in the increasing use of aquaculture worldwide. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, “[Aquaculture] provides safe, sustainable seafood; creates employment and business opportunities in coastal communities; and complements NOAA’s comprehensive strategy for maintaining healthy and productive marine populations, ecosystems, and vibrant coastal communities.”
Supporters of aquaculture around the world say everyone should be looking towards it as a possible solution to the increasing decline in marine life. On a smaller scale, it’s helped people like the Patranellas to make not just a living, but also create more family time. “After all, we got into this as an opportunity to run a business and raise our kids with us,” says Paul. Not only has aquaculture helped their business thrive, the Patranellas are able to continue working in a field that lets them be profitable without forgoing the chance to be hands-on parents.
