Aquaculture 2025

March 6 - 10, 2025

New Orleans, Louisiana USA

Add To Calendar 07/03/2025 16:30:0007/03/2025 16:50:00America/ChicagoAquaculture 2025WILLINGNESS-TO-PAY FOR R.A.S. SALMON BY THE U.S. CONSUMERGalerie 5The World Aquaculture Societyjohnc@was.orgfalseDD/MM/YYYYanrl65yqlzh3g1q0dme13067

WILLINGNESS-TO-PAY FOR R.A.S. SALMON BY THE U.S. CONSUMER

Isaac Y. Wu*, Klaus Moeltner, Shamar Stewart, and

 Kaitlynn Richie, Jonathan van Senten

 

 Seafood AREC, Virginia Tech  

Hampton, VA 23669

 



The marine forms of omega-3s have been strongly evidenced to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. One of the richest sources of EPA and DHA in the U.S. diet is farmed Atlantic salmon, which has shown a steady consumption growth in the past decade. The U.S. shows the most production potential for farmed salmon produced with an emerging production method, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), which directly addresses the environmental challenges associated with the traditional farming method using open-net pens. However, little is known about whether U.S. consumers are willing to pay the premium required to produce RAS salmon. We conduct a hypothetical choice experiment across all regions of the U.S. (n = 2857) to estimate consumers’ willingness-to-pay for RAS and other attributes valued by producers and consumers. Our results show that U.S. consumers are willing to pay a 15% premium for RAS, but only after prioritizing freshness, U.S. production, and omega-3s. Byproduct recycling and stocking density did not significantly influence decisions. These WTP estimates can be used to understand the economic viability of RAS and illuminate the path to EPA and DHA nutrient security in the U.S.