Cobia

ling, lemonfish, black salmon, black kingfish, sargeantfish, crab-eater

N/A

Cobia produced in closed recirculating systems ranks as a “Best Choice”. The feed used by US producers contains 10% fishmeal and 8% fish oil. Feed conversion ratios for cobia growout are estimated to be 1.5–2.0. Production in closed
recirculating systems in the US takes place inland. Consequently, there is no risk of farmed fish escaping or transferring disease to wild populations, and there is no impact on the marine environment. Effluent discharged from recirculating systems is treated and must meet EPA guidelines. Management of closed recirculating systems in the U.S. is considered effective.

Cobia farmed in ocean net cages in Belize and Asia currently ranks as “Avoid”. Studies suggest that cobia production in both nearshore and open ocean conditions is likely to impact the marine environment.

Commercial aquafeeds used for cobia production contain fish meal and fish oil derived from reduction fisheries. Feed used in recirculating systems contains 8% fish oil and 10% fishmeal.

The ratio of wild fish used as feed to farmed cobia produced is 1.33:1. This ratio corresponds to fish produced in recirculating systems in the U.S. This result indicates a net loss of fish protein and ranks as a moderate use of marine resources.

The consequences of farmed cobia that escape into the wild are uncertain.

The escape of farmed cobia from recirculating aquaculture systems in the United States is virtually impossible because production facilities are located far inland with no seawater input or outflow. The risk of farmed cobia escaping from closed recirculating systems in the US ranks as a low conservation concern.

Cobia raised in closed recirculating systems poses no risk of disease transfer to wild stocks and rates as a low conservation concern.

Effluent from recirculating aquaculture systems may be treated on-site before it enters a municipal wastewater facility. This system allows for significant reclamation and reuse of wastewater nutrients. The long-term goal for RAS production in Virginia is to have complete on-site effluent treatment.

Production of cobia in an inland recirculating aquaculture system ranks as a low conservation concern.

Aquaculture in closed recirculating systems is well regulated in the United States. The management of cobia production in these systems is therefore deemed effective and is ranked as
a low conservation concern.

Where was this cobia farmed?

Cobia raised in the US using closed aquaculture systems represents a “Best Choice”.

No health advisory at this time

No.