Fish farming in Arkansas continues to be a major industry with 1972 returns exceeding $21 million. This indicates an overall increase in value of23.5 percent since 1969. Acreage of intensively-farmed waters increased 15.7 percent since 1969. Data collected during this survey indicates that a peak in the industry was reached between 1969 and 1972 and that during the past year acreages devoted to fish production declined slightly. Personal interviews of fish farmers provided the most useful data in determining the total production. Acreage, production and dollar values are presented in categories of food fish, bait fish, fingerlings, and fee fishing. Specialized fish-rearing facilities and the production of uncommon types of fishes are discussed.
