Hooked on Sustainable U.S. Aquaculture: Evans Fish Farm

08/21/2024

Cast aside your snorkel and flippers. This deep dive into U.S. aquaculture is virtual!

Join Best Food Facts as we tour Evans Fish Farm near Pierson, Florida, with food blogger Cathy Trochelman of Lemon Tree Dwelling. It’s part of our four-farm Hooked on Sustainable U.S. Aquaculture tour showcasing farmers’ commitment to sustainably raising home-grown, nutritious fish and seafood for the increasing number of Americans who crave it.

Let’s dive in at Evans Fish Farm to see why U.S. aquaculture is making a big splash!

Family, fish and fun! That’s what you’ll find at Evans Fish Farm where multiple generations of the Evans family raise a variety of fish – serving customers in Florida and beyond.

“This is a family farm here in Volusia County,” said Jane Evans Davis, one of the owners of Evans Farms. “We’ve been raising fish and cattle for over 45 years now.”

Jane works on the farm with her two brothers and her mother.

“To this day, I find it amazing that my 80-year-old mother is working harder than I am,” she said.

The family raises hybrid striped bass, tilapia, largemouth bass and sturgeon, which is raised for caviar.

“We love our fish, we love our animals and we raise them accordingly,” said Geno Evans, Jane’s brother and farm owner. “Sustainability is a big part of our day-to-day operation.”

The fish are either raised in ponds or tanks. All of the tank water used is recycled naturally.

“The tank water goes through a marsh back to a detention pond. It’s then pumped back up to the tank,” he said. “Any excess water goes through an irrigation system that is pumped to our hay and forage fields.”

The hay and forage are used to feed the small herd of cattle the family raises.

“When you want to get into agriculture you have to think about where the water is coming from and how you’re using it,” said Jane. “Water ends up being the most valuable resource we have.”

Cathy was impressed with how the family recycles the water and the meticulous care involved in raising healthy fish.

“To be honest, I don’t know a whole lot about aquaculture,” she said. “Knowing more about where it comes from just feels good, that it’s just one family running it. That’s pretty incredible.”

Both Jane and Geno are passionate about farming and feel fortunate to work alongside family.

“It’s one of the best benefits to life in my opinion,” said Geno.

“It’s just been the best experience ever,” said Jane. “I wouldn’t pass it up. This is a way of life.”

Cathy came away from the tour with a new understanding about how fish are raised on farms.

“The farmers here definitely make sure that the fish are being raised in a high-quality environment,” she said. “Knowing this family is responsible for taking care of them just gives me a sense of security as a consumer.”

Catch the other farms on the tour!

Riverence Rainbow and Steelhead Trout Farm

Rushing Waters Rainbow Trout Farm

TransparentSea Shrimp Farm

Want to learn more? Check out the Best Food Facts aquaculture blog series!

Is Aquaculture a Sustainable Way to Produce Fish and Seafood?

How Does Aquaculture Affect Water Supplies?

The Hooked on Sustainable U.S. Aquaculture tour was sponsored by BestFoodFacts.org and the United Soybean Board.