Blog

On September 10, 2020, the California Aquaculture Association (CAA) sent a brief anonymous online survey to the association’s membership to better understand the effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the aquaculture industry in California. (This survey was intended as a follow up to the CAA’s initial March 2020 COVID-19 survey. Click here to view the results of that survey.)

Below are the questions and results of the September COVID-19 survey:

• How has your business’s gross revenue changed year over year (YTD 2019 versus YTD 2020)?
  • The average gross revenue of those who responded was reported to have declined by 36.66% compared to 2019.
• How has your business’s employment changed year over year (YTD 2019 versus YTD 2020)?
  • Of those who responded, an average of 75% of employees have been retained (25% average reduction compared to 2019.)
• What other effects, if any (positive or negative), of the COVID-19 pandemic have you or your business experienced?
  • Of those who responded, effects included:
    • An increase in biosecurity measures.
    • An increase in and focus on retail sales to compensate for decrease in wholesale/restaurant sales.
    • A continued interest in aquaculture as a viable industry in California.
    • An increase in recreational fishing in California.
    • An increase and expansion of communication methods (virtual meetings, etc.) that have resulted in better information sharing and communication with clients and customers.
    • An appreciation for and use of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).
    • A significant decrease in sales in general, specifically to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), farmers markets, and restaurants.
• What, if anything, would be helpful to you six to twelve months from now?
  • Of those who responded, suggested helpful items include:
    • An increase in restaurant openings.
    • Deferred payment of fees and permits.
    • Continued support from state and federal agencies and the assistance programs provided.
    • An increase in communication with and support from state and national government.
    • A diversification of sales avenues for producers.

Please contact CAA Executive Director, Michael Lee at info@caaquaculture.org or (916) 246-6349 with any questions.