istorically underreported their landings for various reasons. Due to both the chronic under-reporting that exists within the industry and the lack of any sophisticated, consistent calculation of true value, shellfish aquaculture is both undervalued and overlooked in Massachusetts. If the real values were consistently reported, the significance of this industry to Massachusetts would become apparent. Although the shellfish aquaculture industry in Massachusetts is not large when compared to other industries in the state, it is important to consider that the industry is located in small Cape Cod towns which have few other year-round industries. To the municipalities where shellfish culture is practiced, this industry is increasingly desirable for economic development. Total Estimated Values for Cultured Shellfish; 1986 - 1993The following estimated values are derived from DMF landing data. For the year 1992 estimated values from the Northeast Region Aquaculture Industry Situation and Outlook Report are also provided for the sake of comparison. NRAC compiled its data via individual grower surveys and is likely to be more realistic, but still not precise. The NRAC figure includes production of inland cultured striped bass, trout, baitfish and tilapia. Comparison of the two estimated values of aquacultured products for 1992 reveals the significant problem Massachusetts has with accurate reporting of aquacultural production. 1986 = $ 2,114,0261987 = $ 318,5841988 = $ 620,0581989 = $ 1,933,1451990 = $ 906,8151991 = $ 1,884,0171992 = (DMF)$ 863,418(NRAC) $ 4,000,000 (approx. value of quahogs & oysters)$ 8,020,000 (all aquacultured products)1993 = $ 1,753,192An additional 4.5 market multiplier is utilized by NMFS to conservatively account for the additional value of spin-off jobs, support industries and employment-related benefits. Funding Sources The common constraint shared by almost all aquaculturists is the lack of dependable funding sources,...
