Commercial aquaponic farms are currently being established across the U.S. The global aquaponics industry was valued at $300 million in 2015 and is projected to grow at an annual rate of 30% for the next several years, passing the $1 billion mark by 2020. Forty-six percent of aquaponics farmers currently utilize deep-water raft systems and fabricate their own rafts from construction-grade polystyrene insulation boards. However, there are concerns about the strength, durability, and food safety of such "homemade" rafts. Hawaii Fish Company will investigate stronger, food-safe materials and potential design opportunities to improve plant health and growth to demonstrate the feasibility of manufacturing improved food-safe aquaponic rafts to facilitate the expansion of the domestic aquaponics industry and support increased local food production.
