Respondent Cover Letter

U nited States Department of Agriculture

National Agricultural Statistics Service

December 15, 2013

Dear Aquaculture Producer,

The National Agricultural Statistics Service is conducting 2013 Census of Aquaculture and I invite you take part in this important survey. This census, last conducted nearly a decade ago, is the only source of comparable and consistent data at the national and state levels for the U.S. aquaculture industry. Your accurate response will ensure that policy makers, aquaculture organizations and businesses have reliable information to make decisions that affect the sustainability and growth of your industry.

Please respond by January XX, 2014, in either of the following ways:

• Online at www.agcensus.usda.gov. Responding online is fast, easy and secure. Instructions are on the back of this letter. You will need the 17-digit survey response code found on your census mailing label to begin.

• By mail. Complete the enclosed census form and mail it back in the return envelope.

If you need help completing your census form, please call toll free 1-888-424-7828. You will need the 17-digit survey response code found on your census mailing label to begin your inquiry.

Individual responses to the 2013 Census of Aquaculture are protected by law (Title 7, U.S. Code and CIPSEA, Public Law 107-347). The same law requires us to keep your identity and your answers confidential.

Thank you for your participation in the 2013 Census of Aquaculture.

Sincerely,

Cynthia Clark

Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service

United States Department of Agriculture

Enclosures

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.