Aquaculture company Pure Salmon has changed the planned species for its Virginia farming project from Atlantic salmon to steelhead trout. Company executives cited rising U.S. construction costs as a major factor behind the decision.

The company believes steelhead’s faster growth and lower expected consumer price point make it a more attractive option under current market conditions. The decision represents another significant investment in U.S. domestic trout production and reflects the industry’s efforts to adapt production models to changing construction and operating economics.

The decision is particularly relevant to U.S. trout producers because it signals continued investor interest in domestic steelhead production while highlighting the importance of construction costs and production economics in determining species and facility design. Increased large-scale production could eventually affect domestic supply, pricing, competition and market-development opportunities for established trout farmers.