The economic potential of a small scale flow-through tank system for trout production

Abstract This study analyzes the viability of a small scale aquaculture production system which is defined as the use of a flow-through tank culture with an average production of 12 000 pounds (5443 kg) of fish per year and a total investment of around $25 000. A comprehensive farm-level financial simulation model (AQUASIM) was employed to evaluate the profitability of the flow-through tank culture under different stocking density, output price and external debt scenarios. The simulation results indicate that the small scale aquaculture system has the potential to be profitable. High stocking density, high output price and the use of credit capital contributed to the economic viability of the system. The estimated breakeven price for the aquaculture system was found to be lower than prevailing market prices.