Economic and Financial Considerations Regarding the Small-Scale Commercial Culture of Hard Clams in Florida

Abstract

This study assesses the financial feasibility of smallscale commercial culture of hard clams. The baseline assumptions imposed are applicable for the Gulf Coast of north-central Florida. The analysis suggests that a hard clam culture operation utilizing 0.8 ha of bottom can produce 600,000 c l a m each year and realize a net return of approximately $3 1,300 per year. Sensitivity analysis was performed on changes in stocking density, seed clam price, survival rate, and market price for harvested clams. [Arlicle copies available for a jee por11 The Haworlh Docirrller~r Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678. E-r~rail addr,ess: ge/irfo@haworth.co~r~] ZNTROD UCTIONMuch attention has been given recently to the commercial culture of the hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria, in Florida. The technical aspects of the culture process, from hatchery to growout, have largely been standardized. Recent improvements of the techniques utilized in the various culture phases (i.e., hatchery, nursery, growout) have further enhanced the prospects of successful commercial investment. Currently, there are approximately 250 commercial hard

Risk Factors Affecting the Profitability of the Mediterranean Mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialisLamarck 1819) Farming in Greece

“…The profitability of the baseline operation depends largely on assumptions regarding the financial aspects of the business (Adams & van Blokland 1998). The market prices used in the current financial analysis cover a range of the current bulk, ex-farm prices of graded, packed products.…”

“…The financial analysis included standard enterprise budgeting techniques, as used by Adams and van Blokland (1998) for hard clams and Adams et al (2001) for southern bay scallop commercial culture in Florida.…”

“…Farmers could sell small quantities directly to the consumer at a price of 2,500-3,000 V/t, instead of less than the 600-V/t wholesale price. Additional costs must be added, though, for direct marketing, such as packaging, distribution, labor, and so on (Adams & van Blokland 1998). However, the Greek per-capita Bold type in the table body indicates negative results.…”