Economic feasibility of recirculating aquaculture systems in pangasius farming

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the economic feasibility of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) in pangasius farming in Vietnam. The study uses a capital budgeting approach and accounts for uncertainty in key parameters. Stochastic simulation is used to simulate the economic performance of medium and large farms operating with a traditional system or RAS. Data are obtained through structured surveys and a workshop in the Mekong River Delta. Results show that for large farms, net present value increases from an average of 589,000 USD/ha to 916,000 USD/ha after implementing RAS. Overall, the probability that RAS is a profitable investment is found to be 99% for both farm sizes. With RAS, the crucial parameters determining profitability are price, yield, costs of fingerling, feed, and initial investment. Findings on the robustness of the economic performance of RAS are useful to support public and private decision making towards increasing the sustainability of pangasius production.

Incremental benefits from the increasing in the production of koi fish Cyprinus carpio var. koi culture

“…The catfish Pangasius sp. cultured in recirculation system resulted a higher production volume and NPV that was two-fold higher than those cultured in traditional system (Ngoc et al, 2016). The culture of scallop Clamys farreri and seaweed Laminaria japonica with integrated multi trophic aquaculture (IMTA) system resulted NPV that was 1.5 to 2-fold higher than monoculture system (Yu et al, 2017).…”

Economic analysis of technological innovations to improve sustainability of pangasius production in Vietnam

“…pond area and capital. Feed is the main cost of pangasius farms, accounting for 84% to 86% of operational costs (Ngoc et al 2016b). Labor consists of family labor and hired labor.…”

“…Data for this study were gathered in January 2013 through a questionnaire survey of 82 farmers (see also Ngoc et al (2016b)). The farmers participating in the survey mainly represented small and medium pangasius farms (less than 3 ha).…”

“…The application of RAS in pangasius farms requires additional investment in a moving bed bio-filter, filter media, septic tank, pumps and pipes for water movement and aeration (Ngoc et al 2016b). In aquaculture, several RAS designs can be used, varying from an indoor, high-tech installation, for example, in European eel farming, to an in-pond configuration with a nitrification reactor and some devices for sludge separation.…”

“…Most farms use river water in the fish ponds and discharge waste water directly into channels leading to the Mekong River. Water exchange is done using pumping or gravity from the tides (Ngoc et al 2016b). …”