ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF INTEGRATING A HYDROPONIC-LETTUCE SYSTEM INTO A BARRAMUNDI FISH PRODUCTION SYSTEM

The economic benefits of an aquaculture-hydroponic integrated system are evaluated using a hydroponic-lettuce and barramundi fish production system as a case study. Technical data were obtained for a case study farm located at Port Stephens, New South Wales, Australia. The net present values of annual cash flows over a 10-year planning horizon were determined for barramundi and lettuce production as stand-alone units, and alternatively as integrated units, using a capital budgeting framework. Integrated production enables barramundi effluent to be used as a source of nutrients for the lettuce production. This results in an increase in net benefits equal to the reduction in barramundi effluent disposal costs, and the saving of some water and nutrient costs of the lettuce system.