Economic Feasibility and Risk Analysis of Australian Red Claw Crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus Aquaculture in the Southeastern United States |
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| Authors: | Paul B Medley Robert G Nelson L Upton Hatch David B Rouse Gerard F Pinto |
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| Institution: | Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, Auburn University, Alabama 36849 USA;Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures. Auburn University, Alabama 36849 USA |
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| Abstract: | Australian red claw crayfish Cherar guudricurinutus are receiving increased attention from aqua-culturists, but have not been extensively investigated in terms of economic feasibility. In this study, research data from small pond experiments were combined with cost and return data to evaluate prospects for commercial production (50 ha scale) in the southeastern United States. Production data were derived from density experiments involving three initial stocking rates: "low" (l/m2), "medium" (3/m2) and "high" (5/m2). Experiments were conducted in nine 0.02 ha earthen ponds.
Risk analysis was used to simulate the range of potential outcomes that might be faced by producers. Results indicate that economic potential is most sensitive to the cost of juveniles, the percentage of the harvest biomass in the larger size classes, the price these classes receive, and the length of the growing season. |
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