Evaluating innovative technologies for multistage fish growth processes: Case study of an eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) farm

A new method for evaluating innovative technologies for multistage fish growth processes was developed. An earlier economic model was adapted to meet the real-world requirements of a commercial eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) farm. The economic benefits of different innovative technologies at the farm level were evaluated where the technology included multiple production alternatives at various intensities and several growth stages. Data were gathered into “bio-economic” tables that take into account the biological parameters of each production alternative and the costs related to its development and implementation. The adjusted data were then divided into groups of production alternatives and feasible combinations of alternatives for each of three growth stages were evaluated to determine the best technology for the overall growth process. A computer program enabled us to enumerate all potential innovative technologies, collect information on biological parameters and costs by growth stage, and compare additional profit expected after implementation of each innovation. Results reveal the most profitable innovative technologies by growth stage for the 5-year eel culture. Comparison of the 10 best technologies shows that combining the alternatives with the best biological parameters for each growth stage does not necessarily result in the maximum additional profit for the farm.