Economic feasibility and risk analysis of Nile tilapia juveniles reared in a biofloc technology system

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the economic feasibility and the risk associated with the Nile tilapia juveniles cultured in a biofloc technology system. The indicators used in this study followed the operating cost criterion. Scenarios were analyzed in terms of variations in input prices and survival. Stochastic simulation were also carried out in order to determine the probabilities of economic results. The items with the greatest impact on costs were the acquisition of the greenhouse and fingerlings, which represented 27.64% (initial investment) and 33.24% (operating cost) respectively. The analysis showed that the biofloc technology system is viable in a short and long term, since it covered all the operational costs and showed a positive gross margin per production cycle, except in the pessimistic scenario. The risk analysis demonstrated that in 87.29% of the simulations obtained a positive profit. Thus, the tilapia juveniles production in biofloc technology system is a low-risk and economically viable investment.

Biofloc Technology (BFT) in Aquaculture: What Goes Right, What Goes Wrong? A Scientific-Based Snapshot

“…BFT has been shown to reduce water consumption even further when the same water is reused in multiple culture cycles [ 20 ]. In addition to reducing water consumption, BFT is more productive than traditional fishponds and requires a smaller area of production [ 116 , 138 ]. This makes it a more convenient and closer-to-urban-centers option.…”