Abstract
In this paper the author develops a dynamic simulation model and uses it to analyze the economics of pond cultivation of Japanese abalone in Chile. The analysis is done in continuous time by defining discounted free cash flows on the basis of explicit relationships between several biological, technical, and economic functions. In a culture batch starting with 600,000 seedlings when abalone has an average length of 19 mm, and the optimal harvest time is day 763 from stocking, harvesting at that optimum time implies a per-unit cost of production of approximately CH$320 per abalone. This includes consumption of 443,644 kg algae per generation, providing approximately 1.46 kg algae per abalone, and an electric energy requirement of about 433,200 kWh. Even at the optimum time of harvest, the profits are rather low. This explains why Japanese abalone culture has been substantially reduced in the north of Chile. To obtain abalones with an average weight of 100 g, harvest should be on day 1,460, when operating net present value is negative. In addition, the effect of changes of some key parameters on the results is analyzed via a sensitivity analysis.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
