A nonlinear programming model for analyzing aquaculture policy decision making in southern Thailand

Abstract

This paper outlines the development and use of a nonlinear programming model in analyzing the environmental/economic trade-offs facing policy makers in southern Thailand with respect to their decisions on the expansion of aquaculture production. The underlying problem is that the development of aquaculture in the outer lake of the Songkhla Lake will inevitably affect the capture fisheries of the area in terms of both competition for space and residue effects. The analysis was grounded in the underlying biophysical and economic characteristics of the cage aquaculture system. The main components of the model are production, residues, carrying capacity, farm decision making, capture fisheries, and policy decision making. The model was able to show those locations where aquaculture could be developed further, without significant environment impact and without significant effect on the capture fishieries.