Insight into the economy of aquaculture production in Czechia: assessment of aquaculture enterprises

Abstract

We provide a general overview of spatial distribution and the economic situation of aquaculture enterprises in Czechia (the Czech Republic) in terms of revenues, profitability, work productivity, indebtedness and grants. We analysed data available in the State Veterinary Administration and information system of the State Agricultural Intervention Fund. The most significant fish producers (enterprises) are located in the regions of South Bohemia. Aquaculture sector profitability and enterprises profits have been moderately rising since 2010. The profitability in 2015 is roughly the same as that in 2005. The amount of provided grants showed a higher value than the generated average annual profits. The enterprises were not able to generate sufficient resources to finance investments without grants resources. Enterprises that realised financing for larger investments from bank credits showed relatively high levels of indebtedness (micro-enterprises at 95.5%). On the contrary, work productivity was the highest for micro-enterprises. Micro-enterprises had the largest share of revenues in relation to the number of employees. Each group of enterprises is considerably specific and needs an individual approach for the subsequent evaluation.