The status of aquaculture operations and cost analysis in Hondurans tilapia industry

Abstract

Benjamin Chun-Chou Young, Shinn-Pyng Yeh, Winton Cheng, Pai-Po Lee, Rebecca Hui-Wen Chung

The main objective of this study was to understand the current production situation and operating costs of tilapia (Oreochromis spp) culture in Honduras through survey. Results indicated that, in 2014, the four most important farm levels in tilapia farmed. Furthermore, farm size ranged from 1 to 5 hectares, which employed five or less farm workers throughout the production cycle by earthen ponds and cage in monoculture systems. Fish fry was mostly purchased from others. The use of commercial feed was significantly higher than natural bait or homemade feed. Length of the culture cycle was less than six months. In addition, the produced fish by the farmers were directly contacted by the buyer and to some regular customers. Therefore, most farmers are not considering to change their jobs. The survey found that, the major costs of tilapia aquaculture production are fry, feed and labor. Altogether, the results from this study will benefit to frame an appropriate fishery policy towards the development of fish farming activities and attain sustainable tilapia culture development in Honduras. Further research is required for the development and promotion of more efficient and economically viable strategies for tilapia farming businesses to target key internal markets. Further research is required for the development and promotion of more efficient and economically viable strategies for Hondurans tilapia businesses to target markets.