Harvest time optimization considering the stocking density and heterogeneity of sizes in the culture of white shrimp in freshwater

ABSTRACT

The control and management of production factors have been of great economic interest for the aquaculture industry. In this study, the optimal harvesting time that maximizes the net benefits of shrimp cultured in freshwater was determined using a bioeconomic model fitted to six stocking density strategies (90, 130, 180, 230, 280 and 330 shrimp m⁻²). A model was constructed which included the size heterogeneity of the culture and the results obtained were compared with the traditional model which assumes size homogeneity for all individuals. The results from both models indicated that the stocking density of 90 shrimp m⁻² was the best management strategy for optimizing net benefits. The economic importance of taking into account size heterogeneity in the culture of the white shrimp in freshwater is discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Bioeconomic model
• optimal harvest time
• shrimp culture in freshwater
• size-heterogeneity
• stocking density

Additional information

Funding

The authors thank Universidad Marista de Mérida, Merida, particularly the Marista Experimental Unit which financed and allowed this research project to be carried out in their facility.