Socioeconomic and profitability analysis of tambaqui Colossoma macropomum fish farming in the state of Amazonas, Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this study is to identify the economic–financial viability, attractiveness potential, and investment risks of tambaqui farming in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. Tambaqui is the main native fish in Brazilian aquaculture. A survey was conducted for 240 fish farms, and analyzed through Monte Carlo simulations. It was found that fluctuation in feed (US$0.49 ± 0.09 kg⁻¹) and fish prices (US$1.77 ± 0.48 kg⁻¹) exerts a great influence on the profitability of the projects. In general, the results indicate that it is difficult to make the farms profitable. The use of modern technologies, such as aerators, and monosex populations on fish farms may be some alternatives to overcome this situation and improve the productivity of the sector, consequently promoting its sustainability.

Keywords:

• Amazônia
• Colossoma macropomum
• economic viability
• fish farmers
• Monte Carlo

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the FAPEAM Foundation for the research fellowship for the last author; the Post-Graduate Program in Fishery Science in Tropics (PPG-CIPET/UFAM) for the infrastructure; and the Institute of Environmental Protection of Amazonas State for permission to use environmental licensing data.