Bioeconomic modelling of hard clam growout in Florida: the replacement decision

A decision to undertake hard clam growout aquaculture in Florida, therefore, requires knowledge of appropriate production systems, sources of operation risk, the effects of risk on operation design and replacement scheduling, and estimates of the costs and returns of hard clam growout under risk. The specific objectives of this research project were: 1. Develop a bioeconomic model of Florida hard clam growout. 2. Generate cost and return estimates of hard clam growout under different scenarios of growth and price variability to provide insights to optimal operation design and management. (81pp.)