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Email the author (Login required) Environmental economic feasibility for sustainable culture of the mangrove oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae (Guilding, 1828), in Cuba
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3856/vol42-issue5-fulltext-18
Abstract
We analyzed two variants in producing mangrove oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae in Cuba: 1) traditional fishery (EP) at natural beds partially supported by aggregating suspended collectors in the mangrove, and 2) artisanal farming (CA) totally supported by spat from the wild, settled in artificial collectors and "mother shell" strings, farming and harvesting on the same artifact and oyster boxes. We determined the economic and environmental feasibility of both variants projected to a five year period from cost-benefit analysis based on production data. Tax on total income established in Cuba was included, as well as estimated costs for environmental damage. Traditional fishery (EP) presents negative net profit in a five years period (with return value US$-1388.39 at fifth year), as well as being environmentally costly by the negative impact on the mangrove ecosystem. Artisanal farming (CA) provides positive return from the third year and positive net profit (US$731.78 at fifth year), reducing environmental damage to mangrove ecosystem and allowing a substantial increase in oyster production. We recommend actions to achieve aquaculture and sustainable management of the native oyster C. rhizophorae in Cuba.
