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Ocean Culture of Giant Clams (Tridacna gigas): An Economic Anlaysis

Author

Listed:
  • Tisdell, Clem
  • Barker, J.R.
  • Lucas, J.S.
  • Tacconi, L.
  • Thomas, W.R.

Abstract

The economics of growing Tridacna gigas giant clams inter-tidally is examined on the basis of experience with culture at Orpheus Island Research Station, James Cook University, Northern Australia. Even at a price as low as $3 per kg for clam meat on the farm, it is shown that profitable culture can be expected. At a real rate of interest of 10 per cent per year, the most profitable duration for growing clams for meat production is to 11 years of age. The farm is assumed to acquire 100,000 seed clams of approximately one-year each year. Analyses indicate that the real rate of return on funds used can be expected to exceed 10 per cent. Financial analysis of cash flows indicates that the payback period (for the finance needed) for a new farm being set up for giant clam culture is relatively long and initially the debt/asset ratio of the farm is likely to be high. The length of the payback period is significantly affected by the price of clam meat and the rate of interest. Assuming an annual real rate of interest of 10 per cent, payback is complete at the end of 12 years if clam meat sells for $7 per kg; at the end of 13 years if it sells for $5 per kg and at the end of 16 years if it sells for $3 per kg. While these payback periods may seem to be long, there are many types of commercial projects which have even longer payback periods.

Suggested Citation

  • Tisdell, Clem & Barker, J.R. & Lucas, J.S. & Tacconi, L. & Thomas, W.R., 1991. "Ocean Culture of Giant Clams (Tridacna gigas): An Economic Anlaysis," Research Reports and Papers in Economics of Giant Clam Mariculture 206487, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:uqsegc:206487
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.206487
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tacconi, Luca & Tisdell, Clem, 1992. "Economics of Giant Clam Production in the South Pacific - Fiji, Tonga and Western Samoa," Research Reports and Papers in Economics of Giant Clam Mariculture 206554, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    2. Tisdell, Clem, 1989. "Aquaculture as a use of the Coastal Zone: Environmental and Economic Aspects, Giant Clam Farming as a Development," Research Reports and Papers in Economics of Giant Clam Mariculture 206399, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    3. Firdausy, Carunia & Tisdell, Clem, 1989. "Seafarming as a Part of Indonesia's Economic Development Strategy - Seaweed and Giant Clam Mariculture as Cases," Research Reports and Papers in Economics of Giant Clam Mariculture 206397, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    4. Tacconi, Luca & Tisdell, Clement A., 1991. "Aid for Village-Based Rural Projects in LDCs: Experiences, Project Appraisal and Selection, ACIAR and Giant Clam Culture as a Case," 1991 Conference (35th), February 11-14, 1991, Armidale, Australia 146403, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society.
    5. Tisdell, Clem & Tacconi, Luca & Barker, J.R. & Lucas, J.S., 1991. "Economics of Ocean Culture of Giant Clams: Internal Rate of Return Analysis for Tridacna gigas," Research Reports and Papers in Economics of Giant Clam Mariculture 206543, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    6. Tacconi, Luca & Tisdell, Clem, 1992. "Exports and Export Markets for Giant Clam Products in the South Pacific: Fiji, Tonga and Western Samoa," Research Reports and Papers in Economics of Giant Clam Mariculture 206555, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    7. Tisdell, Clem, 1991. "A Report on the Test Marketing of Giant Clams as Aquarium Specimens in Brisbane, Australia," Research Reports and Papers in Economics of Giant Clam Mariculture 206547, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    8. Tisdell, Clem, 1990. "Exploring the Demands for Farmed Giant Clams and their Components: Approaches and Problems," Research Reports and Papers in Economics of Giant Clam Mariculture 206476, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    9. Tisdell, Clem, 1989. "Pacific Giant Clams and their Products: An Overview of Demand and Supply Factors," Research Reports and Papers in Economics of Giant Clam Mariculture 206474, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    10. Firdausy, Carunia & Tisdell, Clem, 1990. "The Potential Demand for Giant Clams in Indonesia and their Status: A Report on a Survey of Four Coastal Villages in Bali and Java," Research Reports and Papers in Economics of Giant Clam Mariculture 206485, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    11. Tisdell, Clem, 1992. "Interest of Asian Restaurants in Queensland in Using Giant Clam Meat in their Cuisine and their Knowledge of it," Research Reports and Papers in Economics of Giant Clam Mariculture 206559, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    12. Tisdell, Clem, 1989. "Market for Giant Clam Shells: Report on a Survey of Retailers and Wholesalers in Southeast Queensland, Australia," Research Reports and Papers in Economics of Giant Clam Mariculture 206396, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    13. Tisdell, Clem & Wittenberg, Rene, 1989. "Market for Giant Clams as Aquarium Specimens: Report on a Survey of Retailers of Supplies for Saltwater Aquariums, Southeast Queensland, Australia," Research Reports and Papers in Economics of Giant Clam Mariculture 206398, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    14. Tisdell, Clem & Lucas, J.S. & Thomas, W.R., 1990. "An Analysis of the Cost of Producing Giant Clam (Tridacna Gigas) Seed in Australia," Research Reports and Papers in Economics of Giant Clam Mariculture 206480, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    15. Vuki, Veikila & Tisdell, Clem & Tacconi, Luca, 1991. "Socio-economic Aspects of Giant Clams in the Lau Group, Fiji and Farming Prospects: Results of Field Research," Research Reports and Papers in Economics of Giant Clam Mariculture 206544, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    16. Tisdell, Clem, 1990. "Progress Report No 1 to ACIAR Project No. 8823," Research Reports and Papers in Economics of Giant Clam Mariculture 206483, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    17. Firdausy, Carunia & Tisdell, Clem, 1990. "Assessing Species for Mariculture in Developing Countries: A Review of Economic Considerations," Research Reports and Papers in Economics of Giant Clam Mariculture 206479, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    18. Tacconi, Luca & Tisdell, Clem, 1992. "Domestic Markets and Demand for Giant Clam Meat in the South Pacific Islands - Fiji, Tonga and Western Samoa," Research Reports and Papers in Economics of Giant Clam Mariculture 206553, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    19. Pollock, Nancy J., 1992. "Giant Clams in Wallis: Prospects for Development," Research Reports and Papers in Economics of Giant Clam Mariculture 206557, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
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    1. Firdausy, Carunia & Tisdell, Clem, 1991. "Economic Returns from Farming Different types of Seaweed (Eucheuma) and for Farms of Different Sizes in Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia," Research Reports and Papers in Economics of Giant Clam Mariculture 206548, University of Queensland, School of Economics.

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