Copper alloy mesh (CAM) net yielded better productivity indexes and higher net economic benefits than those of nylon net with anti-fouling coating.

Bigger initial investment, but ultimately, the non-fouling of nets means better water flow and better growing environment for the fish, reducing stress for better health and productivity, avoiding diseases and losses.

Aquaculture Economics & Management: Official Journal of the International Association of Aquaculture Economics and Management
Volume 17, Number 1 (March 2013)
	ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF USING COPPER ALLOY MESH IN TROUT AQUACULTURE: CHILEAN EXAMPLE
	Authors:	ExequielP. González 1, CarlosFelipe Hurtado 1, Langley Gace 2, Alberto Augsburger 3
	Author Affiliations:	1: School of Marine Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso  2: International Copper Association Ltd.  3: Fundación Chile
	Source:	Aquaculture Economics & Management: Official Journal of the International Association of Aquaculture Economics and Management, Volume 17, Number 1 (March 2013)
	Page Numbers:	71 – 86
	Available Full Text:	Full Text: Subscription Required to view full text Format: PDF Size: Unknown Location: Publisher’s Site Authentication: Publisher’s Site
	Abstract:	Commercial aquaculture continues to expand as it strives to meet growing global demand for healthier protein. In this context, farmers are under great pressure to address problems of biofouling and predation, all while reducing operational costs and losses. Copper alloy mesh (CAM) has been shown to provide solutions to these problems, yet there has not been an in-depth study of economic benefits of adopting this new technology. This study was conducted in Chile using one 2010 grow-out cycle of trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and combined productivity indicators with economic analysis based on investment theory. Results showed that CAM net yielded better productivity indexes and higher net economic benefits than those of nylon net with anti-fouling coating. Sensitivity analyses showed a greater effect on the profitability of nylon versus CAM and a reduced elasticity of pen profitability with respect to the rental cost of CAM.
	Citation:	ExequielP. González, CarlosFelipe Hurtado, Langley Gace, Alberto Augsburger . ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF USING COPPER ALLOY MESH IN TROUT AQUACULTURE: CHILEAN EXAMPLE. Aquaculture Economics & Management: Official Journal of the International Association of Aquaculture Economics and Management, Volume 17, Number 1 (March 2013), pp. 71-86, <http://ejournals.ebsco.com/direct.asp?ArticleID=4D49878F23A00F91C82D&gt;
	URL:	http://ejournals.ebsco.com/direct.asp?ArticleID=4D49878F23A00F91C82D