Journal article
Economic Modeling of Round Pearl Culture in Fiji and Assessment of Viable Farm Size
Journal of Shellfish Research, Vol.37(1), pp.79-91
2018
Abstract
Round pearl culture is an increasingly important industry in Fiji. Significant barriers to entry include high capital outlay and technical requirements, and a high turnover of small to medium size farms has limited industry growth. This study developed a viable-scale farm model for round pearl culture in Fiji to assist new or potential entrants understand costs, risks, and production levels required for success. Major production costs were labor (51%), oyster stock (18%), and pearl nuclei (10%). At steady state, median annual profitability was determined to be $156,362, but inclusion of price and production risk factors reduced annual profitability to $29,463. The model farm achieved an internal rate of return of 36% with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.8 and payback period of 5 y. Farms holding 100,000 oysters and producing more than 8,000 pearls are deemed of viable scale. At this scale, farms can attract overseas pearl seeding technicians, apply economies of scale, and invest profits into future development. Given the average rural household income in Fiji is $5,800, round pearl culture offers significant economic opportunity and delivers socioeconomic benefits for rural communities in upstream (oyster stock supply) and downstream (handicrafts, jewelry, and tourism) activities.
Details
- Title
- Economic Modeling of Round Pearl Culture in Fiji and Assessment of Viable Farm Size
- Authors
- Bill Johnston (Corresponding Author) - Queensland Department of Agriculture and FisheriesDamian Hine (Author) - University of QueenslandPaul C Southgate (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
- Publication details
- Journal of Shellfish Research, Vol.37(1), pp.79-91
- Publisher
- National Shellfisheries Association, Inc.
- Date published
- 2018
- DOI
- 10.2983/035.037.0107
- ISSN
- 0730-8000
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2018 National Shellfisheries Association. Reproduced with permission of the publisher.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450892502621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Domestic collaboration
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- Fisheries
- Marine & Freshwater Biology
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