The Financial Feasibility of Small-Scale Marine Ornamental Aquaculture in the Philippines

Abstract

Aquaculture is being increasingly cited as a priority solution for reducing the pressures on coral reefs arising from over- and destructive fishing associated with the trade in wildcaught live reef organisms. This paper presents a financial feasibility analysis for the culture of common clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) as a representative species for the culture of marine ornamentals by small-scale fishers in the Philippines. The analysis focuses on an integrated, full-cycle aquaculture system of broodstock, hatchery, larval rearing/nursery, and growout. The financial analysis shows that the production of clownfish in the Philippines can be profitable. However, the capital investment costs and operating costs are too high for clownfish culture to be an alternative or supplemental livelihood for small-scale fishers, unless loans and/or subsidies and technical assistance are provided.