Comparative Economic Analysis of Rainbow Trout Aquaculture Systems Considering Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Yunje Kim, Kyounghoon Lee and Do-Hoon Kim ()
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Yunje Kim: Department of Marine & Fisheries Business and Economics, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
Kyounghoon Lee: Division of Marine Production System Management, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
Do-Hoon Kim: Department of Marine & Fisheries Business and Economics, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-15

Abstract: Global warming, driven by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, is accelerating globally and highlights the need for effective mitigation strategies. This study assesses the economic feasibility of rainbow trout aquaculture by incorporating GHG emissions into its analysis, thereby contributing to mitigation efforts in the fisheries sector. Focusing on two farming systems—recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and flow-through systems (FTS)—we estimated GHG emissions and conducted an economic evaluation using data collected through field surveys. The average GHG emission was 7.14 kg CO 2 eq per kilogram of trout produced, with RAS showing lower emissions than FTS. Electricity and feed were identified as the primary emission sources. The economic analysis revealed an average net present value (NPV) of USD 987,609 and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 18%, with RAS outperforming FTS in profitability. A sensitivity analysis under carbon pricing showed that economic feasibility was maintained, but the NPV declined by about 24% under the carbon tax scenario. Overall, these findings underscore the importance of balancing profitability and emission reduction for sustainable aquaculture management.

Keywords: economic analysis; greenhouse gas emissions; recirculating aquaculture system; trout aquaculture; sustainable aquaculture management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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