Economic optimization of an aquaculture facility

Abstract

This paper describes mathematical models for different components of aquaculture and applies optimization theory to the design and operation of an aquaculture facility. The state variables are the number of animals in a batch, their average weight, and their cost. The control variables relate to the water temperature, the water recirculation and waste treatment, the space per animal, the amount of food per animal, and the kind of food. Optimization techniques are applied to the operation of an aquaculture facility, to raise lobsters. Some sample numerical results are presented, and the interaction of these theoretical results with practical considerations is discussed.