Profitability of multi‐loop aquaponics: Year‐long production data, economic scenarios and a comprehensive model case

• Published in: Aquaculture research Vol. 51; no. 7; pp. 2711 - 2724
• Main Authors: Baganz, Gösta, Baganz, Daniela, Staaks, Georg, Monsees, Hendrik, Kloas, Werner
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Hindawi Limited 01-07-2020
• Subjects: Aquaponics; case study; comprehensive model case; Economic models; economic scenarios; Economics; Enlargement; Fish; Food production; Payback periods; Productivity; professional aquaponics; Profitability; profitability analysis; urban agriculture; Urban areas; Urbanization
• DOI: 10.1111/are.14610
• EISSN: 1365-2109
• ISSN: 1355-557X

This case study examined the productivity and economic performance of a double recirculation aquaponic system in Germany with a total interior area of about 540 m2. Calculations were carried out as an ex post analysis based on one‐year production data. The initial situation was not profitable; therefore, two scenarios were developed, which envisaged a significantly improved productivity of the fish as well as of the plant unit and a more than threefold enlargement of the greenhouse to make maximum use of the fish effluent. An ex ante analysis was performed and showed that the second scenario was profitable with a payback period of about 12 years. On the basis of this scenario, a simple but comprehensive model case with the complete set of economic key indicators showed that aquaponics is feasible if it exploits its potential, regardless of the high initial investment costs. The model case would cover an overall space of about 2,000 m2, which is suitable for professional aquaponics in urban and peri‐urban areas with their limited space availability. Furthermore, multi‐loop aquaponics with its inherent circles fits into the circular city concept and implements resource‐efficient and sustainable food production into the urban fabric, which is important with increasing urbanization.