Towards sustainable aquaculture in Armenia: strengthening capacity through advanced technologies of trout-farm management for small-scale producers

Abstract

The present study examines the possibility of introducing a new approach for rainbow trout production for small scale producers in Armenia. This approach is based on the intensity of economic activity by modernizing the production processes leading to measurable economic and environmental benefits. The study shows that the modernization of the standard model of the enterprise, which initially produces two tons, results in an increase of the annual performance of the module up to eight tons. By investing; slightly over 25,000 USD; in modernizing the production processes, it becomes possible to reduce the production cost (USD/kg fish) from 3.04 USD using the traditional approach to 2.68 USD in the first year reaching 2.24 USD by the fourth. At the same time, the production technology changes; during the implementation of the pilot module (including change of water disinfection technology); result in a water consumption reduction of the enterprise of more than 300,000 m3 per year, along with the pollution reduction of natural water bodies by persistent disinfectants. Thus, introducing the advanced technology leads to: a. A significant reduction in the production costs, which in turn increases the income for small scale producers b.Rationalizes the consumption of limited resources of artesian water which reduces the pressure on the freshwater ecosystems c. Increasing the level of environmental sustainability.