Bioeconomic viability of fish farms family for producing the pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) in the Atlantic Forest area of Sao Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

Fish farming practiced in small farms is an important income alternative for local communities and the absence of bioeconomic information may make this activity unfeasible. The objective of this study was the feasibility analysis of the production of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) in family farms located in the Atlantic Forest area of Ribeira Valley, state of Sao Paulo. It was verified that the average profitability when investing in these ventures is 11% with a profitability index of R$ 3.00, and the average period of return on investment is 6.8 years. The average net present value was thousand reais, indicating that it is feasible to invest in this productive activity, as long as the bioeconomic variations inherent in each production unit are considered.