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Profitability of oyster farming systems in selected coastal barangays of Santo Tomas, La Union

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Date
2009-03
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Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State Univeristy - South La Union Campus
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Abstract
This study analyzed the profitability of oyster farming systems in selected costal barangays of Sto. Tomas, La Union based on demographic profile, financial analysis, cultural and management practices, and problems encountered by oyster growers using a survey questionnaire. Data gathered were based on the status of production of oyster growers from 2007-2008. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)was used to determine the significant differences among the four farming systems in terms of profitability indicators. Demographic profile of oyster growers showed that most of them were 41-50 years old, high school graduates, have 5-6 children, and majority consists of 4-6 household members. They are engaged in oyster farming for 11-20 years. Most have an annual gross income of Php1000 to 1999 derived from oyster farming, and annual gross income of Php5000 to 6999 from fishing and caretaking. Financial analysis showed that most oyster growers have an average net income of Php5000 to 5999, Return on Investment of Php1.01-2, payback period of 0.51-1.00 year, breakeven quantity of 50- 60 "limon" (125 kg) and breakeven price of Php 3.01-5.00. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)revealed significant differences on the net income, breakeven quantity and breakeven price of the four farming systems while no significant differences on the ROI and payback period of the four farming systems. The tire system is the best in terms of net income while the best for the breakeven quantity is the tire and hanging system and the best for breakeven price is the tire, hanging system and stone farming system. As to cultural and management practices, majority of oyster growers used an area less than 25m2 and 1 unit oyster farm. Majority of the oyster growers used bamboo slats as cultch or spat collector, one cropping per year and 240 days of culture days as cropping period. As to marketing practices, most of the oyster growers are selling by wholesale based on the prevailing price. As to mode of payment, almost all oyster growers are paid on cash basis. As to harvesting procedure, all oyster growers harvest partially, and the average volume of harvested oysters produced per farm unit was more than 100 "limon" (250 kg). Problems encountered by the oyster growers showed that most of them have limited capital, lack of technical knowledge, presence of competitors such as "kampis" (Isognomon ephippium) and typhoon. Oyster growers are therefore advised to use tire system, however, its utilization as culture system for oysters must be considered or regulated due to its potential risks or threats to the water quality of Sto. Tomas Cove. Oyster growers are recommended to organize a cooperative for them to qualify and avail financial assistance or support from government lending institutions. Oyster growers should establish linkages with the local government to avail technical assistance thru trainings or seminars on cultural management of oysters. Schedule the setting of spat collectors during the months of September - October so they can harvest in April - May. Removal of "kampis" (Isognomon ephippium) by handpicking the juveniles/shells must be done to prevent competitions in space.
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Fernandez, R. V. V., Verona, R. P., & Villanueva, P. E. (2009) Profitability of oyster farming systems in selected coastal barangays of Santo Tomas, La Union [Unpublished Undergraduate thesis]. Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State Univeristy - South La Union Campus, Agoo, La Union.