Cost factor analysis of Caspian salmon (Salmo trutta caspius Kessleri, 1877) fingerling production and release in Iran

Iran contributes to the stock enhancement of several economically valuable fish species, including the Caspian salmon, S. trutta caspius, by producing and releasing millions of fingerlings into the sea. This work was conducted to determine the production costs of the Caspian salmon fingerlings in the years 2002 and 2003. For this purpose, a questionnaire was prepared and filled in by an expert team using data available in the Kelardasht Caspian Salmon Hatchery and other related departments. Among various expenditures, on average, cost of labor (52%) and cost of feed (16%) had the greatest share. Results showed the average cost of production and release of a single fingerling in Iran was IRRls 6,685, (US$ 0.84) over the 2002-2003. The cost sensitivity of hatcheries production of the Caspian salmon shows that labor cost is the most sensitive, and a 50% increase in the cost of this item increases the total coast by more than 25% followed by feed cost.