Another comparison

This page scrutinizes the yield claims made by the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) regarding their aquaponics system. This page builds upon the previous analysis comparing the 2013 Aquaponics Practitioners (AP) Survey data with Mora’s study. While the earlier analysis focused on the AP Survey’s overall data trends, this page specifically targets UVI’s reported yields, aiming to assess their validity and accuracy.

Through graphical representations and detailed calculations, the page aims to highlight the potential inaccuracies in UVI’s reported yields and provide a more realistic assessment of their aquaponics system’s productivity. It emphasizes the importance of considering the complete area utilized by an aquaponics system and critically evaluating yield claims to avoid inflated figures that might misrepresent the true economic viability of aquaponics.

above: UVI area in red calculated on 500 m2 (too low – 535 minimum. 775 actual ) == White w/ red area calculated on their 214 m2 assertion

“3 to 7 MT/yr” = average 5,000 kg =

23.4 kg/m2 @ 214 m2 claimed, [white bar above]
- 50% basil + 50% okra claims = 17.6 kg/m2/yr @ 214 m2 claim
9.3 kg/m2 @ 535 m2 minimum area (w/ frames and aisles), [10 kg shown above]
6.5 kg/m2 @ 775 m2 actual area (at least)

above UVI area in green w/ white calculated on 850 m2 (too low – actual was 1200+). White w/ green area calculated on 500 m2 (‘worse’ as 535 minimum)

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UVI numbers above/below are WRONG (its worse) Fish = 40 kg/m3/yr, plant

SAME INFO, DIFFERENT FORMAT

BTW, came across Saint Jim’s advertisement for his final course (2011) which began in 1998 according to page

In it he claims 5 MT tilapia and 3 to 7 MT vegetables /yr on 0.05 ha (500 m2) = or 10 kg/m2/yr each

However, that 500 m2 area is JUST the actual tanks & raft areas (no borders, aisles, or misc. areas)
Does not include the full fish house (240+ m2), the sludge lagoon (100+ m2)
nor any aisles between and surrounding the raft tanks (at least 650 m2) –
IF ‘allowing’ only for a 1 meter raft perimeter and between raft tanks (vs 2 to 3+ m).
- the raft tank area alone is 500m2 (minimum – including if in a GH).
Plus Fish house and lagoon = 840 m2 minimum

5000 kg tilapia @ $3.3 + 5000 kg veg. @ $6.6 = $99/m2 @ the 500 m2 claim

However minimum (applied) is 840 m2 ( $58.8 m2/yr)
Actual area was over 1200 m2 ($41.7 m2/yr)

Conclusion: UVI Yield Claims and the Importance of Accurate Reporting

This analysis raises important concerns about the accuracy of the University of the Virgin Islands’ (UVI) reported aquaponics yields. By examining the claimed production figures and considering the full area used by the system, Dr. McMurtry has discovered potential discrepancies that may inflate the perceived productivity and economic viability of UVI’s operation.

Key Findings and Their Implications

Underreported Area

The page reveals that UVI’s reported area of 500 m2 only includes the tanks and raft areas, omitting crucial components like the fish house, sludge lagoon, and aisles. This omission significantly underestimates the total area required for the system, leading to artificially high yield calculations.

Reduced Yields Upon Area Adjustment

When recalculating yields based on a more accurate minimum area of 840 m2 and an actual area exceeding 1200 m2, the figures decrease substantially. This adjusted calculation reveals that UVI’s yields might be considerably lower than initially claimed, potentially impacting the economic assessment of their operation.

Implications for Aquaponics Viability

The page’s findings emphasize the importance of accurately reporting system area when evaluating aquaponics yields. Inflated figures resulting from underreported areas can create an overly optimistic view of aquaponics’ economic potential, misleading practitioners and investors.

Need for Transparency and Accuracy

This analysis underscores the need for transparency and accuracy in reporting aquaponics production data. Comprehensive and truthful reporting is crucial for building trust within the aquaponics community and fostering realistic expectations regarding the potential of this growing field.