AP Survey vs Mora bar graphs

Introduction to the AP Survey

“An International Survey of Aquaponics Practitioners,” is a research article published in the PLOS ONE journal on July 16, 2014. Authored by David C. Love and six other researchers, the article presents findings from a large-scale survey designed to gather information about aquaponics practitioners. The survey aimed to address the lack of knowledge about this emerging field of agriculture.

The article focuses on documenting and analyzing several key aspects of aquaponics practice, including:

Production Methods: The study explores the different methods used by practitioners for raising crops and fish, including the use of media beds, floating rafts, nutrient film technique (NFT), and vertical growing towers.
Experiences and Motivations: The survey investigates the experiences of aquaponics practitioners, examining their years of experience, motivations for engaging in aquaponics, and knowledge about various aspects of the practice.
Demographics: The study analyzes the demographic characteristics of aquaponics practitioners, including gender, age, education level, and geographic location.

The researchers employed an online survey distributed using a chain sampling method, which relied on referrals from initial respondents to expand the reach of the survey. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and comparisons between respondent demographics.

The findings of the survey provide valuable insights into the state of aquaponics as a growing form of agriculture. The authors highlight the rapid growth of the field, with participants demonstrating innovation and early adoption of technology. The study also identifies key trends in aquaponics practice, including the use of sustainable alternatives for water, energy, and fish feed.

The article concludes by emphasizing the significance of the survey results in informing aquaponics practices and policy decisions, serving as a baseline for future research and exploration of trends in this emerging field.

No claim in the AP survey has been vetted (likely inflated guesses). Zero costs acknowledged. ‘Free’ labor (effort, time).
One massive outlier claim (outright liar) was removed prior to calculations summarized below.
Mora/USDA 1992-93 was at v:v 1:1. Mora+ is adjusted to v:v 1:2.4 with same unit area, volume yields.
Percentile values graphed below, approximated +/- 5% (N=187). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percentile
– I.e., Twenty percent of the values of an ordered set will lie at or below the twentieth percentile (P20), and eighty percent of values fall above it.
- Retained in spreadsheet form … with enough numbers to make the average adult primate swoon &/or wretch.
Percentiles were calculated for (on) area, volume, fish mass and plant mass. Yields and currency value then derived.
Constant unit values applied throughout, i.e fish $3.30/kg, plant $6.60/kg.
‘apples to apples’, ‘claim to claim’, ‘ape to ape’ …

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BONUS: Cost to grow tilapia in US (3 feed types, 3 harvest sizes)

What part of this makes ANY ‘cents’? (AKA FKN Insanity)

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^ Tilapia fillet from $34 to $73 /kg (w/ capex, heating. pumping, labor (time), misc. supplies ALL = $0.00)

actual UPS ground shipping cost from AlliedAqua applied (average of Santa Cruz CA, Atlanta GA, Boston MA and Bozeman MT)

Compare with: today’s prices (July 30, 2016)

Yellowtail Tuna fillet $37.4/kg (California)
Albacore Tuna , sushi grade $44/kg (California)
Maine lobster (1.25 to 1.5 lb size, live) $18.80/kg (Boston)
Tilapia
- Walmart frozen fillet $10.66/4.0 lb ($5.86/kg)
- Fisherman’s Cove, fresh premium fillet $4.99/lb ($11/kg)
- China, frozen $3 to $4.2/kg , $750/MT ($0.75/kg) +shipping
- mytilapia,com : 10-year price range Fresh $3 to 3.5/lb ($6.60 to $7.70/kg) , Frozen $2 to 2.75/lb
Hmmm IF retail prime is $11, then reg fillet @ $10/kg – 40% -> $6/kg wholesale
- 1 kg fillet @ 35% yield = LW 2.86 kg equivalent
- 1 kg LW = $2.1 /kg (not including processing/ice/delivery costs)
- if process/delivery costs add 30%, then LW ‘value’ = $1.47/kg (used $3.30 in comparison)

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Full Summary

BONUS BONUS

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Put yet another way …

Barely 6 out of 100 in the AP survey claim gross product of $35/m2/yr or more (at F$3.3 and P$6.6/kg). Top range of $40 to $50 m2/yr. What are the costs? AT what costs, risk, effort? APS mean feed cost alone at FCR 1.5 is from 16 to 38% of gross, depending on vendor (5 to 7% at ton volume).

How much better does better need be?

Summary

This page compares data from the 2013 Aquaponics Practitioners (AP) Survey with yields reported in a 1992-93 study by Mora. The comparison aims to assess the validity of yield claims made by survey respondents and provide a realistic perspective on the economic viability of aquaponics. Dr. McMurtry emphasizes that the AP Survey data has not been vetted and likely contains inflated yield estimates. Additionally, the survey did not consider production costs, including labor, materials, and energy.

To ensure a fair comparison, Dr. McMurtry removed one extreme outlier from the AP Survey data and adjusted Mora’s original yields, which were based on a 1:1 fish-to-plant volume ratio, to reflect a 1:2.4 ratio. This adjustment accounts for the higher plant production typically achieved in aquaponics systems with a greater proportion of grow bed volume.

The page presents a graphical analysis of percentile values for area, volume, fish mass, and plant mass yields from both the AP Survey and Mora’s study. Dr. McMurtry also calculates derived yields in terms of currency value, assuming constant unit prices of $3.30/kg for fish and $6.60/kg for plants.

The page concludes with a section that analyzes the cost of tilapia production in the US, considering various feed types, harvest sizes, and shipping costs. Dr. McMurtry highlights the high production costs associated with tilapia aquaculture and compares them to market prices for tilapia and other seafood products.

The page further presents another section that summarizes the key findings of the AP Survey vs. Mora comparison. It emphasizes that only a small percentage of AP Survey respondents reported gross product values exceeding $35/m2/yr, even with the assumed fish and plant prices. Dr. McMurtry questions the economic viability of aquaponics given the high production costs and relatively low yields reported by most practitioners.