Technical and economic analysis of rainbow trout (oncorhynchus mykiss) and sturgeon fish (huso huso) culture in net cages in the firat river

This study aims to analyze the technical performance and economic sustainability of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and sturgeon (Huso huso) farming in net cage systems located in the Karkamış district, which lies on the banks of the Euphrates River in Turkey. In particular, the effects of different biological and environmental requirements of the two species on production in net cages were investigated. Within the scope of the study, factors such as growth performance, feed conversion ratio, production costs and profitability of the two species were evaluated using data obtained from net cage enterprises in different regions. For this purpose, performance criteria such as growth rates, feed conversion ratios, survival rates and adaptation capacities to environmental factors of both species were evaluated during the experiment. The study also addressed the effects of environmental variables such as feed types used in the culture processes, water temperature and oxygen levels on these two fish species. In addition to technical evaluations, cost analysis and market research were conducted to investigate the economic feasibility of both species. In this context, the main cost items encountered during the production process, market demands, profit margins and profitability rates were examined in detail and their economic feasibility was examined. The results demonstrate the technical efficiency of net cage systems used in rainbow trout and sturgeon farming, as well as their economic sustainability. The findings of the study contribute to sustainable aquaculture practices by providing suggestions on the challenges and improvement opportunities for these species with high yield potential in net cage aquaculture.