ECONOMIC-ANALYSIS OF THE POTENTIAL FOR EASTERN OYSTER (CRASSOSTREA-VIRGINICA GMELIN, 1791) DEPURATION IN COASTAL NORTHWEST FLORIDA

Illness associated with the consumption of raw shellfish is one possib le factor that has depressed demand for oysters Crassostera virginica in coastal counties of northwest Florida. Controlled purification (dep uration) has been identified as one method of improving public confide nce in oysters and increasing sales. This economic analysis determines the anticipated costs of depuration processing for 12 design options with operating capacities from 30 to 498 bushels per week. The area of study is Dixie and Levy counties and adjacent water located in northw est Florida. Combined, these two counties have supplied approximately 15% of oyster landings for the state over the past 10 years. Based on the expected volume and cost of shellstock in the area, projected capi tal and operating costs, and the expected premium for depurated produc t, depuration is not an economically feasible method of shellfish proc essing in the area of study.