Optimal Control of Fish Growth

Fish culture is an efficient means of protein production. However, in contrast to land animals, fish cannot be fed ad libitum because feed not consumed within a few hours is decomposed. This paper presents a bioeconomic model for determining cost‐effective feeding regimes for pond‐reared fish. The interplay among feed allowance, diet quality, and harvest date is explored. The optimal control model used is flexible, incorporates the effects of water temperature on fish appetite, and can be used to gain insight into efficient management of aquacultural production systems in different geographical regions.