This expense calculator reflects the cost of starting an oyster farm operation and its annual cost of production. Projected costs can be changed to estimate the associated cost for a certain level of production, as well as the projected profit or loss. Growers should model these budgets and use the values that best reflect their operation.

The calculator below provides an estimate based on an oyster farm using six-bag floating cages with a stocking density of 1,000 oysters per cage. Note that it based on the oysters reaching market size in 1 year, which is not the case in all areas. The gross profit estimate is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. These estimates should be used as a guide for planning purposes only. For a downloadable and more detailed budget, visit the Enterprise Budget for Oyster Farms web page at aces.edu.