Title: Mussel farming in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia: A feasibility study

The purpose of this study was to identify whether it is possible to grow green mussel in the state of Sarawak based on the evaluation of available biophysical parameters, economic and market opportunities. Site suitability rating systems are developed to assess the environmental parameters of the sites. The biophysical parameters such as salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, water current and depth of the site in three rivers including Sungai Santubong, Sungai Gerigat and Sungai Oya were collected from secondary data, rated and finally categorised. The profitability model of raft and long line culture methods was considered in this study based on assumptions and data collection by reviewing printed and electronic articles from research publications. Investment indicators net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR) and sensitivity analysis on sale price, cost of seeds and harvest weight are determined. The biophysical evaluation results shows that Sungai Santubong is categorised as „good‟ whereas Sungai Gerigat and Sungai Oya are categorised as „medium‟ sites for growing green mussel. Profitability models for both culture methods indicate a positive NPV and acceptable IRR. However, the model is highly sensitive to changes in sales prices and harvest weights. The long line culture requires less capital investment than raft culture.