ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores opportunities for profitability to create and deliver value through cost leadership and/or product differentiation for US aquaculture. This implies that the competitiveness of the US aquaculture industry should relate to factors that influence domestic costs and demand for aquaculture products. The book addresses profit-maximizing management conditions and economic feasibility of a small-scale soft shell crayfish operation in Kentucky, where most producers rely on equity financing, family labor, and local markets for success in their aquaculture projects. Niche markets are unique and serve as one of the main avenues for competitiveness of the US aquaculture industry. A focus on competitiveness also tends to emphasize on profitability and lower costs.
