Aquaculture market guide

Aquaculture in Dominican Republic: suppliers, costs and project planning

FishMatch Group helps commercial buyers in Dominican Republic source aquaculture equipment and complete farm projects through a private, human-reviewed RFQ process. Key species are tilapia, shrimp; typical water temperatures are 24–31 °C and industrial electricity costs about USD 0.20 per kWh.

The Dominican Republic imports most seafood and is developing tilapia and shrimp production for tourism and domestic demand; high power costs favour ponds.

Key planning facts

Main species
tilapia, shrimp
Common systems
Ponds, RAS (recirculating)
Water temperature
24–31 °C
Industrial electricity
USD 0.20 / kWh
Water cost
≈ USD 1.20 / m³
Compound feed
≈ DOP 85 (≈ $1) / kg
VAT / GST on equipment
18%
Currency
DOP (≈ 61 / USD)
Licensing authority
CODOPESCA
Main import ports
Caucedo, Haina and Santo Domingo

What to check before requesting quotes in Dominican Republic

  1. Confirm your water source and year-round temperature (24–31 °C) for tilapia.
  2. Budget energy carefully: at about USD 0.20/kWh, pumping and aeration are a major operating cost.
  3. Start permits and environmental licensing early with CODOPESCA.
  4. Plan equipment logistics and lead times through Caucedo, Haina and Santo Domingo.
  5. Check water rights or tariffs: municipal water costs about USD 1.20 per m³, so RAS make-up water and pond filling need a secured source.
  6. Budget taxes: standard VAT/GST is 18% on equipment; ask about import duty exemptions for aquaculture.

Electricity: GlobalPetrolPrices business tariffs (2026). Water tariffs and exchange rates are estimates; VAT is the standard national rate.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a fish farm cost in Dominican Republic?

An indicative 250-tonne-per-year RAS in Dominican Republic costs roughly DOP 123.5M (≈ $2M) – DOP 192.2M (≈ $3.2M) in equipment and installation, before land and buildings. Ponds and cages usually cost less per tonne. Use the calculator for your species and scale, then request supplier quotes.

Which fish and shrimp are farmed in Dominican Republic?

Commercial projects in Dominican Republic mainly focus on tilapia, shrimp.

Who licenses aquaculture in Dominican Republic?

Licensing and environmental approval usually involve CODOPESCA. Requirements change, so confirm with the authority before committing capital.

Does FishMatch Group sell equipment?

No. FishMatch Group is an independent, human-reviewed sourcing service. We qualify your project, match it with vetted suppliers and keep supplier details private until an introduction is approved.

More Dominican Republic questions: see the market FAQ

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