Abstract
This chapter discusses some of the economic considerations associated with investment in diversified aquaculture. It enumerates several reasons why a diversified approach to aquaculture development, at either the private or the public level, might be justified. Further, it argues that there is certainly a place for private investors and possibly a place for public investors, in the right context. The chapter then provides some cautions regarding the political economics of public investment. Quebec's experience in aquaculture is used to raise a few issues related to investment decisions in diversified aquaculture. The case study explores (i) why we do not see more private venture capital in the aquaculture industry of this province, if indeed the markets for private venture capital in Canada are relatively efficient; and (ii) why we do not see a more diversified strategy on the part of public managers in Quebec if diversified investments are such a good thing.