In accordance with a request from the Government of Thailand for assistance in shrimp farm development, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations under the United Nations Development Programme (Technical Assistance Sector), appointed Mr. H.L. Cook as a Shrimp Biologist/Culturist. The expert served in Thailand from 19 August 1971 to 29 July 1972 and was stationed at the Marine Laboratory, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture in Bangkok. His terms of reference were:
In cooperation with the FAO Regional Fish Culturist to assist the Government of Thailand in (a) initiating shrimp and prawn farming development activities aimed at increasing production by improving existing operations; (b) formulating a research programme in shrimp culture; (c) initiating studies in the various factors concerning shrimp and prawn farming operations as a basis for effective implementation in the near future of a large-scale nation-wide development project.
Shrimp culture has been practised in Thailand for over 40 years. The Government estimates there are over 1 000 shrimp farms occupying about 7 000 ha at the present time. Most are primitive and their average production is low, only about 350 kg/ha annually. The widespread existence of these primitive farms with their experienced workers should provide an invaluable foundation for future development.
The tropical climate of Thailand, without the interruption of any real cold period, offers ideal conditions for shrimp cultivation. Out of the vast acreage of estuaries, mangroves, tidal flats, lagoons, and naturally protected shallow waters in Thailand, a total of at least 100 000 ha has potential for development. There are a number of large, fast growing, high quality shrimp suitable for cultivation. Among them are Penaeus merguiensis, P. semisulcatus, P. latisulcatus, P. monodon, Metapenaeus monoceros and M. brevicornis.
The above factors indicate that Thailand offers excellent possibilities for the rapid development of shrimp culture, both for the improvement and expansion of the traditional method of culture as well as for new and more sophisticated methods that might be introduced from other countries.
FAO is greatly indebted to the personnel of the Thailand Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Fisheries who offered their helpful advice and assistance to the expert during his assignment. In executing his terms of reference, the expert collaborated particularly with Dr. Arporna Sribhibhadh and Mr. Manas Potaros.
