Problems in Shrimp Culture in the South China Sea Region TABLE OF CONTENTS

REGIONAL

By

Harry L. Cook
Fishery Biologist
(Aquaculture)

Project Document Identification

Work Plan Activity: 4(c)(i)

(c) Examination of factors affecting productivity and profitability of existing and future aquaculture operations

1. Examine general level of aquaculture practise, in particular aquaculture industries (e.g., milkfish, prawns) - e.g., fertilizing practises, quality of water, stocking practises, disease and predation control, harvesting, etc.

Specific Terms of Reference

Assist the participating countries both regionally and nationally in activities related to cultivable crustacean and molluscan species. Identify and promote programmes to provide available stocking materials either from wild stocks or through hatcheries; of research and pilot-scale operations identifying sites suitable for experimental or pilot-scale hatcheries or farms; planning programmes for pilot demonstrations to establish economic feasibility of expanded operations; and assist in training personnel in the culture of shellfishes through fellowships and regional activities.

ABSTRACT

Successful management procedures and well designed equipment used in the region are described. Problems which are hindering development are defined and possible solutions are suggested. Research topics of particular importance to development of shrimp culture in the South China Sea Region are discussed.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Greater utilization of wild stocks of postlarvae could be accomplished in many areas.

2. Most shrimp hatcheries within the region should be modified to provide for increased water circulation in the hatchery tanks and to treat incoming water to prevent disease from entering the hatchery.

3. Hatchery tanks should be used only for culturing larvae. Postlarvae should be grown to stocking size in separate tanks.

4. Shrimp farmers can minimize risk by using small pilot operations for initial start up and by not trying to grow shrimp to an extremely large size.

5. To insure rapid development of shrimp farming governments should start development of extension capabilities in parallel with research activities.

6. There is need for greater exchange of technical information between countries in the region.

7. Unavailability of capital for improving existing farms or constructing new ones is a major problem for small farmers.

SOUTH CHINA SEA FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AND COORDINATING PROGRAMME
Manila, July 1976

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

1. INTRODUCTION

2. SEED STOCK

2.1 Postlarvae from wild stock

2.2 Postlarvae from hatcheries

2.2.1 Broodstrock

2.2.2 Hatchery operation and design

2.2.2.1 Disease and prevention

2.2.2.2 Water quality

2.2.2.3 Food

2.2.2.4 Harvesting postlarvae

3. GROW-OUT

3.1 Pond construction

3.2 Sluice gates

3.3 Pond management

3.3.1 Fertilization

3.3.2 Feeding

3.3.3 Polyculture

3.3.4 Water management

3.4 Pests

3.4.1 Fish

3.4.2 Crabs

3.4.3 Birds

3.5 Disease

3.6 Crop management and risk

3.7 Pilot commercial ventures

4. DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS AND PRIORITIES

4.1 Availability of capital and economic surveys

4.2 Familiarization with practices in other countries

4.3 Extension and training

4.4 Availability of supplies

5. RESEARCH

5.1 Pond enrichment

5.2 Maturation

5.3 Species suitability

5.4 Food for larval shrimp

5.5 Utilization of wild postlarvae

5.6 Water quality and effects of pollution

5.7 Diseases and parasites

6. REFERENCES

7. FIGURES

Figure 1 Net for collecting postlarval shrimp

Figure 2 Pictorial guide to identification of postlarvae

Figure 3 Air lift water circulator for large hatchery tanks

a. Placement of air lift pumps in large concrete tank, X section

b. Arrangement of supports and air line on side of tank, frontal view

c. Air lift pump of hatchery tank for using low levels of water

Figure 4 Net for harvesting Brachionus using an air lift pump

Figure 5 Small shrimp hatchery tank, constructed with plywood sheets

Figure 6 Medium size hatchery tank

Figure 7 Harvest basin for shrimp hatchery

Figure 8 Layout of raceway tank for postlarvae

Figure 9 Levee-canal type pond construction with: a) wave break platform in main levee; b) secondary levee to break wind waves; c) mangrove branches to prevent erosion and keep out wading birds

Figure 10 Wooden sluice gate

a. Top view

b. Frontal view

Figure 11 Modification of sluice gate to allow better sealing of closure boards

Figure 12 Layout of a shrimp farm practicing fertilization and alternate cropping

Figure 13 Layout of a shrimp farm practicing supplemental feeding

Figure 14 Screens for keeping predators from entering ponds

Figure 15 Bird scaring device