Shrimp and prawn seed production in Malaysia constraints and challenges
2000
P. C. Liong
Since the closing of the cycle for both the giant Malaysian freshwater prawn and the marine shrimp in the 1960's, private sector participation in the shrimp/prawn hatchery industry has been actively encouraged by the Department of Fisheries. Nevertheless the prawn hatchery industry never quite takes off as a result of poor and inconsistent demand for fry. In sharp contrast the number of shrimp hatcheries has increased steadily over the years. There are presently over 50 commercial shrimp hatcheries operating in the country. Total annual production of shrimp fry is estimated to be around 800 millions. However, the demand for shrimp fry is still growing and cannot be adequately mat by local hatcheries. Production shortfalls are met by imports from Thailand and to a lesser extent Indonesia. Despite the increasing demand, not all hatcheries are doing well. Poor water quality, heavy dependence on live food organisms as larval feed and diseases infestation, have resulted in inconsistent production, change of ownership or even the closure of some hatcheries. The major challenge for the hatchery operators in the coming years will be the further upgrading and refinement of hatchery technology, to result in consistent production of quality fry for the grow-out sector in the country.
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