Quantitative and Qualitative development of shrimp culture in Iran

Primary researches on aquaculture of endemic shrimp species carried out since 1984-5 by Iranian Fisheries Research Organization (IFRO) .After a decade, the condition for extension and development of shrimp culture in the country prepared. Despite huge investment of government for preparation and construction of shrimp sites, only small part of present potential in southern coast of the country is under production. About 18 different shrimp species inhabit in Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman, in which 4 species have larger size, and more abundant, and harvest commercially . Penaeus semisulcatus, Fenneropenaeus merguiensis and Metapenaeus affinis as commercial species distributed throughout of Persian Gulf from mouth of Arvand River in north- west to strait of Hormoz, and also some parts of Oman Sea. While Fenneropenaeus indicus distributed mainly in coastal area of Oman Sea. Shrimp culture begin in Iran by P.semisulcatus, continued by imported Penaeus monodon, and developed by using of F.indicus. After confront to slow growth and viral diseases in 2001 (Khouzestan province) and 2005 (Bushehr Province), at the same time I.F.R.O acquired the bio-technique for production of Litopenaeus vannamei, and hence the condition for introduction the new species to the shrimp culture industry provided. In accordance for development of shrimp culture, I.F.R.O carried out various research activities, and established specific research center for this purpose. Research projects regarding brood-stock management, breeding and larvae production, grow out, water management and disease identification and treatment have been carried, and induced considerable impacts on quantitative and qualitative development of shrimp culture in the country.

Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

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