The development of a maricultural technology for the penaeid shrimps of the gulf and caribbean region

Abstract

1. The continuing increase in demand for shrimps and prawns in the world markets, at a time when the basic understanding of the biology and ecology of Penaeid shrimps permits a more precise definition of the parameters of their culture, has provoked enlightened support of research and a considerable investment in field evaluation by several industry and government agents in the United States in an effort to establish a viable cultural enterprise. 2. Reproduction biology, spawning and larviculture, are reviewed here as they apply to the production of postlarvae of Penaeus duorarum, P. setiferus, and P. aztecus. Intensive culture in high-density postlarvae-stocked ponds, and extensive culture by postlarval seeding of natural embayments are compared and evaluated. 3. Management practices as exercised in the maintenance of high productivity conditions in the ponds, and embayments; feeding with appropriately formulated rations; and harvesting techniques are discussed for both cultural systems. 4. Potential growth rates, product yields and production costs can now be postulated, and the economic return on investment from a commercial venture can now be estimated. © 1970 Biologischen Anstalt Helgoland.