The effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the shrimp industry of Iran

Abstract

The first case of COVID-19 was reported in December 2019, and then the virus has spread throughout the world, which led to lockdown in different countries, including Iran. Restrictions on transportation and travel of personnel caused some shortages in aquaculture, particularly in shrimp farms. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the shrimp farming industry in Iran. An online questionnaire was designed to collect information from shrimp farmers, material suppliers, food preparing factories, managers of shrimp hatchery centers, and shrimp exporters. Our results showed that the COVID-19 outbreak has significantly decreased the shrimp annual sales, export, and price in Iran. Also, the production of larvae was affected by COVID-19. Shrimp farming industries are still subject to impacts of the pandemic by reducing hatchery production, shrimp demand, and increasing production and transportation costs.