CTSA# 112, A Market Study of Specific Pathogen-Free Shrimp

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During the 1980's, shrimp farming underwent a major expansion in each of the four countries in this study: Ecuador, the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia. In each study country, production continues to increase in the 1990s, although at a slower pace. All of the study countries are experiencing problems with disease. The cost of shrimp farm operations is increasing due to the expense of combating disease problems. At the same time, world market prices for shrimp are either remaining stable or declining. The result is that shrimp farmers are being financially squeezed. Indications are that specific pathogen-free (SPF), or IHHN virus-free, P. vannamei will be well accepted in Ecuador because SPF stocks have been demonstrated to be effective against the runt deformity syndrome. The captive maturation infrastructure required to propagate these stocks is already in place, and the demonstrated efficacy of these stocks will result in higher yields and higher value crops. In addition, the ability to produce a continuous, year-round supply of high quality nauplii will increase the efficiency of both Ecuador's hatchery and growout sectors and result in lower costs and higher profit margins for shrimp farmers. Speculating on the market for SPF P. monodon in southeast Asia proves more difficult. SPF P. monodon have not yet been studied under production conditions, and the impact of the MBV virus and the IHHN virus on shrimp production of P. monodon is not yet clear. Shrimp farmers in southeast Asia have shown an interest in pursuing the development of an SPF P. monodon stock. Hatchery operators who sell SPF postlarvae will likely have a market advantage because, given the choice, growers probably would purchase SPF postlarvae as long the price were competitive. The long-term viability and market value of SPF P. monodon postlarvae will be determined by their performance in commercial production. Therefore, the process of identifying and isolating SPF P. monodon broodstock should begin as soon as possible so that their performance in commercial production systems can be evaluated.

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