Investigations of key environmental factors determining the sustainability and productivity of shrimp aquaculture in tropical coastal regions using Thailand as a case study

• Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia Pacific, Thailand

There has been a rapid increase in the coastal shrimp culture industry in Thailand in the last 5 years with cultured shrimp production rising by 600%. In order to increase production further the Thai shrimp industry has recently turned to more intensive farming methods using high stocking densities of hatchery-reared larvae of one species, high feeding rates, pond fertilisation, added antibiotics, smaller ponds, mechanical aeration and artificial control of pond water chemistry. This project will identify yields from shrimp ponds, and the health and longevity of ponds. In addition, the project will identify key environmental factors which determine the sustainability of shrimp aquaculture.