Shrimp: the most valuable seafood commodity from aquaculture
Shrimp is the most valuable internationally traded seafood commodity. Limited fishery production and strong demand have stimulated rapid growth of shrimp aquaculture.From 1997 to 2004, farmed shrimp production grew at 15 percent per year to reach 2.5 million tonnes or 41 percent of total shrimp production. Leading shrimp-producingcountries benefited from tropical climate and low labor costs. Another key factor was the ability to adapt quickly on a national level to implement infrastructure changes,adopt new technology, respond to market demands, and adjust to international trade barriers. Governments played a crucial role in providing enabling regulatoryframeworks, technical assistance and financial assistance. Private-sector forces such as dominant feed companies, consolidation and integration processes, and strong producerassociations also played a key role. The most important technological challenge has been viral diseases, which can cause catastrophic mortality, slow growth or reproductivefailure. The primitive shrimp immune system lacks antibodies, which precludes the use of vaccines. Consequently, use of specific pathogen free stocks has become the methodof choice to manage disease. Continuing technological advances in such areas as health management, genetic selection, nutrition and pond management are expected to furtherimprove efficiency and reduce cost. Other challenges have included environmental, social and food safety issues. Recent reports of banned antibiotic residues and melaminecontamination in China could lead to an unfavorable consumer reaction. Certification is gaining importance as a mechanism for international buyers to assure compliance withenvironmental, social and food safety criteria.
Wally Stevens
Executive Director Global Aquaculture Alliance
国际会议
青岛
英文
47-49
2007-05-29（万方平台首次上网日期，不代表论文的发表时间）