Choice of shrimp aquaculture

The farmer’s choice of shrimp aquaculture techniques is influenced by;

  • Climate
  • Location
  • Land, water, power availability and cost
  • Transportation and cost
  • Credit availability and cost and repayment terms
  • Labor availability and cost
  • Feed, Fertilizer, Probiotics availability and cost
  • National planning regulations & environmental controls
  • Import or export costs
  • Proximity to the existing market

 

The selection of a suitable site always plays a major role in shrimp aquaculture farming. The selection of a site for shrimp farming mainly depends on topography, ecosystem, meteorological and socioeconomic conditions about farm design, species compatibility. The major factors are:


Soil conditions: Clay or loam-based soil containing more than90% clay and pH level between 6.5-8.5 is   preferable.

Tidal fluctuations: Shrimp farming must have moderate tidal fluctuations preferably 2–3 meters. In areas where  this is greater than 4 meters, the site can show uneconomical.

Topography: Coastal sites where the slopes run gently towards the sea are easier for pond development requiring less financial inputs because excavation is minimal. The filling and draining of water are simply facilitated by gravity.