White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

Abstract

The importation of shrimp into Japan at more than 250,000 tons/year is thought to be related in certain aspects to the serious environmental problems that have been caused by shrimp farming in Southeast Asian countries. This includes mangrove deforestation and marine pollution due to the discharge of wastes and leftover feed from intensive and semi-intensive farms. Moreover, because of the advent of a new disease, early mortality syndrome (EMS), which first appeared in China and Vietnam in 2009, shrimp production volumes have decreased, and the industry is becoming rapidly unstable. In order to minimize the impacts of this industry on the environment, an industry-government consortium was formed in Japan to promote the sustainable and safe technical development of shrimp farming on a practical level. Major development themes are as follows: (1) establishment of Litopenaeus vannamei freshwater aquaculture technology based on physiological studies, including the engineering of a high-density recirculating shrimp-production plant, (2) development of techniques for evaluating and reducing shrimp stress, and (3) development of a low-cost feed that does not degrade water quality. In addition, we have conducted preliminary work on seed production technology using closed systems for purposes of serving domestic supply. A commercial plant was set up in Niigata Prefecture on the basis of the results of this research, and production commenced in 2007. Here, we describe our research efforts, the challenges we faced, and the progress made so far.