Chiapas committed to shrimp farming

An aquaculture farm located in Chiapas is expected to harvest 220 tonnes of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in the first cycle, with an income of MXN13.2 million (just over US$ 1 million) over the next four months. Alberto Cruz Reyes, president of the aquaculture cooperative of the Candelaria of Mapastepec, explained that production is for domestic consumption and that they plan to offer year-round shrimp "as there is demand for the shellfish."

For this year, they have scheduled two harvests, and it is expected that by the third year they can get three harvests a year, since the Chiapas coast maintains an optimum temperature for the cultivation of shrimp throughout the year, increasing the profitability of the project. The aquaculture company's president explained that at this early stage, by planting 15 million post-larvae that are certified, it is expected that within four months they will reach a commercial size.

Cruz Reyes said the farm - "La Candelaria" - covers an area of one hundred hectares, although in its initial stage is working on half the surface, where they have built 21 tanks measuring 2.5 hectares each. For the second phase they have planned to install a further 14 ponds on 35 acres. The farm generates 50 direct and 50 in-direct jobs and its expansion will also double the workforce. It also has two biologists and a chemist. Read more...

This blog is written by Martin Little The Aquaculturists, published and supported by the International Aquafeed Magazine from Perendale Publishers.