April 1, 2008

 

Brunei's SPF shrimp industry aims for premium markets

 

 

Brunei's shrimp industry is set to take on international markets as it gets ready to roll out its Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Black Tiger shrimp.

 

During the Sixth Aquaculture Seminar organised by the Fisheries Department last week, Brunei's shrimp industry was informed by Dr George Chamberlain, Technical Director of Integrated Aquaculture International (TAT) that the SPF process is nearly complete.

 

Genetically improved post-larvae would be available in September, he said.

 

TAT has been developing the aquaculture technology to produce large black tiger shrimp for export in a three-year project.

 

Now, stocks of black tiger shrimp have been established and moved from primary quarantine to secondary quarantine toward potential SPF status. 

 

Once that status has been achieved, breeding would begin, marking the beginning of Brunei's SPF shrimp industry.

 

However, high costs for post larvae, feed and labour and low international prices for shrimp means that for exports from Brunei would need to target a different market from competitors.

 

One way for doing that is to head upmarket to produce large high value shrimp for premium markets.

 

To build up its brand, the company is making plans to acquire HACCP and EU certifications and seeking buyers in the North American markets by making appearances at seafood shows.

 

The venture between TAT and Brunei's Department of Fisheries also includes genetically-improved post-larvae, high-performing feeds, and sustainable farming systems and techniques aimed at producing premium shrimps.