April 24, 2007

Philippines starts importation of Pacific white shrimp

Following the Philippine government's approval of their commercial culture earlier this year, local officials are set to import the first batch of Vannamei shrimp fry to culture Pacific white shrimp in the country.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) director Malcolm Sarmiento said that two local shrimp hatcheries - one in Western Visayas and another in Bohol, Central Visayas - have already placed their purchases for Pennaeus Vannamei shrimp fry from Florida and Hawaii after given the certification to import and commercial breeding of the stocks.

He said the two hatcheries have ordered 500 pairs of the Vannamei fry from the accredited US shrimp hatcheries which can breed million shrimps.

BFAR is now inspecting other local shrimp farms for possible certification for commercial breeding of the Vannamei variety. Sarmiento said BFAR is processing six other applications following the recent approval of the two shrimp hatcheries operating in Western Visayas and in Bohol.

The Department of Agriculture last January had re-allowed the commercial culture of the Vannamei shrimp, through Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) No. 225, after banning its importation due to Taura Syndrome virus.