June 26, 2006

 

Philippines shrimp industry back in business

 

 

The Philippine shrimp industry has taken a beating but is coming back with boundless potential, Roberto Gatuslao, president of PhilShrimp, said on Thursday (Jun 26).

 

Philshrimp is an organisation of shrimp growers in the country.

 

Gatuslao said prawn growers have harvested at least 50,000 tonnes of shrimp in 2005 alone with sixty percent of that volume exported.

 

Shrimp growers were also informed of the new EU and Japanese regulations on the importation of shrimps through shrimp conferences such the 5th National Shrimp Congress. Producers are learning about the latest shrimp farming technologies for black tiger prawn and white shrimp, accreditation and holding discussions on the processing and value-added procedures for white shrimps, he said.

 

Gatuslao also noted the industry's efforts to improve production while conserving resources and added the industry is ready to open up new markets and enhance the industry's growth.

 

Gatuslao said that PhilShrimp focused on both hatchery and grow-out because it expects white shrimps to enhance shrimp production.

 

Philippines' shrimp industry suffered major setbacks in 1995 when it was hit by a luminous bacteria, recounted Gatuslao.

 

Although diseases infliced huge losses on operations culturing black tiger prawn, PhilShrimp continued to promote it because of its premium price in both local and international markets, Gatuslao said.

 

Some farmers, discouraged by the low production volumes are now hoping to switch to the Pacific White Shrimp, the South American shrimp specie. Calls have been made by farmers to lift the current ban on white shrimp production. 

 

Gatuslao said that white shrimps have been imported for research purposes but may soon be available for production.