October 12, 2007

Philippines pins its hopes on white shrimp hatcheries

The Philippines has set up four white shrimp hatcheries in hopes that it would revive the flagging industry.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap expressed hopes that the fast-growing white shrimp, also known as Peneaus vannamei, would revive the once robust local shrimp industry.

The hatcheries, located in Bohol, Cebu, Iloilo and Pangasinan was expected to yield four tonnes of shrimp per hectare.

Philippines shrimp industry is pinning their hopes on the vannamei. It is believed the shrimp, which is less susceptible to shrimp diseases, would make seafood more affordable for low-income Filipinos.

The Philippines used to be the world's third biggest shrimp producer but has since been overtaken by other producers.