October 22, 2007

Philippines steps up measures to strengthen shrimp industry

The Philippines is gearing up to revive its top spot as the world's biggest shrimp industry in the world.

According to Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Director Malcolm Sarmiento, as a measure to strengthen and recover the shrimp industry's former status, BFAR pushed for the development of hatcheries since this will help produce more shrimps.

The Philippines previously ranked no. 3 in the world but dived to no. 10 in 2003 when Mexico, Brazil and Vietnam took over the country's place, said Sarmiento.

After almost two years of intensive testing, BFAR has recommended the Pacific white shrimps (PWS) or Peneaus vannamei after affirming successful results by fishery and shrimp industry experts, Sarmiento said.

P. vannamei species grows faster and has a lower dietary protein requirement which makes it cheaper and easier to culture, according to Sarmiento. These good traits can help shrimp producers raiser their yields as well as lower the cost of basic foodstuff for low-income Filipino consumers.

BFAR will also import P. vannamei as another way to improve yields. Sarmiento said only pathogen-free broodstocks of vannamei will be allowed to ensure that the product remains disease¨Cfree.

Sarmiento disclosed that the country had already installed four accredited hatcheries in Pangasinan, Bohol, Cebu and Iloilo that will help breed and produce more vannamei shrimps.