Shrimp Farming
Shrimp farming has its roots in Southeast Asia, where artisan fisherman would build dams in coastal areas with the intent to trap wild juvenile shrimp inhabiting the estuaries, and grow them in natural conditions for future harvesting. The tides would provide water and nutrient renewal of the reservoirs kept at sea level.
This method reached Brazil in the 70’s. In the 80’sthe exotic species Litopenaeus vannamei was introduced in the business, but the import and validation process of the juvenile (post-larvae) shrimp only reached a high in the early 90’s. From the moment Brazilian labs understood and mastered the reproduction and hatchery of the Litopenaeus vannamei, commercial distribution began taking place, and both working and underutilized farms began farming this new species.
A clear technological development and consolidation associated with breeding and growth, sustainability in postlarvae production, quality feeds, and the awareness for the importance of the quality of the final product followed.
Marine shrimp farming is one of the fastest growing industrial activities in Brazil. It has helped increase Brazil’s exports, 66% of what was produced in Brazil was exported in 2003. Growth in the industry has been supported by new companies that support the activity regarding infrastructures, production and processing.
Shrimp farming became prominent in the national market in the early 90’s when production was increased in several states, mainly Northeastern. The main asset of this industry is cash-flow generation, since most of the production is exported. In Brazil, shrimp farm production is mainly done on the Northeastern region of the country, with 94% extension area and 96% of production.
The Northeastern region presents several advantages when exploring this business, which is one of the main industries and most important activity of the region’s primary sector, generating the second highest turn over in the agricultural business.