A new exotic shrimp species was introduced into the country this week and is expected to reduce Fiji’s reliance on imported shrimp.
The move, which saves $20million in import costs, is also designed to boost locals in the shrimp industry, many of who operate micro businesses in rural and maritime communities around the country.
The Ministry of Fisheries permanent secretary Mr Inoke Wainiqolo officiated the stocking of Liptopenaus vannamei post-larve at the department’s Galoa research station growth ponds
“This is a first for Fiji and the department is happy to introduce the vannamei into the bigger ponds to breed and extend the species to other parts of Fiji,” he said.
“The very purpose government is doing this is to assist those in the industry especially those in the shrimp business,” he added.
He highlighted that the current species of shrimp currently bred in the country was not adequate enough to fulfill the current demand and this was the main reason behind the introduction of this new species.
“The shrimp species monodon cannot fulfill the demand that exists and this is why government has brought this new species which is proven worldwide to have worked. It also will help in import substitution.”
With this new development, the Ministry will be working closely with those in the shrimp industry to look at ways of boosting harvesting as well as providing the necessary supplements for the new species.
“Our officers are researching on the feed that can be produced locally in order for this strain to grow successfully in the country,” he said.
He also advised farmers that the post-larve would take 7-8 months to mature and be able to breed.
The Ministry’s Senior Research Officer Shalendra Singh stated that the introduction of the species would help save $17-$20 million which is usually spent on importing 400 tonnes of shrimp into the country.
Mr Singh added that vannamei produced the largest percentage of global shrimp production due to its resistance in culture conditions.
“This strain of shrimp produces 85 per cent of global production and we will culture it in Fiji so it can produce the same good results it has been showing in Asian and Latin American countries,” Mr Singh said.
The first batch of Liptopenaus vannamei shrimp was brought from Thailand with another shipment expected to be brought from Saipan soon.
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