Description and economic analysis of intensive marine shrimp culture in Taiwan and simulated technology transfer to Hawaii in 1985

Abstract

Intensive shrimp culture farms in Taiwan are typically small (3.9 ha), family operated, and profitable. They are also energy intensive, primarily for artificial aeration and water exchange. Shrimp stocking densities average 34 24-day-old postlarvae (PL 24) per m2, with 75% survival, 31.5-g harvest size, two crops per year, and average yields of more than 11,000 kg/ha/year. Average feed conversion is 1.7, with a feed price of $0.8 8/kg. Seed and feed costs account for 64% of operating costs. Profits on well-run farms with concrete walls should exceed $16,000/ha/year. Simulated transfer of such farms to Hawaii results in profit losses of -$11,891/ha/year for earthen ponds and -$31,900/ha/year for concrete-walled ponds. High labor and energy costs in the United States, compared with Taiwan, account for most of the loss in the United States. A modified Taiwan technology, which is appropriate to the United States and reduces labor and energy costs, might make U.S.-grown shrimp competitive on the world market. Reduced labor and energy consumption could be achieved through improved farm and equipment design; improved water quality management based on pond dynamics principles and objective water exchange criteria; and the application of microcomputers to pond monitoring and management. Additional profits will occur if seed and feed costs can be reduced.