A historical review of prawn culture in Taiwan

Abstract

Prawn culture in Taiwan, originally a by-product of the more profitable milkfish culture industry, experienced a period of rapid growth during the past two decades, with Penaeus monodon production growing from 61 tons in 1968 to a record 95,000 tons in 1987. Exports of P. monodon to Japan and the United States climbed dramatically from 1977 to 1987, and Taiwan became the leading producer of cultured prawns in Asia in 1986 and 1987. Key to this explosive growth was the series of succesful R & D program instituted during the period. In 1988, however, mass mortality struck the industry and the production volume of P. monodon dropped to 30,000 tons. It is a challenge to the scientific community, the policymakers and prawn farmers. Taiwan is taking time out to restructure the prawn culture industry. The industry is likely to reemerge as a joint-venture partner and R & D center.