Integrated approach to prawn growout system design. In：C.L. Browdy and J.S. Hopkins (eds.)

Abstract

The integration of hardware (rearing system) and software (management strategies) is necessary for success of any aquaculture operation. Once the physical system is in place, only a few options are available for future management strategies. Therefore, all possible strategies should be thoroughly considered before establishing a system. In this paper, management strategies for various prawn growout systems, such as monoculture, crop rotation culture, polyculture, integrated culture systems, extensive, semiintensive, and intensive culture systems, single phasic and multiphasic systems, systems with and without nurseries, and the effects of various layouts, and pond shape and size on management techniques, are compared and analyzed. Most of the designs for prawn growout systems are based on climatic condition, availability of natural and manmade resources and, especially, predetermined culture intensity or stocking density. Besides these factors, other factors should also be taken into consideration, such as organization, work force management, operations scheduling, market matching, environmental impacts, and management alternatives.