Status and problems of grass prawn culture in Taiwan. In：I C. Liao and R. Hirano (eds.)

Abstract

The culture of grass prawn, Penaeus monodon, has been practiced in Taiwan for several hundred years. In the past, the supply of juveniles for its culture entirely depended on naturally produced juveniles which was always influenced by the climate. The annual fluctuation of juveniles collected from estuaries made it impossible to predict its pond production. The grass prawn was usually stocked with milkfish, Chanos chanos, and was considered as a by-product of milkfish pond production. The annual production at that stage ranged from ten to hundred kilograms per hectare. Since 1968 the success of the artificial propagation of the grass prawn brought a revolution in its culture. Within a short period of thirteen years, Taiwan accomplished a miracle and became the most successful country in the world with respect to the production of this prawn from artificially propagated juveniles. However, several problems still remain to be solved. Some of the most critical problems related to its culture in Taiwan are discussed in this paper. They are the following: (1) juvenile production, (2) spawner supply, (3) artificial feed, (4) pond construction and management, (5) culture technique, (6) disease prevention, (7) harvesting, and (8) marketing. The current situation regarding these problems and their main points of interest are considered. Finally, the author refers to the future prospect for its culture in Taiwan. The grass prawn is considered to be one of the most suitable species to cultivate in the world. It is hoped further progress in its culture will be made to satisfy the increasing demand for it and for the overall benefit to mankind.