Development of a Closed Recirculating Viral-Pathogen Free Postlarvae Production Center for Native Species

Increased restrictions on wild live-bait shrimp catches combined with significant annual increases in demand suggest that the supply problem of this industry will continue if no alternative source of live bait shrimp is established. The major obstacles in the development of the farm-raised live bait shrimp industry are the need for domesticated pathogen-free postlarvae (PL), the lack of reliable marketing information and the elimination of effluent discharge. The proposed study seeks to overcome these problems through meeting the Phase II objectives. The first objective will include closing the life cycle of Farfantepenaeus aztecus and F. duorarum using techniques developed during the Phase I efforts. Offspring to be produced from these populations will help future development of genetically improved seedstock. The second objective will focus on the development of a closed recirculating larvae rearing system aimed to reduce/eliminate effluent discharge from commercial hatcheries. The third objective will include a comprehensive survey of the Texas retail market for live bait shrimp to streamline supply of farm-raised live bait shrimp. Overcoming these obstacles will enable Long Star Farm to develop a reliable commercial live bait shrimp production center for native species during Phase III.