58 DECEMBER 2014 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG • Land acquisition in the Delta by non-indigenous people is very difficult and suitable areas for shrimp farming tend to be also oil-rich areas. There is presently great local and national opposition to shrimp farming. Critics have expressed their fears based on the experiences of other nations that have had challenges from the venture. Some of the reasonable challenges envisaged are: Destruction of Mangroves. Nigeria contains the fourth largest area of mangrove forest in the world and the program being supported by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) may spell disaster for these vital wetlands. Added to the already heavy handedness and ongoing destruction by the oil industry in Nigeria, commercial shrimp farming could deliver another serious blow to the health and future of the Niger Delta mangroves and the millions of local residents dependent upon these wetlands for their livelihood and protection. Disease. The most damaging factor for shrimp farming during the past decade has been disease outbreaks. Viral diseases have damaged industries in China, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Ecuador. Good water quality and lower stocking densities appear to be the best defense against all diseases. As a novice, Nigeria has an advantage because these diseases have yet to manifest themselves as there is no shrimp culture. However, this potential problem serves to stress the benefits of avoiding importing exotic species and thus the advantage of having a known farmable species (P. monodon) already within the local ecosystem. Importation of post-larvae at the early stages of development of the industry should be avoided if possible, this being the way some devastating viral diseases are believed to have been transmitted between and within countries. Pollution and the Environment. Whenever large numbers of semiintensive and intensive shrimp farms concentrate on the same river, estuary or bay, effluents can lower the quality of the surrounding water, potentially overwhelm the environment and create conditions that favor shrimp pathogens. Moderate discharges of effluents from shrimp farms can have a beneficial effect on the environment, enriching it without overwhelming it. The mangroves and mangrove species that surround many shrimp farms thrive on moderate amounts of nutrients from shrimp farms. In turn, the mangroves prevent erosion and reduce turbidity by trapping sediments and binding nutrients. Nigeria can learn from Ecuador where extensive shrimp farms operate in a comfortable balance with the mangroves. In Thailand and Ecuador, shrimp farmers restore and protect mangrove areas. The Administrative Organization Act empowers local communities to manage and conserve natural resources and the environment in their localities. These powers enable local communities to regulate any activities in their area, including aquaculture. Code of Conduct standards must be developed and implemented in the marine shrimp culture industry. Standards are a systematic approach to manage shrimp production to achieve international quality recognition and to manage impacts across the whole value chain, from farm to processing plant, to maintain a sustainable marine shrimp culture industry. Standards include guidelines for operation of shrimp hatcheries and farms and for harvesting and transportation from farms to processing plants, distributors and exporters. Standards provide a certification process that addresses a variety of issues, including the use of feed, veterinary drugs and other chemicals. In addition, good aquaculture practice guidelines must be implemented for hygienic shrimp production and processing. To produce good quality and safe marine shrimp for consumers, shrimp farms must be standardized, clean, sanitized and generate minimal environmental impacts. Furthermore, shrimp health management must avoid use of therapeutic agents and chemicals that lead to residues in shrimp. Expected Government Participation Government participation should consist of the following activities: • Provide necessary support, which could include land, selection of appropriate pilot areas. • Take measures to reduce costs of materials and equipment for shrimp/prawn production and processing. • Improve roads and increase transport options from producing areas to processing plants and from there to the port. • As was done for fish farming, the government should champion this cause of establishing standard hatcheries and encourage private entrepreneurs to do the same. The hatcheries will accordingly be set up to sell post-larvae at a reasonable cost. • Continue streamlining port operations to reduce cost and theft. • Encourage more favorable monetary and fiscal policies. • Assist with export promotion in cooperation with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). To achieve the desired Vision 20:2020 and millennium goal of rapid agricultural development, commercial shrimp farming can play a vital role. Despite numerous challenges to operation, shrimp farming in the Niger Delta should be encouraged, putting in place all the necessary precautionary measures for sustainable production. 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