Worldwide demand for freshwater prawns has been increasing significantly in the last few years. The production of freshwater prawn M. rosenbergii in México is close to zero. The main cause is the lack of hatchery post larvae production. In the Indo-Pacific region production commenced based on government supported PL production. In the 70s and 80s the Mexican government produced PLs that were distributed to growers with little support for production and, thus, little success. Or solution was to produce PLs to demonstrate that commercial rearing is a viable business. This will bring investors into the nascent industry.
Conditions in the State of Quintana Roo for M. rosenbergii culture are ideal in terms of climate, water supply, available land, market, connectivity to national and international markets and security.
We started a pilot Project of PL production for grow out at our farm. First year production was 600,000 Pls and the hatchery is being modified to double production. At present our infrastructure consists of 6 20-m circular HDPE tanks for Pl nursery, 8 1,800 m2 earthen ponds and 6 1 ha ponds for grow out and process, selection and cool storage rooms (under construction). Our personnel is highly skilled with experience in all aspects of production. PL production cycles require 30 days, the nursery phase is 2 months and grow out is a 5-6 month process.
Production results are similar to reports from Asia with consistent yields over the last 3 cycles. Production costs are discussed, representing 50% of sale price for a market that is, currently, being supplied from imports. The main product for national and international markets is frozen with prawns of around 80 grams.
Production of freshwater prawns in Quintana Roo represent a significant opportunity to develop a sustainable, socially responsible and economically viable business.