GLOBAL SHRIMP PRODUCTION TRENDS AND ISSUES  

Albert G.J. Tacon PhD
Aquatic Farms Ltd
49-139 Kamehameha Highway
Kaneohe, HI 96744 USA
agjtacon@aquahana.com

The paper reviews the latest statistical information concerning global shrimp production by major producing species, country and region. The major issues currently faced by the shrimp sector within the different regions of the world are discussed (according to past surveys conducted by the Global Aquaculture Alliance). Particular emphasis is given to the current disease challenges faced by the shrimp industry and the need to ensure that the feeds employed by the sector, whether for hatchery, nursery or grow-out, are not an entry point of viable pathogens into the culture system; as in the poultry sector, the shrimp sector must learn from other animal food production systems of the need for the implementation of total farm and feed biosecurity protocols.