PRAWNS PROJECT (VANNAMEI)

Story

Aquaculture and fisheries are a growth industry worldwide and Guyana’s long Atlantic coastline, offshore fishing, mariculture and abundant fresh water provide the resources for a dynamic and expanding aquaculture industry. Marine fishing activities are directed at exploiting its shrimp resources using shrimp trawlers, as well as farms, and its groundfish resources using wooden vessels and a variety of gear by artisanal fishermen. The Government has developed an aquaculture research program and is encouraging the import of technology and resources to develop the full industrial potential. The Government is planning to test cage rearing. Identification and obtaining coast aquaculture sites, usually on a long-term lease, should be addressed to the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission. Shrimp There are 89 shrimp farms covering 2,000 hectares in brackish water locations along the Atlantic coast in the Corentyne (Region 6). The principal varieties farmed are Penaeus, schmitti, P. aztecus and P. brazilensis. The Government is currently assisting the farmers in the area through rehabilitation and improving the infrastructure to increase production. There is not a larva hatchery, and the farming is not intensive. Most of the frozen shrimp is exported to USA and Canada.