Australia
Farm For Sale
The Gippsland Aquaculture Industry Network, Inc. (GAIN), reports that an 18-hectare shrimp farm near Yamba in northern New South Wales is for sale. The farm has maturation facilities, a hatchery, 12 one-hectare ponds (with reservoir) and onsite processing facilities. It is profitably producing 50 to 70 tons of tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) annually.
Information: Tony McLennan, Secretary, GAIN, Inc., P.O. Box 186, Traralgon, Victoria, Australia (phone 0408-513-500, email webmaster@growfish.com.au).
Source: Growfish (Gippsland Aquaculture Industry Network, Inc., http://www.growfish.com.au/default.asp). NSW prawn farm for sale (http://www.growfish.com.au/content.asp?contentid=7058). Edition 61, August 1, 2006.
Australia
Marine Produce Australia
Marine Produce Australia plans to double the size of its shrimp farm in the Northern Territories, near Darwin. Managing director Peter Frazer thinks another 15 hectares of ponds will boost the company's production from 200 to 500 tons annually.
Source: FisheNews (an email supplement to Austasia Aquaculture magazine, www.austasiaaquaculture.com.au). Editor, Tim Walker (austasiaaquaculture@netspace.net.au). Prawns: Marine Produce Australia Seeks to Expand NT Prawn Farm. July 27, 2006.
Australia
Job
Coral Sea Farms, a modern shrimp farm in northern Queensland, near Ingham, has positions open for a pond technician and a pond manager.
Information: Coral Sea Farms, P.O. Box 84, Macknade, Queensland 4850, Australia (email naude@coralseafarms.com.au).
Source: FisheNews (an email supplement to Austasia Aquaculture magazine, www.austasiaaquaculture.com.au). Editor, Tim Walker (austasiaaquaculture@netspace.net.au). Employment: Positions Vacant: Prawn Farm. July 27, 2006.
Australia
The MG Kailis Group
After eight years of research at its hatchery in Western Australia, the MG Kailis Group has raised tropical rock lobsters (Panulirus ornatus) from eggs to juveniles.
Alex Kailis, managing director of MG Kailis, said the company was proud of its history in developing new marine and seafood industries. He said: Our hatchery team is to be applauded for its excellent work on the pearl oyster, brown tiger prawn (Penaeus esculentus) and Moreton Bay bug (Thenus orientalis, a slipper lobster). These programs have positioned the MG Kailis Group at the cutting edge of world aquaculture with several highly valued species.
Source: Seafood.com (an online, subscription-based, fisheries news service). Growing lobsters: Australian group achieves breakthrough in raising rock lobster from egg to juvenile. John Sackton (phone 781-861-1441, email jsackton@seafood.com), Editor and Publisher, Seafood.com. August 1, 2006.
Bangladesh
Will Set Up Antibiotic Testing in Dhaka
On July 25, 2006, the Bangladesh Fisheries Department and the Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters Association (BFFEA) signed a memorandum of understanding on the procurement, installation and maintenance of an LC/MS/MS machine to detect antibiotic residues in farmed shrimp. LC/MS/MS (liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry) uses a biochemical analysis to detect antibiotics. BFFEA will purchase the machine and install it at the Fisheries Department in Dhaka. Currently, shrimp are sent to Singapore for antibiotic tests.
In its 2005–2006 fiscal year, Bangladesh exported 69,000 metric tons of shrimp.
Source: Email to Shrimp News International. Subject: from BFFEA, Dhaka. From: Bffea@dhaka.net. July 29, 2006.
Bangladesh
Protecting the Environment
On July 24, 2006, about 600 shrimp farmers and stakeholders in Satkhira, a shrimp farming town in southwest Bangladesh, paraded in favor of environmentally friendly shrimp farming.
In the meeting that followed, speakers urged authorities to formulate a strategy for sustainable and environmentally friendly and socially responsible shrimp farming. They said unplanned shrimp farming was destroying the biodiversity and ecological balance of southwestern Bangladesh. Glen Bieber, a shrimp farming consultant, said women workers in shrimp processing plants are subjected to serious health hazards and inhuman working conditions. He said the plants need to be modernized.
Coordinator of the Coastal Development Partnership, Ashraful Alam Tutu, in his keynote address, said shrimp yields could be increased by a factor of four--if scientific methods and good management practices were adopted. He stressed the importance of intensive cultivation and the need to boost exports.
Source: The Daily Star. Shrimp farmers in Satkhira vow to protect environment (http://www.thedailystar.net/2006/07/25/d60725070398.htm). July 25, 2006.
Ecuador
El Niño--50/50
The USA Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Weather Service
Climate Prediction Center
Predicts a 50% chance that a weak El Niño will develop by the end of 2006.
For more information: http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/index.html.
Available in Spanish at: http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/translate.html.
To get on the mailing list for the monthly ElNiño/La Niña report: http://lstsrv.ncep.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/ncep.list.enso-update.
Source: Climate Prediction Center. El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Diagnostic Discussion (http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/index.html). August 10, 2006.
Ethiopia
Wants Consultant for Prawn Hatchery
This exchange took place on AquaNic:
I am interested in setting up a small-scale freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) hatchery in Ethiopia to support around 30 hectares of ponds. I'm planning on using rock sea salt to increase the salinity of my hatchery water, which will be mixed with freshwater and then passed through a rock/sand filter. I'm looking for a person with small-scale (backyard hatchery) experience to come to Ethiopia on a consultancy basis. You will need to have experience with inland hatchery operations because seawater is not available at our location.
Response: It is not possible to use rock salt as the sole salt source. You need all the other minerals that occur in seawater.
Source: AquaNic (The Aquaculture Network Information Center, a gateway to the world's electronic aquaculture resources, http://aquanic.org/index.htm). Shrimp Discussion Group (http://ag.ansc.purdue.edu/discuss/shrimp.htm). Consultant to Set-Up Small Scale Inland Hatchery (http://www.aquanic.org/discuss/_shrimp/00000f8e.htm). From: jerrybailey55@hotmail.com. July 25, 2006. From: Eric De Muylder (email eric@crevetec.be, webpage www.crevetec.be). July 28, 2006.
Indonesia
Jobs
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Reconstruction and Development have established a partnership with the private sector in Aceh (a special territory on the northern tip of Sumatra) and Nias (an island off the western coast of Sumatra) to rehabilitate the aquaculture industries that were destroyed by the giant tsunami of December 2004.
Before the tsunami, most aquaculture production came from brackish-water ponds (locally known as tambaks) that polycultured tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) and milkfish (Chanos chanos). Of the 47,000 hectares in operation before the tsunami, 20,500 hectares were destroyed, representing a 70% loss in production in Pidie, Bireun, Aceh Utara, Lhokseumawe and Aceh Besar.
IFC will base an agribusiness team in Banda Aceh to support the shrimp and mariculture sectors of the partnership. Each village will have an assigned Facilitator, supported by a Farmer Group Development Officer, a Marketing Officer and Program Assistant, in addition to technical expertise provided by a Shrimp Technical Specialist.
Candidates are invited to apply for the following position:
Shrimp Technical Specialist (short term consultant): Requires regional experience in biosecure shrimp farming (110 consulting days have been allocated in year-one and 55 days in year-two).
Responsibilities and Qualifications: For a long list of responsibilities and qualifications, visit (http://www.enaca.org/modules/news/article.php?storyid=814).
Deadline: August 20, 2006. Do not submit applications or enquiries after the deadline. Submit your CV and cover letter to pensahrd@ifc.org. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
Source: Network of Aquaculture Centers in Asia-Pacific Webpage. Jobs: Aquaculture Industry Development Program: Shrimp Technical Specialist (http://www.enaca.org/modules/news/article.php?storyid=814). Posted by IFC_PEP_ACEH. August 6, 2006.
Iran
Production
Tehran...On August 4, 2006, Sohrab Rezvani, an Iranian Fisheries Organization official, said: Shrimp production will drop this year because farmers around Bushehr, the country's main shrimp farming area, have not fully recovered from the financial difficulties caused by last year's whitespot outbreak. He said two aquaculture development projects, valued at $3.8 million, were being implemented in southern Iran, in Sistan-Baluchestan Province, in joint ventures with Italian investors.
Source: MehrNews.com. Economic news in brief: Seafood production to surpass 144,000 tons by March 2007 (http://www.mehrnews.ir/en/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=362731). August 4, 2006.
Japan
The Shrimple Test Kit (also see United States, Washington State, Stephen Newman, below)
The following excerpt is from the discussion section of a study that compared Shrimple, a test kit for shrimp viruses, with real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) analysis:
The study was designed to evaluate the sensitivity of a simpler, less expensive immunochromatographic detection kit as a potential alternative to more complex and costly PCR assays.
During the early onset of infection (from 1 to 8 hours), Shrimple test kits failed to detect WSSV infections, whereas 100% of the same specimens were determined positive for WSSV with real-time PCR. Throughout the entire study 34.7% of the specimens tested were determined positive for WSSV using the Shrimple test kits compared to 100% with real-time PCR. Real-time PCR is more sensitive and will detect WSSV infection earlier than diagnostic test kits; however, Shrimple provides confirmation of viral presence prior to gross anatomical signs of infection and prior to mortality, which is early enough to achieve the goals of a basic shrimp aquaculture monitoring program.
Shrimple test kits provide valuable results to users. The results are rapidly obtained, even in geographically remote locations, unlike those obtained from real-time PCR where much more time is required in preparation, setup and shipment of specimens to a diagnostic laboratory.
This study demonstrates that Shrimple® test kits are sensitive enough to detect a relatively low-level infection, prior to gross anatomical evidence of disease. The level at which the Shrimple test kit is capable of detecting viral infection varies. While a faint Shrimple band was observed in test kits for specimens measured as low as 36 viral copies/ng genomic DNA, the lowest true chromatographic positive test result was observed at 356 viral copies/ng genomic DNA. Disparity in the sensitivity of the test kit exists in that some specimens that tested negative with Shrimple were determined to have infection levels as high as 1,098 viral copies/ng genomic DNA. However, in a field or aquaculture situation, the Shrimple test kit can provide relatively reliable and sensitive detection capabilities for shrimp farmers, providing opportunities for limiting the extent of viral spread on farms infected with whitespot syndrome virus.
Source: Aquaculture (Elsevier, www.elsevier.com/locate/aqua-online, articles in press, available online at www.sciencedirect.com). Efficiency and sensitivity determination of Shrimple®, an immunochromatographic assay for whitespot syndrome virus (WSSV), using quantitative real-time PCR. James W.B. Powell (Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412 USA); Erin J. Burge (College of Charleston, Grice Marine Laboratory, 205 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412 USA); Craig L. Browdy (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Research Institute, 217 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412 USA); and Eleanor F. Shepard (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Research Institute, 217 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412 USA). Accepted for publication on March 12, 2006.
Mozambique
Banned in Europe
The European Union has banned shrimp imports from Sol e Mar, a Chinese-Mozambican shrimp farm on the outskirts of Beira.
The ban took effect in March 2006 when Sol e Mar was unable to meet new European standards.
According to Mozambican fisheries inspector Tayob Ussene, the European ban led to the cancellation of Sol e Mar's processing license in Mozambique.
Source: AllAfrica.com. Mozambique: Sino-Mozambican Company Banned from Europe (http://allafrica.com/stories/200607311034.html). Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique (Maputo), July 31, 2006.
United States
Florida--OceanBoy--Jobs for Shrimp Biologists
Location: Clewiston, Florida.
Company: OceanBoy Farms, Inc. (http://www.oceanboyfarms.com).
Salary: Negotiable (depending on skills).
Closing Date: Thursday, August 31, 2006.
Requirements: Bachelor or master's degree and technical training in aquatic biology and/or aquatic chemistry. Work experience in commercial shrimp production (3-5 years).
Information: Send CV to Human Resources, OceanBoy Farms (phone 863-983-9941, fax 863-983-9920, email jobs@oceanboyfarms.com).
Source: WAS (World Aquaculture Society) Employment Service (http://darc.cms.udel.edu/wases/wasesinfo.htm, click on "Search the Job Database", then type "shrimp" into the search box) Shrimp Biologists (http://aquanic.org/jobs/jobinfo.asp?jobid=2062). Posted August 2, 2006.
United States
Texas--New Farm
We are starting operations in Texas with the production of Penaeus vannamei, P. stylirostris and P. monodon. We hope to have product available in 2007 and subsequently will pursue organic certification. We also plan to produce soft-shell blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) and have them on the market in early 2007.
Information: Gintautas Zavadzkas, AcuaGenesis USA (phone 786-232-7392, fax 760-454-3184, email gintas@acuagenesis.com).
Source: The Shrimp List (a mailing list for shrimp farmers, "shrimp-subscribe@yahoogroups.com"). Subject: Re: [shrimp] live crustacean trade in Italy. From: Gintautas Stasys Zavadzkas Leon (gleon@yahoo.com). July 27, 2006.
United States
Texas--Job
Shrimp Production Manager (for US citizens only)
Location: La Coste, Texas (San Antonio area).
Company: NaturalShrimp Corporation (http://www.NaturalShrimpInternational.com).
Salary: Negotiable (depending on skills).
Closing Date: Wednesday, August 30, 2006.
Requirements: Bachelor or master's degree and technical training in aquatic biology and/or aquatic chemistry. Work experience in commercial shrimp production (3-5 years).
Information: Send your CV to Jorge Lango (phone 830-762-3200, fax at 830-762-3202, email jlango@yahoo.com).
Source: WAS (World Aquaculture Society) Employment Service (http://darc.cms.udel.edu/wases/wasesinfo.htm, click on "Search the Job Database", then type "shrimp" into the search box). Shrimp Production Manager/For US Citizens Only (http://aquanic.org/jobs/jobinfo.asp?jobid=2061). Posted July 31, 2006.
United States
Washington State--Shrimple (also see Japan, above)
Dr. Stephen Newman, who markets Shrimple, a test kit for shrimp viruses, in Latin America and Vietnam, reports:
With Shrimple, you can detect WSSV in 20 minutes at high levels of sensitivity.
It can detect viral particles below the traditional limits of a single stage PCR test. This kit, developed by EnBioTech Laboratories Co., Ltd. (Japan), provides a simple and sensitive format that currently allows for the ready detection of WSSV.
Samples of pleopods from juveniles or adult animals are ground up using a tissue grinder (included) in a small amount of an extraction buffer (included). The contents are allowed to settle and a small drop is placed in a well on a plastic device. Twenty minutes later the results are read with the intensity of color in the band correlating with the number of viral copies in the samples. The test will detect as low as 12 viral particles, making it more sensitive than a single stage PCR that can detect as low as 100 viral particles. The ability to detect the virus rapidly at low levels is an important step in the process of controlling the disease and limiting the potential impact of the virus. While it is extremely sensitive, it is not as sensitive as nested PCR and standard diagnostic practices dictate that animals found to be negative by Shrimple, but showing disease symptoms, be tested by other methods such as histopathology, nested PCR or bioassay.
Shrimple requires no expensive equipment and can be done pondside by personnel with minimal training.
Information: Stephen G. Newman, Ph.D., President, Aqua-In-Tech, Inc., 6722162nd Place SW, Lynnwood, WA 98037 USA (phone 425-787-5218, fax 425-741-0857, email sgnewm@aqua-in-tech.com, webpage http://www.aqua-in-tech.com)
Source: News Release. Aqua-In-Tech. Product: Shrimple WSSV Rapid Diagnostic Test Kit. Received July 31, 2006.
