Q1: In your experience what is your perceptions of Indian Shrimp Industry?
A- In my experience, the Indian shrimp industry is an emerging player in global shrimp farming industry. In my 2 previous visits to India I’ve seen serious consideration given in regard to the industries approach to disease management issues and the sustainable growth of the industry. This is evidenced by the government’s role (by various agencies) in establishing a quarantine station in Chennai to screen/verify the specific pathogen free (SPF) health status of incoming live shrimp stocks from abroad, and by the strict certification standards required to be an approved supplier (and importer) of SPF L. vannamei into India. It is my understanding that there is also a rigorous monitoring and record-keeping program in regard to the importation of SPF L. vannamei as well as the monitoring of hatchery and grow out production parameters for this species. I’ve been impressed by the level of biosecurity maintained in the RGCA quarantine station, and by the operations of some of the hatchery facilities I’ve visited. Although India may currently be a bit “behind the curve” globally in developing a sustainable shrimp farming industry based on the SPF concept for shrimp, I see great potential given the thoughtful approach now being taken by India in this regard.
Q2: In your opinion what are the top three challenges which Aquaculture needs to correct to catapult itself into a global player?
A-In my opinion, the top three challenges that the aquaculture industry faces globally are:
1) Health management and disease control of the stocks being farmed. The SPF concept for aquaculture (which has already been established/successful for other terrestrial meat-producing industries) goes a long way in this regard, but there are still significant issues in regard to environmental control and hatchery/pond management strategies which support consistent/sustainable production. Domestication and stock control are the key points here. The implementation of best management practices and novel production/growout technologies will also help to overcome this challenge.
2) Production costs and market volatility. Increasing costs for fuel and quality feed ingredients (like fishmeal) combined with political/economic issues (like protectionism/anti-dumping) are serious challenges for the future of the aquaculture industry. Also, production inefficiencies affecting the entire global industry contribute to this challenge. Production inefficiencies may be minimized/addressed by the following challenge.
3) Consolidation and vertical integration of the industry. In order to be a “global player” in food production, the aquaculture industry will require a serious domestication effort for all relevant species. This may only be achieved by significant consolidation and vertical integration of the industry which would afford control over the entire production chain. This model would support consistent/sustainable production and would help with issues of traceability and seafood safety. This model also provides some stability in regard to price fluctuations influenced by issues of supply/demand. To a large extent, the current industry is disjointed in regard to feed production, hatchery production, growout production, and processing. Mature and successful food-producing industries (like poultry) have consolidated are all vertically integrated. The aquaculture/seafood industry can learn from this model.
Q3: What are the experiences of being in the Industry?
A-Being in the industry for over 20 years, I’ve had numerous experiences in several countries which are all different depending on the social, cultural and environmental factors affecting aquaculture in different regions. A common theme that I’ve experienced is the dedication of the farmer to produce a quality crop and the challenges they face in regard to environmental and disease factors. Over the past 7-10 years I’ve seen a significant effort by the entire global industry to mature and refine aquaculture practices based on scientific knowledge. The application of science-based knowledge and principles to the commercial sector has led to a very significant increase in shrimp aquaculture production world-wide, despite serious disease problems which have historically plagued the industry. There have also been significant scientific/applied advances made in terms of minimizing the “environmental footprint” left by aquaculture activities. Closed-recirculating and minimal water exchange systems are now common components of shrimp aquaculture operations world-wide. Aquaculture-based food production is a very dynamic and evolving industry and I feel very fortunate to have been a part of it.
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