Use of artificial substrates to maximize production of freshwater prawns in temperate climates

摘要

Interest in, and production of, freshwater prawns have increased dramatically in recent years. New and Valenti (2000) reported that global prawn production increased from 17,608 mt to 295,330 mt between 1989 and 1998. In China alone production has increased(from 37,363 mt to 61,868 mt in only two years (1996-1998). Much of the increased interest in prawns is based on several positive attributes they possess as culture animals. Being a freshwater species, prawns can be produced far inland, near major urban markets, while culture of penaeids is primarily confined to coastal regions. Prawns often reach larger average sizes than penaeids tinder culture conditions (Figure 1). Also, prawns appear to be resistant to the viral disease problems that have adversely effected the penaeid shrimp industry in recent years. Prawn culture is also considered more environmentally sustainable, because stocking, production, and feeding rates are usually lower than those used in the intensive culture of penaeids. However, these lower production rates are somewhat of a "double-edged sword" because they have also been one of the primary reasons that prawn culture has not expanded as rapidly as penaeid production.