PRELIMINARY REPORT ON SHRIMP CULTURE ACTIVITIES IN ECUADOR

In recent years, the ancient practice of shrimp culture in Japan has spread around the world. Ecuador has become the largest producer of pond-grown shrimp in the world with production of over 11,400 metric tons in 1982. This represents an annual rate of increase of approximately 40% since 1977. The expanding shrimp culture industry is transforming its production method from traditional extensive cultivation to the semi-intensive method with supplemental feeding and pond management techniques introduced by foreign scientists. Subsequently, anticipated pond production will reach 45,500 metric tons within a five-year period, assuming the availability of necessary seed-stock, the raw material for shrimp feed, and trained aquaculture specialists. At this moment, Ecuador has approximately 35,000 ha in production and another 10,000 ha under construction. The growing pains of the industry and the production levels of various systems are discussed.