Freshwater Vannamei Shrimp Farming, A Promising Fisheries Business?

In line with the blue economy concept, the government, through the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), has decided to gradually reduce fishing quotas. Of course, this MMAF-led policy has prepared a solution to the problem of quota restrictions by intensifying fishermen’s agricultural activities. A promising alternative fishery for anglers is freshwater Vannamei shrimp farming.

Vannamei shrimp are marine animals that naturally live in the sea, but with some modifications they can be reared in freshwater. This method is not popular yet, but many entrepreneurs have already done it and its cultivation can bring satisfactory results.

If done right, the Vannamei shrimp farm will become a promising fishery

There are certainly notable differences between freshwater and seawater, since seawater contains many minerals that freshwater lacks. Therefore, before breeding Vannamei shrimp in fresh water, farm fishermen must first prepare special minerals so that their composition is close to that of sea water.

shrimp need to be modified and adjusted to adapt

Several ingredients must be added to freshwater to make it a good breeding ground for Vannamei shrimp. These include clay, agricultural lime, cross salt, potassium chloride (KCl), white spirit, potassium carbonate, and magnesium chloride. By adding the above ingredients in the right composition, the freshwater substrate applied is ready to be used as a new habitat for Vannamei shrimp seeds.

After achieving the equivalent mineral composition of seawater in freshwater media, shrimp seeds naturally have to adapt to the media used, since the modified freshwater media are characterized by low salinity. This adaptation can be done by rearing 1 to 10 larvae. After acclimatization, the shrimp seeds can be released into the rearing pond depending on the last salinity.

Vannamei shrimp are more disease resistant when reared in fresh water

From the cultivation of freshwater Vannamei shrimp, the unique fact was gained that shrimp farmed outside of their natural habitat actually show increased resistance to WSSV (White Spot Virus) or Myo-disease. This fact can be a magnet and make farming freshwater vannamei shrimp a promising fishery, especially as an alternative income for fishermen.Since this culture can also be carried out in places far from the coast, fishermen can build culture media on their terrace.

The

vannamei shrimp farming is not only a promising fishery, but there will also be knock-on effects as the demand for various raw materials needed to modify freshwater increases. This creates new economic potential for people to become suppliers of minerals. Aside from making shrimp distribution easier, fish suppliers can also get a more stable price because they don’t have to order from too far away. Of course, the knock-on effect of growing

crayfish will be very positive for the fishing industry.

Aruna Supports the Government in Providing Broader Access

The potential of cultivating various variants of sea shrimp in modified freshwater media must be widely socialized to the public, especially fishermen affected by fishing quotas restrictions. Aruna Hub, as part of the fisheries ecosystem, will gladly support and become a government partner to disseminate this cultivation potential while still prioritizing sustainable fisheries aspects. The implementation of sustainability insights in the fisheries sector is essential to be promoted on every occasion so that economic progress can maintain ecological health, a fundamental principle that is in line with the concept of a blue economy.