Pond culture

Abstract

The paper discussed the extensive and semi-intensive methods of prawn culture. It reviewed the history of pond cultivation of Penaeus monodon during the last three decades and the major contributions to its culture, cultivation and production in the Philippines. It also touched on the market demand from Japan which at present is the main importer of Philippine prawns. The major discussion however dealt on the extensive and semi-intensive culture methods, the former being widely practised by prawn farmers and the latter being the most viable and more easily adaptable method for culture in ponds. Although the old practice of direct stocking of fry in grow-out ponds is convenient, it gives unreliable fry survival rates. Thus, the nursery system has been devised to improve fry survival. The different nursery systems were discussed in detail as intermediate holding systems of wild or hatchery-bred fry . The factors that affect prawn production in grow-out ponds were discussed for both extensive and semi-intensive culture methods.