The paper presented a comprehensive coverage of the processing and marketing of prawns for export as practised by AA Eximco, a firm based in Roxas City. Philippine export of Penaeus monodon in 1983 was estimated at 4,450 MT of which 2,000 MT was caught in the fishing waters and about 2,450 MT produced from aquaculture. These are mostly exported to Japan and the United States in processed and quick-frozen form.

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.

The paper gave an overview of the status of prawn feed development in the Philippines. Nutrient requirements, diet development, food and feeding habits, diet formulations for prawn (P. monodon) were discussed. Diets for prawn larvae and broodstock were also assessed.

This is a discussion of the production costs, yields, and profitability of different sizes of fish farming operations, and of fish farms operating under different types of Philippine climate.