Enhanced biosecurity measures for sustainable aquaculture: Shrimp hatchery operations

Abstract

Long before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Broodstock Facility and Shrimp Hatchery Complex of SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department (AQD) in Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines, has already been practicing the best quarantine protocols. The gold standards to ensure the production of diseasefree and high-quality shrimp are being developed by AQD under the program “OPLAN Balik Sugpo” or Operation Plan for Black Tiger Prawn Revival. Initiated in 2017, this Program generally aims to bring back the Penaeus monodon industry of the Philippines and help farmers revive their hopes and venture again into shrimp culture. Under the Program, the disease prevention scheme is currently undergoing verification for responsible management of shrimp broodstock obtained from the natural environment at AQD’s Broodstock Facility, and for the care of the postlarval stage at AQD’s Shrimp Hatchery Complex.