Dumangas: A research project that aims to assist farmers in improving their productivity and ensuring the sustainability of whiteleg shrimp (penaeus vannamei) farming is ongoing at the brackish water station of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) in Dumangas, Iloilo.

According to Philippines News Agency, the study is focused on determining the effects of two different stocking densities on shrimp growth, survival, production performance, and profitability. It also aims to assess whether whiteleg shrimp can be cultured successfully within a shorter production cycle using high-density polyethylene (HDPE)-lined ponds. This initiative is part of SEAFDEC/AQD's effort to enhance shrimp farming practices.

SEAFDEC/AQD chief Dan Baliao emphasized that the research is expected to generate practical information on the performance of whiteleg shrimp under intensive culture conditions in HDPE-lined brackish water ponds. "We want to give farmers more guidance on improving productivity and profitability, while ensuring the sustainability of shrimp farming," he stated.

Currently, one million whiteleg shrimp postlarvae have been stocked in four ponds at the Dumangas brackish water station since June 22. Two ponds were stocked with 50 postlarvae per square meter, while the other two ponds were stocked with 30 postlarvae per square meter, all prepared with good aquaculture practices.

Precautionary measures such as disinfection, bird scare devices, foot baths, and other biosecurity features have been implemented to help reduce disease risks during the culture process. The shrimp postlarvae were also screened for diseases prior to stocking and will undergo regular testing using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods to ensure their health and safety throughout the study.