Two new shrimp breeds to battle disease

Despite a decade of setbacks, the fishing industry is still recovering.

Two new shrimp breeds to battle disease
One of two new genotypes of Pacific bright crab that researchers will use to revitalize the fishing industry is the Petchada 1 breeder, which was chosen for its quick growth. ( Photo provided by Amya Wipatayotin )

According to the Department of Fisheries, two new isolates of Pacific light crab have been successfully developed to support Thailand’s fishing sector.

The new strains, Sida 1, a disease-resistant genome, as well as the rapidly expanding Petchad 1, will aid in preserving the security of the local shrimp farming market, according to Praphan Leepayakul, the district’s deputy chief.

The department has collaborated with the Agricultural Research Development Agency to increase the number of white shrimp farms, which have been declining since 2012 as a result of the Early Mortality Syndrome ( also known as Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease ( EMS- AHPND ) outbreak.

According to Mr. Praphan, the fungal illness had seriously harmed Thailand’s fishing industry.

Both domestic and international markets are in high demand for bright shrimp. It generates an annual revenue of 100 billion ringgit, making it a significant export revenue source.

According to Mr. Praphan,” The growth may aid in developing a sustainable shrimp business.”

A group of marine biologists used chemical biological marker techniques and selective breeding to create the new strains.

The team chose different strains of Pacific light crab from the United States, Guam, and Thailand to study disease-free DNA and analyze genetic variety.

To examine the shrimp’s biological richness and growth potential, they were fed in a biosecure environment.

According to the study, private strains in Thailand made up the best base population.

At the Hereditary Aqua- Canine Research and Development Centre in Phetchaburi province, the Petchada 1 producer was created. When compared to shrimp from different sources, it has a great growth potential.

When compared to its competitors, the Sida 1 producer, which is produced by the Biological Aqua- Animal Research and Development Centre in Nakhon Si Thammarat state, has the highest success rate for EMS and AHPND.

According to Mr. Praphan, the research and development operation is still ongoing. The following step is to put it to the test on a professional level. By lowering costs among shellfish farmers, we hope that it will be a major step towards the sustainability of the shrimp business.