A new shrimp species introduced into the country this week is expected to save Fiji $20million annually.

The move is hoped to boost the local shrimp industry and reduce Fiji’s reliance on imported shrimp.

Ministry of Fisheries permanent secretary, Inoke Wainiqolo officiated the stocking of Liptopenaus vannamei post-larve at the department’s Galoa research station growth ponds

“This is a first for Fiji and the department is happy to introduce the vannamei into the bigger ponds to breed and extend the species to other parts of Fiji,” he said.

Government will work closely with those in the shrimp industry to boost harvesting as well as providing the necessary supplements for the new species including local feed for the new strain.

The post-larve would take 7-8 months to mature and be able to breed.
Ministry’s Senior Research Officer Shalendra Singh said introduction of the species would help save $17-$20 million which is usually spent on importing 400 tonnes of shrimp into the country.

The first batch of Liptopenaus vannamei shrimp was brought from Thailand with another shipment expected to be brought from Saipan soon.

FijiLive