Glossary

BALANCED FEEDING

Supplying a nutritious and balanced diet to shrimp to promote healthy growth and improve meat quality.

FEED AND NUTRITION

BAP CERTIFICATION

Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) is a certification program and standards system for responsible aquaculture practices. It is administered by the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsible aquaculture worldwide. The BAP certification program sets criteria and guidelines for aquaculture facilities to demonstrate responsible environmental, social, and animal welfare practices.

CERTIFICATIONS

BARCODE

Barcodes are visual representations of data that consist of a series of parallel lines, bars, or spaces of varying widths and patterns. They are widely used for automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) in various industries, including retail, logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare. Barcodes encode information in a machine-readable format, allowing for quick and accurate data retrieval using barcode scanners or barcode readers.

 

PACKAGING AND LABELING

BILL OF EXCHANGE

A negotiable instrument that serves as a written order by the exporter to the importer, requiring the importer to pay a specific amount on a specified date.

PAYMENT TERMS

BIOSECURITY

Biosecurity is a set of measures and practices designed to prevent the entry and spread of diseases in shrimp farms. For businesses involved in shrimp aquaculture, maintaining strict biosecurity protocols is crucial to ensure the health and quality of their products, as well as the sustainability of their operations.

Importance of Biosecurity

Effective biosecurity is vital for protecting shrimp populations from pathogens and diseases that can cause significant economic losses. By implementing rigorous biosecurity measures, shrimp farmers can reduce the risk of outbreaks, enhance shrimp health, and improve overall productivity.

Key Biosecurity Measures

Quarantine Procedures

Quarantining new stock before introducing them to existing populations is essential. This practice helps ensure that new shrimp are free of diseases and do not pose a risk to the established farm. Isolation and observation during the quarantine period can prevent potential outbreaks.

Water Quality Management

Maintaining high water quality is critical for preventing the spread of pathogens. Regular monitoring and treatment of water help eliminate harmful microorganisms and reduce the risk of disease. Clean water also supports the overall health and growth of the shrimp.

Disinfection Protocols

Regular disinfection of equipment, ponds, and facilities is necessary to minimize the presence of pathogens. Using appropriate disinfectants and adhering to strict cleaning schedules can significantly reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Controlled Access

Limiting access to shrimp farms is an effective way to prevent the introduction of diseases. Implementing controlled entry points, biosecurity checkpoints, and visitor restrictions helps minimize the risk of external contamination.

Health Monitoring

Regular health checks and monitoring of shrimp for signs of disease are crucial. Early detection of health issues allows for timely interventions and reduces the spread of diseases within the farm.

Biosecure Feed and Equipment

Ensuring that feed and equipment are sourced from reputable suppliers with strong biosecurity practices is important. Contaminated feed or equipment can introduce diseases, so proper sourcing and handling are key components of biosecurity.

Best Practices for Biosecurity

Adopting best practices in biosecurity involves continuous education and training for farm workers. Keeping up with the latest developments in disease prevention and management techniques ensures that farms remain resilient against potential threats. Additionally, creating a biosecurity plan tailored to the specific needs of the farm can enhance overall effectiveness.

Conclusion

Biosecurity is a critical aspect of shrimp farming that protects against the introduction and spread of diseases. By implementing comprehensive biosecurity measures, shrimp farmers can ensure the health and quality of their shrimp, support sustainable farming practices, and safeguard their economic interests. Regular monitoring, controlled access, and rigorous disinfection protocols are essential for maintaining a biosecure environment.

HEALTH AND DISEASE

Black Tiger Shrimp / Giant Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon)

Description:

The Black Tiger Shrimp or Giant Tiger Prawn is one of the largest shrimp species and is highly valued in the market for its size and flavor. This shrimp, known for its distinctive black stripes on its shell, is native to the Indo-Pacific region but is now farmed in various parts of the world.

Aquaculture or Wild-Caught:

It is found in both wild-caught fisheries and aquaculture, although aquaculture production has increased significantly in recent decades, especially in countries like Thailand, India, and Bangladesh.

Characteristics:

  • This shrimp can reach impressive sizes, growing up to 36 cm in length and weighing up to 650 grams.
  • Its characteristic coloring with dark bands along the body makes it easily recognizable.
  • It is considered more robust and has a stronger flavor than other shrimp species.

Commercial Importance:

The Black Tiger Shrimp is one of the most valuable species in the international seafood trade, especially in premium markets that seek large shrimp. However, its production has declined in some areas due to its higher susceptibility to diseases compared to other species like Litopenaeus vannamei.

Geographic Distribution:

Native to the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to Southeast Asia, this shrimp is widely farmed in Asia and Australia. Its presence in wild-caught fisheries is concentrated in the Indo-Pacific region.

Name Differences:

The name “Black Tiger Shrimp” is more common in American markets, while “Giant Tiger Prawn” is used in regions that follow British English or in parts of Asia and Australia. Both names refer to the same species (Penaeus monodon). Like vannamei, Penaeus monodon was initially classified under Penaeus, but this name has remained more stable and has not changed in modern scientific usage.

Distinctive Characteristics:

  • It is the largest shrimp species in the trade and one of the most prized for its size and intense flavor.
  • Unlike Litopenaeus vannamei, which is more resilient, Penaeus monodon is more prone to diseases in aquaculture, leading to a decline in production in some regions.
  • Although it is less common in aquaculture than vannamei, it is considered a premium product in many markets due to its size.

 

SHRIMP SPECIES

BLAND SHELL

“Soft shell” refers to the soft or pliable texture of the shrimp’s exoskeleton, which can be caused by stress or the natural process of the shrimp’s size change.
During this period, the shrimp is in a vulnerable state due to the fragility of its developing exoskeleton. After completing this process, which can last from 3 to 4 days, the shrimp acquires a new, harder exoskeleton and returns to its normal texture.
It is crucial to handle soft shell shrimp carefully to avoid damage and ensure they have adequate conditions to successfully complete the molting process.
This includes providing a stable and stress-free environment during this critical period of growth and development.

SHRIMP DEFECTS

BULK CARRIER

A type of ship used to transport unpackaged bulk cargo, such as grains, minerals, or liquid bulk (e.g., oil, chemicals).

SHIPPING AND LOGISTICS

BULK PACKAGING

Commonly used for wholesale distribution or foodservice purposes. It typically involves larger quantities of products packed in bags, boxes, or containers suitable for transportation and storage. Bulk packaging can vary in size and materials, depending on the specific needs of the customer or market.

PACKAGING AND LABELING

BYCATCH

The term “Bycatch” refers to the incidental capture of non-target or unwanted species during fishing operations. This is a significant concern in the fishing industry due to its impact on marine ecosystems and the sustainability of fish populations. Here are some key aspects related to the term “Bycatch”:

  1. Incidental Capture: Bycatch occurs when species of fish, seafood, or other organisms that are not the primary target of fishing are captured. These unwanted species are often discarded, resulting in significant marine resource wastage.
  2. Environmental Impact: Bycatch can have a negative impact on marine ecosystems. The capture of non-target species can affect other species, including those that are threatened or endangered, and damage sensitive marine habitats.
  3. Sustainability: Reducing Bycatch is essential for promoting sustainability in fishing. Regulations and management practices are implemented to minimize incidental capture and conserve fish populations.
  4. Selective Fishing Methods: To address the issue of Bycatch, more selective fishing methods are developed and used, such as modified trawl nets and Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs), which allow the release of non-target species caught in the nets.
  5. Importance of Research: Ongoing research is crucial for better understanding the Bycatch issue and developing effective solutions. This includes data collection on incidental catches and assessing their impact on fish populations and the marine ecosystem.
  6. Regulations and Standards: Many countries and international organizations have implemented regulations and standards to address Bycatch and promote sustainable fishing. This includes catch limits, minimum size requirements, and closed areas.
  7. Reduction and Avoidance: Fishermen and the fishing industry work closely to develop practices that reduce or avoid Bycatch whenever possible, thus contributing to the conservation of marine resources.
  8. Comprehensive Management: Comprehensive fisheries management focuses on balancing the exploitation of target species with the protection of non-target species and the marine ecosystem as a whole.

In summary, Bycatch represents a significant challenge in the fishing industry and requires ongoing efforts to minimize its impact on marine ecosystems and promote sustainable fishing practices.

FARMING PRACTICES

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