Glossary

Aquaculture is the practice of cultivating, breeding, and harvesting aquatic organisms in controlled aquatic environments such as ponds, tanks, or cages. It is also referred to as fish farming, aquafarming, or mariculture.

Vannamei shrimp aquaculture refers to the breeding and cultivation of shrimp in controlled environments such as ponds or farms, rather than collecting shrimp from the wild in the ocean.

Vannamei shrimp aquaculture has gained popularity due to its fast growth rate, adaptability to various environments, and global demand for high-quality shrimp. However, it is important to practice sustainable and responsible aquaculture to minimize environmental impact and ensure product quality.

Shrimp farming method carried out in highly controlled and high-density systems, using advanced techniques to maximize production.

The accidental capture of non-target species, such as sea turtles or fish, during shrimp fishing or aquaculture.

Shrimp that are raised in shrimp farms rather than harvested in the wild.

In the context of shrimp, “harvest” refers to the process of collecting or gathering shrimp from their natural habitat or aquaculture systems for commercial purposes. Shrimp are typically harvested when they have reached the desired size and quality for consumption or further processing.

The process of collecting mature shrimp from ponds or farming systems for commercialization or processing.

Hatchery is a facility where Vannamei shrimp larvae are hatched and raised under controlled conditions before being transferred to grow-out ponds. Ecuador has hatcheries that produce Vannamei shrimp post-larvae for the aquaculture industry.

Rearing and cultivation of shrimp larvae in controlled facilities until they reach the postlarval stage. Mariculture: Cultivation of shrimp and other aquatic organisms in marine or coastal environments, such as estuaries or bays.

“Nauplio” or “Nauplius” refers to the larval stage of shrimp, including Vannamei shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). After hatching from eggs, shrimp larvae go through several developmental stages, and the nauplius stage is one of the earliest stages in their life cycle.

Initial phase of shrimp farming where shrimp are raised in small tanks or ponds before being transferred to larger grow-out areas.