Crustacean Farming: Ranching and Culture

John F. Wickins and Daniel O'C Lee.

The second edition of an extremely well-received book, Crustacean Farming, deals with all cultivated crustaceans of commercial significance, shrimp, prawns, crayfish, lobsters, crabs, and spiny lobsters, and examines the criteria by which both the feasibility and desirability of farming proposals are assessed. The characteristics and production methods of farmed and candidate crustacean species are described in sufficient detail to enable areas of profitable involvement to be distinguished form other opportunities presenting only very high risks and possibilities for serious loss. Coverage extends right from broodstock acquisition and management through to the operation of hatcheries, nurseries and on-growing units to key aspects of processing and marketing. New to this second edition are ranching and re-stocking operations together with the culture of ornamental shrimp and small crustaceans used as live food in fish and shellfish hatcheries. The sections on crustacean diseases, genetics and nutrition have been extended in the light of recent research advances.

Examples of investment and operating costs of the different culture options are compared and an analysis of current trends in world crustacean markets is presented to assist in economic and financial appraisal.

Special consideration is given to the place of crustacean farming within the economics of developing nations in relation to social and environmental impact in order to promote awareness of the wider implications of global developments.

The consequences of recent research and technical developments are considered, together with concerns over genetic and animal welfare issues. Specific areas where further advances in technology are needed to improve the reliability or productivity of farming systems are highlighted. This important book is a vital tool and reference work for all those involved with crustacean farming worldwide.

The Authors

John Wickins graduated in zoology at Southampton University in 1966. He then led research programmes on crustacean biology. Culture, recirculation systems and artificial habitats at the Conwy Laboratory of the Centre for Fisheries, Environment and Aquaculture Science (formerly Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food) until the laboratory was closed in December 1999. Before taking early retirement, he was an honorary lecturer at the Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, and travelled widely on short-term advisory and assessment mission related to crustacean aquaculture.

Belfast-born Dan Lee became involved in commercial crustacean aquaculture in South America, initially as a biologist in Semacua, the first penaeid shrimp hatchery in Ecuador, and later as designer and technical manager of another Ecuadorian hatchery, Macrobio. Originally a graduate in zoology and marine biology at the University of Wales, Bangor, he returned to North Wales after five years and then worked on a series of shrimp hatchery and farm projects in Asia and Africa in the roles of research assistant, consultant and manger. He went on to gain MSc in project analysis, finance and investment at the University of York and remains active in commercial shrimp farming, currently from a base in the Caribbean.

Keywords: TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING / Fisheries & Aquaculture TEC049000