Coastal Aquaculture and Mariculture (2+1)

6.1.4. Considerations and Site selection

Unit 6 - Culture of Crustaceans

6.1.4. Considerations for the choice of technology

The choice of technology depends on the following considerations:

• Availability and type of sites
• Nature and source of water
• Commitment to farm management
• Availability of finance.

Site selection
This is one of the most important steps in the development of successful farm. The following criteria should be taken into consideration while locating a shrimp farm

1. Estuarine water of high quality and natural productivity should be available.
2. The area should be free from pollution.
3. Flood risk should be low
4. Site should be of suitable elevation to drain and fill the ponds whenever required.
5. The soil should be clay or clay loam.
6. Soil pH should be >6. Acid sulphate soils should be avoided.
7. Electricity supply should be easily available
8. Cheap labour should be available
9. All weather road and transportation facilities are required.
10. Availability of year round seed and feed and other essential supplies is a necessity.
11. Proximity to processing facilities will be an advantage.
12. Existing farms in the vicinity should be assessed to discover potential problems.
13. Water should be of optimum quality as follows:

    Parameter	Optimum level
    Dissolved oxygen	>3.5mg/L
    Temperature	26-30oC
    Salinity	10-25ppt.
    Total ammonia	<1.0ppm
    Total nitrate Nitrogen	<1.0ppm
    Sulphide	<0.003ppm
    pH	6.8-8.7
    BOD	<10ppm
    COD	<70ppm
    Secchi disc visibility	>25cm