Development of a small scale semi-intensive prawn hatchery and its role in the development of brakishwater prawn farming in Orissa

Abstract

To develop a continuous seed production technology, particularly of Penaeus monodon, which has maximum demand in brackishwater culture system, a small scale hatchery was designed at Purl Centre In l984-'85 under a semi-intensive system and operated using recirculated water through a biological filtration system. The details of hatchery lay out, tanks, filters, water and air systems, maintenance of breeders, and feeds are given. The system is semi-intensive in the sense that developed feeds were used and salinity and pH were controlled to suit the hatchery needs. The problems encountered in the hatchery such as spawner availability, transportation stress, impact of environmental factors, water quality etc are discussed. The system and its cost of management are brought out with a view towards its suitability as a small scale operation under Indian conditions.