This SBIR Phase I Project focuses on mass production of triploid marine shrimp. Marine shrimp culture experienced exponential growth between 1980 and 1990, increasing from 5% to 28% of total world production. Since then, farmed shrimp production has stagnated due to disease and water quality problems. Disease problems are largely due to dependence on wild caught shrimp broodstock and seed which carry many untreatable viral diseases. A solution to this problem is closed-cycle culture using specific pathogen free (SPF) and specific disease resistant (SDR) shrimp. Closed-cycle culture also permits genetic selection for improved culture performance. To protect a seed producer's investments in SPF, SDR and genetic selection, it is highly desirable to sell only sterile seed. Triploidy is a possible solution since triploids of other species are typically sterile but may exhibit superior culture characteristics. In addition, use of sterile triploids allows use of exotic shrimp species in environmentally sensitive culture areas where exclusion of exotics is a consideration. We propose to develop means of mass production of triploid, Mexican whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) and giant tiger prawn (P. monodon) seed. Initial emphasis will be on tetraploidy induction. A successful outcome of our R&D effort will result in significant changes in marine shrimp culture. First, it will help stimulate large-scale investment in SPF, SDR, genetic selection and closed-cycle shrimp culture. Secondly, it will help create opportunities to expand use of exotic shrimp species into environmentally sensitive culture areas. Our company intends to be at the forefront of these opportunities.
