SEAFDEC/AQD stocks over 1M shrimp postlarvae for intensive culture study

The Southeast Asian Fisheries and Development Center Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) stocked more than 1 million whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) postlarvae on 22 June 2026 at its Dumangas Brackishwater Station in Iloilo.

The activity forms part of a research project which aims to determine the effects of two stocking densities on shrimp growth, survival, production performance, and profitability. The study also seeks to assess whether whiteleg shrimp can be cultured successfully within a shorter production cycle using high-density polyethylene (HDPE)-lined ponds.

A total of four ponds, with an average size of about 6,500 square meters, were used. Two ponds were stocked with 50 postlarvae per square meter while two other ponds were stocked with 30 postlarvae per square meter.

The ponds were prepared in accordance with good aquaculture practices. They were disinfected, provided with bird scare devices, foot baths, and other biosecurity features to help reduce disease risks during culture         .

The shrimp postlarvae were also screened for diseases prior to stocking and will be regularly tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

According to SEAFDEC/AQD Chief Dan Baliao, the research is expected to generate practical information on the performance of whiteleg shrimp under intensive culture conditions in HDPE-lined brackishwater ponds.

“We want to give farmers more guidance on improving productivity and profitability, while ensuring the sustainability of shrimp farming,” he said.