Government Studies Causes of Dwindling Shrimp Hauls

According to daily newspaper Notcias, Ivone Lichucha also said that in the first half 1,800 tons were caught by the industrial and semi-industrial fishing fleet and around 896 tons by the artisanal fleet, which is a significant drop on the amounts hauled in 2011, reports MacauHub.

Compared to the targets set for this year the shrimp caught so far accounts for 33 per cent of expected hauls by the industrial fleet and 43 per cent by the artisanal fleet.

By the end of the year no great improvements are expected given that the peak of shrimp production is, for the commercial fleet, in the first half, noted Lichucha adding that if there were improvements they would be in the artisanal sector, which fishes almost throughout the year.

Lichucha said that the study carried out by the Institute for Fishing Research would determine the causes of low hauls as well the cause of fewer-than-expected fishing vessels receiving licenses and even some that received licenses not putting out to sea.

In relation to the appearance of white spot syndrome, Lichucha gave assurances that it was under control and was not a danger to exports, as it had only been found in one shrimp farm. (macauhub)