Currently, the U.S. shrimp farming industry is poorly understood. With the unique opportunities for growing high-quality shrimp in the U.S., a better understanding of the status and the research needs of the industry may help drive forward progress in this sector. More specifically, if issues such as the number of farms, quantity of shrimp produced, production techniques used, and problems or limitations shrimp farms are facing were better understood, this information could be used by universities and government agencies to assist farmers in developing and growing their businesses.
For this project, we created, disseminated, and compiled the results of a survey of U.S. shrimp farmers to gather data to describe the U.S. shrimp farming industry. First, a candidate participant list was compiled through internet searches, existing lists from Kentucky State University (KSU) extension activities, and other sources. We then developed and pilot-tested a multi-modal survey tool (written – U.S. Mail, electronic – Survey Monkey online, and voice – through phone calls). We developed promotional materials, advertised the survey in industry newsletters, and contacted potential participants to garner support. Once we received responses, the data was compiled, cleaned, coded, validated, and analyzed.
After at least two attempts to contact everyone on our list, there were 31 refusals and 36 responses to our survey (a response rate of 54%). The majority of farmers had been growing shrimp for between 1 and 5 years (42%), while 26% had been farming for 5 to 10 years, 13% had been growing shrimp for 10 to 20 years, 13% more than 20 years, and only 7% for less than one year. Most farmers grew shrimp for food production (90%), although 20 and 23% grew broodstock and post larvae, respectively. Forty percent of respondents stated that their operation was not profitable over the last 12 months, although just as many stated they were somewhat or moderately profitable. T he majority (63%) stated that they expected to be somewhat to very profitable in the next five years. Half of the farmers used a biofloc system, 26% used a hybrid system, and very few used flow through or clear-water RAS. 70% used swimming pools or above-ground raceways , and 60% had their systems in a closed, insulated building. 72% said that consistent availability was extremely important regarding post-larvae and 68% said post-larvae hardiness was extremely important. Other question topics included water quality issues, filtration and water treatment, biosecurity, disease problems, marketing aspects, and extension needs. The survey results demonstrate that the U.S. shrimp farming industry has a diverse set of objectives, concerns, and needs. These data will be used to guide research, extension, and policy objectives in the coming years, with the intention of helping grow the industry. Thank you to our funding source, APHIS-NAHMS, and thank you to the participants who shared information with us.