While world aquaculture production of blue shrimp (Penaeus stylirostris ) is very low , its taste is much appreciated, and its requirements and performance are quite similar to those of Penaeus vannamei . In Tahiti, the lack of suitable areas has led to develop intensive shrimp farming . Thus, biofloc system made it possible to obtain average yields of 20 t/ha/year for both species. Then, blue shrimp has been targeted from its performance and after control of its year-round reproduction. L ocal specific conditions probably contributed to the absence of pathogens requiring declaration to the World Organization for Animal Health, which has been demonstrated, while an import risks analysis made it possible to protect wild and farmed French Polynesia decapod crustaceans.
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This exceptional health status and blue shrimp characteristics have strongly contributed to the performance of shrimp culture in lagoon cages. Although carried out in an oligotrophic coral reef environment, the rearing conditions, and in particular natural nutrient supply conditions, made it possible to obtain remarkable performances. Indeed, if the sites must be well chosen (oxygenation, natural contributions … ), the yields obtained in 50 m² cages are 10 to 15 kg/m² per production, at a rate of 2 to 2.5 productions per year. The average survival obtained varies from 50 to 70% depending on the season and the contribution of the natural environment. Food conversion ratio can reach 1.2 for 20g harvested shrimp. Farm-scale trials are described along with cages and rearing conditions. T his technique could allow family-scale shrimp farming in the pristine coral reef lagoons of the Pacific Islands, the profitability conditions of which are described in Tahiti’s conditions .