The study was conducted to assess key factors influencing suspected white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) disease and associated shrimp production and economic performance in three contrasting black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) culture technologies promoted by the United States Agency for International Development funded Shrimp Quality Support Project (SQSP) in Bangladesh. A total of 350 traditional, 315 Modified Traditional Technol-ogy1 (MTT1), 36 MTT2 and 88 Closed System Technology (CST) farmers from 10 sub-districts in three districts of Khulna division were surveyed following random sampling at the end of the project. Binomial probit regression analysis revealed that smaller newly constructed ponds (known locally as gher) were less susceptible to WSSV, provided aquatic weeds were controlled using chemicals. Removal of sludge from ghers also had a positive effect, irrespective of technology and location. It was also shown that stocking of screened shrimp postlarvae (PL) does not guarantee protection against WSSV (t = 1.39, P > 0.05). Higher shrimp production was obtained by farmers practicing CST, followed by those operating MTTs and traditional technology respectively. Farmers who adopted CST also gained higher profitability followed by those operating MTT1, MTT2 and traditional technology.
Longitudinal studies in southeastern Cambodia of three different areas with differing water regimes indicated that the average amount of fish and other aquatic animals caught in rice fields and surrounding areas was over 380 kg per household per year-1. The amount varied significantly (P<0.001) between areas with better (mean 604 kg) and poorer (mean 158 kg) water resources. Despite this trend, the annual consumption of 37 kg per person and the amount of fish purchased annually did not vary significantly between the different areas. The amount of fish sold, however, increased almost tenfold between water-poor and water-rich areas, 34 and 356 kg, respectively. This suggests that the desirable level of per caput fish consumption in these areas is around 37 kg and most households will attain this one way or another. The value of the ricefield catch was on average over 80% of that of the rice harvest, though this varied significantly between areas with differing water resources. It can be argued that a one-third increase in rice production would be detrimental if it reduced local fish catches by 40% or more. Aquaculture is often promoted to fill the gap between declining fish production from natural sources and the increasing demand from the growing populations. We argue that this is a gross over-simplification, as sustainable management of the ricefield fishery and associated resources needs to be high on the national agenda for many countries such as Cambodia. This important resource should feature in any agricultural and infrastructure development initiatives aimed at addressing rural food security and helping the rural poor.
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