Reviving the Philippine shrimp industry: molecular diagnostics and therapeutics

Abstract

In 1994, the Philippines was one of the top three producers in shrimp aquaculture, reaching a peak of 91MT. However, diseases caused a rapid decline in shrimp production, down to less than 50MT in 1997, and the Philippine status in shrimp aquaculture production has dwindled to the 13 th spot. Production has not yet recovered and stabilized, as these diseases still plague the industry up to this day. The strict implementation of importation laws for broodstock and better management practices helped the industry to make up for losses, and is now starting to revive. The scientific community is doing its part to hasten this process, shrimp research is of consistent interest to several research institutions providing deeper understanding regarding viral and bacterial diseases and their interactions with the host. However, the challenge remains as to how research can be translated and applied in the field, to provide the shrimp industry with science-based management strategies. This review provides a balance of both basic and applied research with the ultimate goal of reaching out to the industry through useful and beneficial knowledge together with simpler and costeffective detection methods and alternative, effective immunostimulants.