Preface

Preface

S hrimp farming is an evolving sector of agriculture that creates important economic

opportunities in many rural communities plagued by under and unemployment. This
water farming practice relies on the wise and responsible use of coastal natural
resources and habitats. The long-term, local success of shrimp farming is also influenced
by global market forces, consumer preferences and international food safety standards.
Advances depend on accessibility of critical research, educational and laboratory ser-
vices. Supportive policy, regulation and infrastructure at national and regional levels help
creative a conducive business atmosphere. Today's challenges in shrimp farming partic-
ularly impact small and medium producers because they are the least likely to benefit
from, or have access to, the above mentioned elements that are preconditions for long-
term viability of a natural resource based activity.

In October, 1998, Hurricane Mitch caused extensive damage in several countries in

Central America, in particular, Honduras and Nicaragua. In response to the widespread
losses, the United States Congress appropriated funds to provide assistance in rebuil-
ding damaged infrastructure and services in affected countries, with particular attention
to Honduras and Nicaragua, where damage was most severe. Some funds were extend-
ed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
through an interagency agreement with the U.S. Agency for International Development
(USAID).

Shrimp farming was one of numerous sectors in agriculture identified for Hurricane Mitch
reconstruction support based in part on a needs assessment conducted by a USDA-FAS
team. USDA responded with development of the Integrated Regional Shrimp Farming
Support Program led by the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and
Extension Service and partner U.S. Land Grant universities with expertise and experi-
ence in areas identified as priorities by diverse stakeholders in Mitch Hurricane-affected
countries.

This publication is a contribution from the USDA Integrated Regional Shrimp Farming
Support Program and was developed by a coordinated effort involving multi-disciplinary
expertise from a partnership alliance of seven U.S. universities. Each chapter address-
es topics relevant to the long-term development of shrimp farming linked to sound farm-
level management decisions that impact the environment, product quality and safety,
profitability, and more. The chapters correspond to training modules presented in a relat-
ed program component directed at training-the-trainers in Honduras and Nicaragua. The
manual and related in-country training programs were designed to strengthen extension
outreach capabilities to primarily benefit small and medium shrimp producers. Other pro-

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gram components enhanced disease diagnostic and water quality testing services in
Honduras and Nicaragua.

The manual provides technical and science-based information and state-of-art know-
ledge that can be shared and disseminated broadly to benefit many persons associated
with shrimp farming in Central America. The text was reviewed by multi-institutional con-
sultative groups in Honduras and Nicaragua and underwent further peer review by con-
tributing authors and other experts in the field. The manual is a reference for readers from
which they can derive new knowledge and gain new skills to improve farming practices
and management decisions that promote successful businesses and integration of pro-
duction systems into sensitive, coastal ecosystems. We are especially pleased that the
manual is published in both English and Spanish languages.

Many individuals too numerous to mention by name deserve special thanks and appre-
ciation for their contributions to this unique reference and in-country training activities. In
particular, the individuals and teams associated with Auburn University, Texas A&M
University, University of Arizona, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, University of Florida,
University of Hawaii at Hilo, the Coastal Resources Center/University of Rhode Island
and Ecocostas (Ecuador) are acknowledged for their contributions to the shrimp sector
through this medium.

Special gratitude is also owed to USDA's institutional partners, the National Association
of Aquaculturists of Honduras (ANDAH) in Honduras, and the Center for Aquatic
Ecosystems Research / Central American University in Nicaragua (CIDEA-UCA), both of
which played significant roles in all in-country training activities. USDA's consultative
groups in both countries guided all program activities and provided critical in-country
assistance. The USDA-FAS field managers were instrumental in facilitating all technical
assistance and training visits by USDA program team members. And lastly, Dr. Maria
Haws is commended for her leadership in directing all aspects of planning, developing
and publishing this manual.

Gary Jensen Ph.D., Coordinator and Program Manager Integrated Regional Shrimp
Farming Support Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service

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