PELAKITA.ID – Ecuador has emerged as one of the world’s leading shrimp producers, with farming areas widely distributed along its coastal regions.
In 2021, national shrimp production exceeded 1.6 million metric tons, with approximately 1 million metric tons allocated for export. Total shrimp exports reached around 848,000 metric tons, reinforcing Ecuador’s strategic position in the global shrimp market.
The shrimp industry in Ecuador is supported by strong participation from multinational aquaculture companies, including BioMar, Cargill, ADM, and Skretting, alongside suppliers of genetics, probiotics, and aquatic animal health products.
These companies operate extensive field-based technical support systems, contributing to productivity gains and consistent product quality.
Evolution of Shrimp Farming Practices
Over the past decade, Ecuador’s shrimp farming systems have undergone significant transformation. Prior to 2010, production was largely extensive and low-input. Today, farming practices reflect a more structured, technology-driven approach.
Key developments include:
-
Cropping cycles increasing from 1–2 cycles per year to 4.5–6.5 cycles per year
-
Transition from single-step culture to three-step farming systems (nursery → pre-growout → growout)
-
Replacement of manual feeding practices with automatic feeders equipped with acoustic sensors
-
Stocking densities rising moderately, with semi-intensive systems reaching up to 40 shrimp/m²
-
Shift from manual to mechanized harvesting
-
Annual productivity increasing from approximately 10 tons/ha/year to as high as 78 tons/ha/year
-
Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) improving from 1.4–1.5 to 1.1–1.2
Ecuador’s shrimp sector now operates across conventional, organic, and semi-intensive systems, supplying major markets including China, the United States, the European Union, and South Korea.
Large-Scale Farm Operations: Santa Priscila Group (AMLSA)
One of Ecuador’s major producers is Santa Priscila Group (AMLSA), the country’s second-largest shrimp company. The group manages approximately 3,000 hectares of shrimp farms across three locations.
At its Laguna Central Farm, production is divided among conventional, organic, and semi-intensive systems. The farm achieves an average of 4.5 production cycles per year, with some ponds reaching 6.5 cycles annually.
Shrimp are cultured using a three-step system and typically harvested at 25–30 grams within 70–75 days.
A notable feature of production is the use of automatic feeding systems integrated with acoustic sensors. These sensors detect feeding activity through the sounds produced by shrimp maxillipeds.
After an initial calibration period of 10–15 days, feed distribution is automatically adjusted to shrimp appetite, improving feed efficiency and minimizing waste.
Key production parameters include:
Pond size: 7–10 hectares
Water depth: approximately 1.5 meters
Salinity: 18–25 ppt (seasonal)
Water exchange: 20–30% per day
Production: up to 78 tons/ha/year
FCR: 1.1–1.2
Water supply is largely gravity-fed from adjacent lagoons. Energy requirements are met primarily through diesel-powered generators, supported by fuel subsidies, although rising fuel costs are encouraging consideration of alternative energy sources.
Production Systems and Harvesting Practices
-
Organic systems operate at lower stocking densities of 18–20 shrimp/m², with strict limitations on chemical inputs and intensive daily health monitoring.
-
Conventional systems stock 7–10 shrimp/m², prioritizing production stability and consistent quality.
-
Semi-intensive systems stock up to 40 shrimp/m², supported by increased aeration, automated feeding, and close health surveillance.
Harvesting generally takes place at 70–75 days of culture. Shrimp are immediately chilled to 2°C using a 1:1 shrimp-to-ice ratio to maintain freshness and delay rigor mortis prior to processing.
Broodstock Development and Hatchery Systems
Broodstock development is a critical component of Ecuador’s shrimp industry. Selected high-quality shrimp are sourced from grow-out ponds and reared at low densities for an additional 60–70 days until reaching 40–45 grams.
These broodstock candidates undergo laboratory screening before inclusion in breeding programs.
Hatcheries are typically located away from grow-out farming areas to maintain high biosecurity standards. Post-larvae are generally produced up to PL14, ensuring strong performance and survival during pond stocking.
Research Institutions and Processing Capacity
Ecuador’s shrimp sector is supported by advanced research facilities, including the National Marine Research Center (SENAIM).
The institution focuses on breeding programs, marine species culture, and value-added product development. Its laboratories cover molecular biology, microbiology, and histopathology, supporting both research and commercial services.
Shrimp processing plants in Ecuador operate at industrial scale, with capacities reaching up to 800 tons per day. Products include head-on, headless, IQF, and value-added shrimp, primarily destined for the United States, China, Spain, and France.
Lessons and Comparative Insights
Since the late 1970s, Ecuador’s shrimp industry has experienced multiple cycles of crisis and recovery. Its current performance is underpinned by several key factors:
-
Farm-raised and selectively bred broodstock
-
Reliable and abundant water resources
-
Three-step farming systems
-
Moderate stocking densities (≤40 shrimp/m²)
-
Automation and data-driven feeding strategies
-
Strong communication and knowledge-sharing within the industry
Comparisons with shrimp-producing countries such as India and Indonesia highlight Ecuador’s strengths in crop frequency, pond size, automation, and overall productivity.
While smaller ponds and manual feeding systems remain common in parts of Asia, Ecuador’s large ponds combined with sensor-based automation enable higher annual yields and lower feed conversion ratios.
Conclusion
Ecuador’s shrimp farming model demonstrates how technological integration, adaptive management, and structured production systems can drive long-term productivity and sustainability.
The country’s experience provides valuable insights for shrimp-producing nations seeking to improve efficiency, resilience, and competitiveness in the global seafood market.