Shrimp Farming Regulation in Panama

A dinner favorite, shrimp is grown on farms like vegetables.

When farms come to mind, we imagine rolling acres of corn and other vegetables and fruits. But over the past few decades, countries such as Panama have been expanding agriculture into the water. Most seafood, including shrimp, were farmed before ending up on a plate.

History

Panama's most cultivated species is shrimp.

In 1972, Panama's government increased the country's aquaculture programs, creating more fish farms to encourage better and more nutritious diets, especially for rural populations. Whiteleg shrimp farms and hatcheries were first introduced in Panama in 1974. Shrimp farming has created more than 4,000 jobs for Panamanians and is the main cultivated species in the country.

Government Regulations

Shrimp farmers in boats like this abide by Panama's regulations.

Shrimp farming does not come without some regulations. First, the state has to issue land for any proposed farms. The farms also must follow the General Law of the Environment, which "presents the principles and basic regulations for protection, preservation and recovery of the environment." In February 1998 the Maritime Authority of Panama was created to oversee most farming regulations, including the protection of national interests. It also has the authority to create rates or mandatory obligations for any services given through the aquaculture department. Regulations also protect farmers in the event of a natural disaster.

Types of Shrimp Farms

Most of the main shrimp farmers still use the lowest-stocked farms with lesser technology.

Several kinds of shrimp farms can be found in Panama: extensive, semi-intensive, intensive and super-intensive. Each category represents how the farms are stocked--a higher degree means a smaller farm but better technology and production times. Now, most farms built are either semi-intensive or intensive; most of the world's shrimp comes from extensive farms, including farms in Panama and other central American countries.

References

• FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Panama
• Shrimp News International