The greenhouse method involves
enclosing the pond in thermal plastic, which raises the
water temperature thus protecting the shrimp from
outbreaks of white spot virus, according to El Universo.
Experiments with this method
began in 2001, in the Taura region of southern Guayaquil
Gulf. Cenaim now has three greenhouses in their third
production cycle.
The equipment, including
the metal structure supporting the plastic cover, tanks
for oxygenating the water, suction pumps, filters and fuel
cost around USD 20,000 altogether, with estimated
production at 14,000 pounds per hectare.
At the Taura centre, Cenaim
uses 11,000 square meters of thermal plastic, which
intensifies the light and raises water temperature to 33
degrees Centigrade.
The only problem associated
with this method is the investment of USD 20,000 - four
times as much as traditional methods. The plastic alone
accounts for 45 per cent of the total cost.
This is what puts the
sector off using this method, because credit facilities
aren't available to raise the necessary finance, says
National Aquaculture Council leader Sandro Coglitore.
By Edgar Alberto Ríos
FIS Latino
