Current Status of Pacific White Shrimp Farming in Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia

Abstract The shrimp farming industry in Bali encompasses a range of systems, from non-industrialized to highly industrialized ponds, each with varying environmental impacts. Despite the considerable growth of shrimp productivity in Bali, there remains a crucial need for comprehensive information about shrimp farming, particularly in Karangasem Regency. This prompted a detailed study of shrimp farming techniques in Karangasem, Bali, aimed at providing essential insights for farmers, government authorities, and other stakeholders to develop strategies to enhance farm productivity and environmental sustainability. The study involved an in-depth examination of 10 shrimp farms in Karangasem Regency, consisting of three intensive and seven super-intensive farms. The ponds ranged from 800-1,300 m2 for intensive farming to 850-2,300 m2 for super-intensive farming. Shrimp stocking density varied from 140-230 ind m−2 for intensive ponds to 330-390 ind m−2 for super-intensive ponds, with partial and total harvest practices. Notably, there were significant discrepancies in water quality characteristics between intensive and super-intensive ponds, notably in pH, alkalinity, and Total Vibrio Count. Moreover, shrimps cultured in superintensive ponds exhibited higher levels of necrosis in the hepatopancreas and gregarine in the intestine, potentially attributed to the Vibriosis outbreak in superintensive ponds. It is noteworthy that, despite these challenges, super-intensive ponds showcased higher final weight (13.8-20.7 g ind−1) and survival rate (81-92%) compared to intensive ponds (13.1-16.6 g ind−1; 80-90%). Effective disease management practices in super-intensive ponds mitigated the impact of diseases on shrimp survival rate. These findings underscore the potential for developing the super-intensive system in Karangasem Regency, emphasizing the promising future of shrimp farming in the region.