Shrimp Farming in Texas: Protecting our Natural Resources

Aquaculture is the process of breeding, raising, and harvesting aquatic animals in different settings like tanks, raceways, ponds, or the open ocean. Shrimp is one of the most important species cultured in aquaculture with a production of 5.6 million metric tons globally in 2023. The Pacific White shrimp (Litopenaeus vanammei) is the number one shrimp species used in aquaculture; 80% of the shrimp produced globally in 2023 was Pacific White shrimp according to Global Seafood Alliance. Since the 1980s, Texas has been ranked as the number one shrimp producing state in the US, producing 2 million pounds in 2023 (Figure 1). One concern with Pacific White shrimp aquaculture is that the species is not native to Texas, which makes it an exotic species. Introducing non-native species could pose potential threats to native species as well as the environment. To address this threat, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Exotic Species Inspection Program ensures shrimp farms take the necessary precautions to prevent the escape of these animals into the wild or the spread of potential diseases they may carry. TPWD shrimp inspectors routinely visit the different shrimp farms around Texas to ensure that they are producing the healthiest animals possible and that adequate escape prevention methods are in place.

In the late 80s and early 90s, the shrimp aquaculture industry exploded in Texas. There was a boom of shrimp farms across the coast, and Pacific White shrimp took front stage as it proved to be the most successful species in adapting to aquaculture environments. This species is prized by aquaculture farms for its adaptability and quick growth rates. While the industry started growing, several governmental entities began creating rules and regulations to ensure conservation and protection of Texas’ natural resources in the face of increased aquaculture activities near the coast. Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) created a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to ensure regulations of shrimp aquaculture were conducted in a manner that was (and continues to be) both collaborative and responsible. TPWD started the Exotic Species Inspection program to regulate Texas aquaculture farms engaged in the culture of non-native species. Only two species of non-native shrimp can be cultured in Texas, the Pacific White shrimp and the Pacific Blue shrimp (Litopenaeus stylirostris). Some geographic restrictions apply to the Pacific Blue shrimp, but the Pacific White shrimp can be cultured in most places in Texas. Species introduced to new environments can become invasive, leading to impacts and risks to native species and their habitats. Another issue of non-native introductions to new habitats is that they can bring diseases that can severely impact native animals. Over the years, the global shrimp farming industry has suffered disease outbreaks that affected their product negatively. Symptoms of shrimp diseases include lethargy, decreased growth, black or white spots and even high mortality rates. Some of the most important diseases of concern are White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV), Taura Syndrome Virus (TSV), or Yellow Head Virus (YHV). An outbreak of any disease can cause huge losses for shrimp farmers but can also be detrimental to natural resources if diseases escape beyond the confines of the farm. Native crustacean species can be negatively affected if they encounter a new virus. Through the Exotic Species Inspection Program, TPWD attempts to minimize the risk of diseases and escape into Texas’ bays and estuaries.

Several strict measures are taken to ensure introduction of exotic species is minimized and hopefully eliminated. Shrimp farms must follow specific rules that prevent the escape of shrimp. For example, farms must have at least three screens in place between the ponds and public waters and they need reasonable security. They must also be located above the 100-year floodplain and the shrimp must be tested regularly for diseases. Only after a farm demonstrates it can meet these requirements, are they issued an exotic species permit allowing them to culture Pacific White shrimp. The only shrimp allowed to be cultured are specific pathogen free (SPF) shrimp, meaning they have been evaluated and determined to be free of all diseases of concern by a department approved pathologist. Once the animals have tested negative for diseases they can be stocked or transported to permitted facilities.

Shrimp are inspected at least twice during their entire grow-out period by TPWD inspectors, who travel to aquaculture operations to monitor the ponds in real time. Also, every time a farm wants to discharge water or harvest shrimp, they must be inspected to ensure that the animals are disease-free. During the inspections, there are several specific characteristics inspectors look at to determine if there is something wrong with the shrimp. Physical characteristics of the shrimp can determine if an animal is infected with a disease, these include erratic swimming, emaciation, empty gut, and gross pathology (physical symptoms of disease). The excessive presence of birds around the pond can also be indicative of an ailing shrimp population. Once the shrimp are determined to be healthy by the inspector, the farm has a 14-day window to resume water discharge activities and/or harvest the shrimp. If that time passes, another inspection will be required prior to water discharges or shrimp harvesting. With all these safeguards in place, the department becomes comfortable that threats to Texas’ natural resources have been minimized.

None of the diseases that TPWD tests for are harmful to humans, but they can be devastating to other crustaceans, including wild shrimp and crab populations. For this reason, the use of imported or farm raised exotic shrimp for bait is prohibited in Texas. Only shrimp harvested from the Gulf of Mexico can be used as bait in Texas. Overall, Texas aquaculture production has been a great commodity for the state by providing jobs and reducing the pressure on the harvest of wild resources. The Exotic Species Inspection Program plays a crucial role in making sure this valuable industry can continue to operate safely and without posing serious threats to Texas’ natural resources. You can find Texas farm raised, environmentally friendly aquaculture products in most grocery stores and markets.