Aquaculture Knowledge Hub

A practical guide to choosing healthier post-larvae, checking documents and reducing avoidable risk before stocking.

In shrimp farming, stocking day often feels like the real beginning of a crop. In practice, important decisions have already been made before the seed reaches the pond. The hatchery source, health status, transport condition, seed uniformity and the way the farmer checks the batch all influence the starting point of the crop.

A low seed price can look attractive when production costs are rising. But the right comparison is not only price per post-larva (PL). It is the quality and health information available, the reliability of the supplier, the condition of the seed on arrival and the risk the farmer is accepting.

Start with a traceable source

Buy seed from a registered hatchery permitted to supply the species and seed type being stocked. Ask for hatchery details, batch information and health-test documents relevant to that batch. MPEDA’s Better Management Practices recommend sourcing healthy seed from approved or registered hatcheries and avoiding wild seed or poorly managed nursery sources.

SPF means Specific Pathogen Free for the pathogens covered by the relevant certification and testing system. It does not mean shrimp are protected from every disease or that the crop is guaranteed to succeed. Pond preparation, biosecurity, water quality and feeding still matter.

Ask for evidence, not only assurance

Confirm the hatchery and supplier identity; request batch-specific health screening or PCR reports, including the date, laboratory and pathogens tested; verify that the report relates to the batch supplied; and retain the invoice, batch details and transport information.

Observe the seed and transport condition

When seed arrives, look for reasonably uniform size, active swimming, a responsive reaction to movement and no obvious abnormal appearance or excessive dead or weak PL. Visual observation is useful, but it cannot confirm pathogen-free status. Health testing and source documentation remain important.

Transport stress can weaken otherwise acceptable seed. Check packaging, oxygenation, temperature management and transport duration. If there is unusual mortality, weak swimming or a major difference between bags, pause and discuss the batch with the hatchery and technical adviser rather than rushing to stock.

Do not skip acclimatisation

Transport-bag water may differ from pond water in temperature, salinity and other conditions. Sudden changes can stress the seed. Follow a suitable acclimatisation procedure advised by the hatchery or qualified technician, based on measured differences and PL condition. Cooler-hour stocking may reduce heat stress, but timing alone cannot compensate for poor water preparation or weak seed.

Connect seed quality with pond readiness

Before seed arrives, confirm pond preparation, suitable water quality, biosecurity and a stocking plan that matches the farm’s management capacity. Consider stocking density alongside aeration, water treatment or exchange arrangements, feeding, staff capability and emergency response.

Field takeaway

Seed selection is a risk-management decision, not a price-only purchase. Check the source, verify batch documents, observe the PL, manage transport and acclimatise carefully.

Pre-stocking checklist

Confirm the hatchery source; review batch-specific health documents; retain invoice and batch details; observe seed and transport; confirm pond readiness and biosecurity; agree on acclimatisation with the technical adviser; and record stocking date, quantity, pond ID and batch.

Good seed cannot guarantee a good crop. It gives the farmer a better starting point and makes later decisions easier to interpret. When stocking details are recorded from day one, the farm can compare performance across ponds and learn from evidence.

• MPEDA – Better Management Practices
• CAA – Guidelines
• FAO – Improving P. monodon hatchery practices

A practical approach to feeding decisions, tray checks, sampling, feed storage and feed conversion.

Feed is one of the largest operating costs in shrimp farming. That makes feed management more than a daily routine: it connects farm economics, shrimp growth, pond condition and waste loading. A feed chart is a useful starting point, but it cannot see what is happening in a particular pond today.

The farmer’s job is to use the chart, then check the shrimp and the pond and adjust decisions with sound technical guidance. Feeding more is not automatically the same as growing more.

Build a routine—and verify it

Use the feed manufacturer’s guidance as a starting reference, considering shrimp size, biomass estimates and the feeding system. As the crop progresses, update the estimate through regular sampling and tray observations. Avoid carrying forward yesterday’s quantity automatically when weather, oxygen, shrimp behaviour or pond condition has changed.

Treat feed trays as a management tool

Feed trays help the team observe consumption and detect changes. Interpret remaining feed together with shrimp size, pellet condition, tray placement, stocking density and pond conditions. One tray may not represent every part of a large pond, so consistent placement and checking matter.

Record quantity offered and remaining; compare trays and ponds; investigate sudden changes instead of adjusting feed blindly; and use tray observations alongside shrimp sampling, water-quality readings and health checks.

Sample shrimp regularly

Regular sampling helps estimate growth and biomass and supports better feeding decisions. Record the date, average body weight or size, sample method and shrimp condition. Compare actual growth with the farm’s plan, remembering that sampling error and uneven distribution can affect estimates.

Feed conversion ratio (FCR) is useful, but it must be interpreted correctly. A simple farm-level calculation compares feed used with biomass gained or harvested over a defined period. Keep the method consistent and include context such as survival, stocking, harvest size, crop duration and partial harvests.

Respond to pond conditions

Low dissolved oxygen, sudden weather changes, heavy rain, temperature extremes, moulting patterns, plankton instability or disease signs can change feeding behaviour. MPEDA’s BMP guidance recommends reducing feeding during conditions such as low DO, plankton crash, rainfall, temperature extremes and disease outbreaks. Check the pond and follow the farm’s technical plan.

Protect feed quality in storage

Keep feed dry, shaded and protected from rain. Store bags on pallets, away from damp floors, with room for ventilation and inspection. Rotate stock and check manufacturing dates, bag integrity, odour, moisture and pests. Keep fuel and chemicals away from feed. Record brand, batch or lot number, quantities received and used.

Do not use feed as a shortcut for medicine

Do not add antibiotics or other pharmacologically active substances unless there is a lawful, professionally directed and specifically permitted basis. Indian authorities publish restrictions and prohibitions on certain substances in coastal aquaculture. Check current CAA notices before using treatments.

Field takeaway

The best feeding decision uses the feed chart plus tray observations, shrimp sampling, water quality and health—not habit alone.

A daily feed record should capture

Pond ID and date/DOC; feed brand, batch and size; quantity offered at each feeding; tray observations and adjustments; relevant water-quality readings; weather or unusual pond observations; and the reason for major feed reduction or suspension.

Better feed management is not about cutting feed blindly. It is about reducing avoidable waste while ensuring shrimp receive appropriate nutrition for crop stage and pond conditions.

• MPEDA – Better Management Practices
• ICAR-CIBA – Shrimp culture and disease management manual
• CAA – Standards

Why regular measurements, trends and timely action matter more than judging pond water by colour alone.

Water quality is not a one-time preparation task. It changes with weather, feeding, shrimp biomass, plankton, pond-bottom condition, water source and management actions. A pond that looked stable yesterday can behave differently after a cloudy day, heavy rain or a sudden change in feed consumption.

Colour and smell can offer clues, but they are not substitutes for measurement. A consistent monitoring routine helps the farm spot a trend early, discuss it with a technician and avoid reacting to guesswork.

Measure parameters that guide decisions

Commonly monitored parameters include dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, pH, salinity, alkalinity and nitrogen-related indicators such as total ammonia nitrogen and nitrite. Frequency depends on crop stage, stocking density, system design, weather and recent pond behaviour.

Published guidance includes reference ranges, but these should not be treated as universal targets for every pond or as a substitute for current local advice. ICAR-CIBA farm record materials provide practical reference values, while regulatory guidelines set relevant environmental standards and limits.

Pay particular attention to dissolved oxygen

Dissolved oxygen can change through the day as shrimp, plankton and other organisms use oxygen while photosynthesis and aeration affect availability. Early-morning readings matter because DO can be lower after a night without sunlight. During high-risk periods, follow the farm’s monitoring plan and check at additional times as advised.

If DO falls or shrimp show abnormal behaviour, do not wait for the next routine reading. Check aerator operation and power supply, inspect shrimp behaviour and water conditions, reduce feeding when appropriate, and follow the farm’s emergency response plan. Consider the trend and shrimp condition, not one number alone.

Track pH, alkalinity and salinity together

pH can vary between morning and afternoon, particularly when plankton activity is strong. Alkalinity influences buffering capacity, while salinity changes may follow rainfall, evaporation, water exchange or source-water differences. Measuring these together provides a more useful picture than treating each value in isolation.

Avoid applying lime, minerals, probiotics or other products solely because a reading is outside a preferred range. Confirm the measurement, understand the likely cause and consult a qualified adviser about the suitable material, dose and timing.

Watch ammonia, nitrite and pond-bottom condition

Feed waste, faecal matter and other organic material contribute to nutrient loading. Poorly managed accumulation can affect bottom condition and water quality. Monitor ammonia and nitrite according to the farm’s plan, particularly when biomass and feed input increase or shrimp behaviour changes.

Check areas where feed is offered and note blackened sediment, unusual odour or other changes. Record observations and act with technical guidance. Avoid sudden, large water exchanges without assessing source quality, biosecurity risk and discharge arrangements.

Use a trend log, not scattered readings

Record date, time, pond ID, crop day and test method; enter actual readings rather than only “normal”; note rainfall, cloud cover, feed changes, aerator issues and shrimp behaviour; maintain meters as instructed; and record the action taken and whether later readings improved.

Treat water source and discharge as part of management

Reservoirs and managed intake systems can help farms control what enters a pond. Water exchange should not be an automatic response to every problem; source quality, disease conditions nearby, treatment and discharge impacts must be considered. Manage wastewater and pond sludge responsibly and follow applicable CAA guidelines.

Field takeaway

Measure, record, compare and then act. A reliable trend log gives farmers and technicians a stronger basis for decisions than colour or memory alone.

A practical daily monitoring note

Record pond ID, date and time, DO, temperature, pH, salinity, relevant additional tests, feed offered and tray observations, weather, shrimp behaviour, aeration status and action taken. The record is valuable when readings are consistent and reviewed.

• ICAR-CIBA – Shrimp culture and disease management manual
• ICAR-CIBA – Shrimp crop insurance farm record book
• CAA – Standards

Biosecurity, responsible input use, waste management and respect for people and the environment belong in everyday farm management.

Responsible shrimp farming is sometimes discussed as a certification requirement or buyer expectation. In practice, it begins with routine decisions at the farm: what enters the pond, how feed and water are managed, how inputs are used, where waste goes and how people work safely.

These practices are not separate from farm performance. Strong biosecurity can reduce exposure to disease risks; better feed management can limit waste; records make decisions easier to review; and safe, respectful working conditions support a more dependable operation.

Treat biosecurity as a daily routine

Biosecurity is more than disinfectant at the entrance. It includes selecting appropriate seed, preparing the pond correctly, screening water inlets, reducing entry of disease carriers, maintaining equipment and managing movement between ponds. A routine applied consistently is more useful than a checklist kept only for inspection.

Control access where practical; keep nets and sampling tools clean; avoid transferring equipment between ponds without suitable cleaning; use screened inlets and barriers where appropriate; keep the farm surroundings sanitary; and train staff to report abnormal shrimp behaviour.

Use inputs carefully and lawfully

Choose feed, minerals, probiotics, disinfectants and other inputs based on actual need, product quality, label directions and competent professional advice. Keep labels, invoices, batch details and use records. More products do not automatically mean better water quality or healthier shrimp.

Never use banned or prohibited antibiotics or other pharmacologically active substances. Check current CAA notices and standards because restrictions and instructions can change. Do not rely on informal advice or verbal supplier assurances where food safety or legal compliance is involved.

Reduce waste before trying to treat it

Good pond preparation, appropriate feeding, monitoring of bottom condition and careful harvest practices can reduce waste. Follow applicable requirements for wastewater and solid waste management. Avoid discharging untreated or contaminated water into freshwater bodies, agricultural land or waterways in ways that cause avoidable harm.

Plan intake and outfall arrangements responsibly. Follow the current CAA guidance for the farm type and size, and consult relevant authorities where required. Environmental safeguards help protect shared water resources and neighbouring farming communities.

Make animal-health decisions evidence-based

A sudden drop in feed consumption, unusual swimming, mortality or growth variation should trigger observation and investigation. Avoid diagnosing disease from one symptom or applying a treatment simply because another farm used it. Record signs, check water quality, seek qualified technical or laboratory support where appropriate, and follow suitable disease-management advice.

Include worker safety and dignity

A responsible farm also considers the people who keep it running. Workers need clear instructions, safe access around ponds and machinery, suitable protective equipment, clean sanitation facilities and a way to raise concerns. Training should be understandable to the people doing the work, including their language and literacy needs.

A culture of respect improves communication. When workers can report a problem early without fear of humiliation, the farm is more likely to notice equipment faults, unsafe conditions or changes in shrimp behaviour in time.

Make responsibility visible through records

Record seed source, feed use, water quality, input applications, mortality observations, treatments or interventions, harvest details and waste-management actions. These records help review the crop and provide evidence for buyers, auditors, insurers or authorities where applicable.

Field takeaway

Responsible farming is not one product, one certificate or one inspection. It is a set of daily decisions that protect shrimp health, food safety, the environment and the people involved.

A responsible-farm review

Check that biosecurity is followed; inputs are traceable and permitted; feed and water are managed to reduce waste; wastewater and solid waste are handled correctly; abnormal health signs are investigated; workers receive clear safety instructions; and records can explain key decisions.

• MPEDA – Better Management Practices
• MPEDA – SHAPHARI certification guidelines
• CAA – Guidelines

Farm records connect seed, inputs, management decisions and harvest into a reliable crop history.

Traceability is often associated with export documentation, but the foundation is built at pond level. A farm should be able to explain where seed came from, what feed and inputs were used, how the crop was managed and where the harvested shrimp went.

If this information is scattered across notebooks, invoices, phone messages and memory, it becomes difficult to answer questions quickly. A simple, consistent record system is more useful than a complicated format nobody updates.

Start with a clear identity for every pond

Use a consistent farm and pond identification system. Record registration or enrolment details relevant to the operation, pond area, crop start date, species, stocking quantity, hatchery and seed batch. If there are multiple stockings or partial harvests, make each event clear.

Keep input records linked to the crop

Record seed supplier, hatchery, batch, documents, quantity, date and pond; feed brand, size, batch or lot, quantity received and used; other inputs and their reason for use; water and pond-management readings; health observations and actions; and harvest date, quantity, buyer and sale or dispatch details.

Make records useful, not just complete

A record should answer practical questions. Did feed consumption change before growth changed? Which seed batch was stocked in this pond? What products were used before harvest? Which buyer collected the harvest? Consistent records allow the farm to compare crops and investigate differences rather than relying on memory.

Record important actions close to the time they happen. If a correction is needed, make it transparently rather than silently overwriting the original information.

Understand MPEDA enrolment and export traceability

MPEDA’s farm-enrolment information states that enrolment is used for traceability of produce from export-oriented aquaculture farms and that farms must maintain records of inputs, production and disposal or sale. Export-oriented farms should review the current enrolment process and conditions. Registration with one authority does not automatically replace every other applicable registration or enrolment.

Keep documents retrievable

Store records in organised physical files, digital folders or both. Use clear filenames and back up digital records. Keep invoices, laboratory reports, seed documents, input labels and harvest records linked to the relevant farm, pond and crop. Follow the retention period required by applicable law, buyer, scheme or programme; verify current requirements rather than relying only on an old checklist.

Traceability helps farmers as well as buyers

Good records can help review production costs, prepare for buyer questions, support an insurance discussion and identify management patterns across crops. They do not guarantee a claim, certification or export acceptance, but they make it easier to present a clear and consistent account.

Field takeaway

If a farm cannot connect its seed, inputs, crop management and harvest through records, traceability becomes difficult. Start with a simple pond record and maintain it every day.

Minimum crop file

Keep the applicable farm registration or enrolment details; pond ID, area and crop dates; seed source and health documents; feed and input records; water-quality, health and management logs; harvest quantity, buyer and sale/dispatch records; and relevant invoices, laboratory reports and correspondence.

• MPEDA Farmers – Enrolment of Farms
• MPEDA – Better Management Practices
• ICAR-CIBA – Shrimp crop insurance farm record book

Understand key regulatory touchpoints for coastal shrimp farms—and why current official guidance must be checked before major decisions.

Compliance can feel like a separate administrative job when a farmer is already managing feed, water, staff and market prices. But registration, records, input control and traceability are part of operating a reliable aquaculture business.

The exact requirements depend on location, activity, species, scale, export orientation and current regulations. This article is a practical orientation—not legal advice or a complete list of every permit that may apply.

Check Coastal Aquaculture Authority registration

The Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) states that persons carrying on coastal aquaculture must register their farm with the Authority. Its farm information describes registration as being granted for five years, with renewal available. Check the certificate, validity, approved activity and conditions, and plan renewal well before expiry.

CAA forms and rules cover different coastal aquaculture units and activities. Use the latest application, renewal instructions and document checklist from the official CAA website, and confirm the correct process with the District Fisheries Office or designated authority for the farm.

Review MPEDA enrolment for export-oriented production

MPEDA’s farm-enrolment information explains that enrolment supports traceability for export-oriented aquaculture farms. Review whether enrolment applies to your operation, maintain the required records and update documents when ownership, lease, address or other relevant details change.

Use permitted seed and inputs

Buy seed from the appropriate registered or approved source and retain batch documents. Before using feed additives, chemicals, disinfectants, probiotics or medicines, verify product identity, intended use, applicable approvals and current restrictions. CAA publishes guidance and standards covering antibiotic-free aquaculture inputs, prohibited substances, wastewater and residue-related matters.

Never assume a product is permitted simply because it is sold locally or recommended informally. Check the current official notification and seek qualified guidance if its status or use instructions are unclear.

Plan for water, waste and environmental safeguards

Coastal aquaculture rules and guidelines include requirements intended to protect coastal environments and regulate farm activities. Farm design, water intake and discharge, waste handling and other safeguards may depend on farm type, location and size. Check the current CAA guideline and other local or state requirements applicable to the site.

Do not rely on an old checklist or another farm’s approval as proof that your own farm meets every requirement. Keep approved plans, permissions, inspection correspondence and records of corrective actions where applicable.

Understand export-related testing and buyer requirements

Export supply chains can involve additional requirements set by competent authorities, processors, exporters and destination markets. MPEDA provides information about pre-harvest testing and residue screening. Confirm testing and documentation required for the intended market and buyer before harvest; one test or certificate may not cover every destination or shipment.

Make a compliance calendar

Record the CAA registration number, approved activity and renewal date; check whether MPEDA enrolment applies; maintain crop and input records; review current CAA notices on prohibited substances; check wastewater and environmental requirements; confirm buyer/exporter requirements and pre-harvest testing well before harvest; and keep certificates, applications, receipts and inspection correspondence together.

Field takeaway

Compliance is easier when planned before the crop starts. Keep certificates current, records organised and decisions linked to the latest official guidance.

Official sources to check

Use the official sites below as the starting point for current instructions. For a specific farm, confirm applicable requirements with the relevant authority or qualified compliance adviser.

• CAA – Main website and latest notices
• CAA – Guidelines
• CAA – Standards
• CAA – Farm registration information
• MPEDA Farmers – Enrolment of Farms
• MPEDA Farmers – Pre-Harvest Testing