IDC satisfied with outcome of prawn-farming trials |29 August 2023
IDC DCEO Christian Lionnet (left) and CEO Savy (Photo: Louis Toussaint)
• Plans full-scale farming by first quarter of 2024
The Islands Development Company is satisfied with the outcome of the aquaculture prawn farming venture on Coëtivy island, which has thus far yielded close to eight tonnes of prawns.
The project is presently still in its trial phases and the Islands Development Company (IDC) plans to go full-scale by the first quarter of 2024.
In the presence of IDC chief executive Glenny Savy, deputy chief executive Christian Lionnet yesterday noted that the company is confident that the project is a viable one “which will not incur any losses for IDC, but will instead make it more profitable”.
The first batch of prawns, specifically 2.1 tonnes hit the market in April 2023.
IDC managed to harvest significantly more from its second pond, starting off with 2.2 tonnes in July, followed by two harvests in August. The August harvests yielded 2.5 tonnes, and 900 kilograms, on account of higher density in the second pond.
The next batch of prawns will be available in October 2023.
“We expect that by December we will have enough prawns to last through the festive season, and that by January 2024 we will have prawns on the market every month,” Mr Lionnet noted.
Presently, IDC is finalising its processing plant.
As of April next year, IDC will no longer have to import the post-larvae from Thailand, as the hatchery will become operational, making the venture more viable and sustainable, whilst also reducing the risk of bringing any diseases into Seychelles.
There are protocols in place when the post-larvae reach the Seychelles. Samples are sent to a laboratory in Australia which carries out independent tests to ensure there are no diseases such as white spot or any others associated with prawns, which could impact on Seychelles’ environment.
IDC is also satisfied that the product is being appreciated by the public, having received positive feedback.
“Feedback from the public is that they appreciate the product. The first two batches which were sold through the STC sold out within a matter of hours. The last batch which we supplied them with was quite substantial, around 2 tonnes, and this took a while longer. But the feedback is very positive and encouraging for us to forge ahead with the project,” Mr Lionnet added.
Once fully operational, the prawn farm is expected to produce at least 200 tonnes of prawns annually, representing the total local annual consumption.
Two species of prawns are bring farmed, namely the white-leg shrimp and black tiger prawns.
Laura Pillay
