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Shrimp culture is an attractive sector of aquaculture business, in view of the high profits and quick turnover. The vast majority of cultured shrimp production occurs in Asian countries. The author details the levels of production, consumption and trade of cultured shrimps since 1991 in and between the major producing countries. A decline in production has been registered in some countries in recent years, due to mass mortality caused by a number of diseases (particularly 'white spot' disease). Efforts to overcome these problems have met with only partial success.

During the past decade aquaculture has expanded very rapidly in Asia. Extensive, semi-intensive and especially intensive systems are currently in use. These systems require careful management to avoid deterioration of the environment and mass mortality of cultured species. Taking shrimp culture as an example, the author discusses the major environmental factors which affect the health of aquatic species. Solutions to the various problems are also discussed.