Seychelles-based company, Island Development Company (IDC), owned by the Seychelles State, is gearing up for the production of black tiger prawns, with expectations of making the first batches available in the market by October or November 2024.

Challenges in Initial Broodstock Batch

Christian Lionnet, the Deputy Chief Executive of IDC, highlighted the unique challenges associated with black tiger prawn production. He revealed that these prawns are highly susceptible to stress, which led to a setback as 90 percent of the initial broodstock batch did not survive when imported into Seychelles.

Lionnet outlined the company’s plans for the first half of the year, which primarily revolve around the completion of their hatchery. Learning from their initial attempt, IDC has decided to develop their broodstock within Seychelles. The plan is to produce the larvae locally and then rear them in ponds.

June 2024: The Target for Hatchery Readiness

IDC is actively working towards ensuring the readiness of their hatchery on Coetivy by June 2024. This crucial milestone will enable the production of black tiger prawns, and four months later, in October or November, the first batches are expected to be ready for the market.

In addition to black tiger prawn production, IDC is already engaged in the production of white shrimp. The company introduced the first batches of white shrimp to the Seychelles market in April 2023. IDC aims to produce approximately 160 to 170 tons of shrimp, which accounts for 85 percent of the estimated annual consumption of 190 to 200 tons by the Seychellois population.

Sharing Ponds Between Two Species

As the company expands its production to include black tiger prawns, adjustments will be made in the utilization of the existing ponds. Currently, IDC operates eight ponds dedicated to white shrimp production, with each pond yielding around 8 to 10 tons of prawns. However, with the introduction of black tiger prawns, these ponds will be shared between the two species.