The Species
Black tiger prawn is indigenous to Seychelles waters and is permitted by regulations for aquaculture production. The species has proven to be well-suited to aquaculture in land-based tank and pond systems; it is fast-growing and tolerant of culture conditions (Chen et al., 1989). Culture technologies for this species are well-developed and understood (FAO, 2009). The species has a high market value, and an existing demand, particularly among tourists, in Seychelles.
Environmental and Oceanographic Conditions
Farming of black tiger prawns on Coëtivy, Seychelles did not succeed largely due to external factors (such as cheaper prawn production in India). Nevertheless, the project demonstrated that farming of the species in pond-based systems is both logistically and biologically feasible in seawater on the remote outer islands, provided that thorough financial and environmental planning is carried out. IMTA, through co-culture of black tiger prawns and sea cucumbers, is also an option that could increase the efficiency of prawn farming operations.
Access to Markets
Seychelles’ level of transport infrastructure and its location in the middle of the western Indian Ocean makes it well-suited to aquaculture production for domestic markets. Prawns produced on the outer islands can be transported to local markets on the inner and outer islands. It is able to receive imports of supplies, such technical equipment and high-quality feed, from suppliers around the world via air and sea transport.