Sustainability of pacific white shrimp culture strategies during a regional outbreak of white spot syndrome virus

The present study evaluated economic, environmental and social sustainability of three production strategies of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) during a regional outbreak of white spot syndrome virus. The strategies mainly differed by stocking densities (92, 14, 8 larvae.m-2; D92, D14, and D8, respectively), fertilizer inputs, and other general management. Each dimension of sustainability was evaluated using sets of indicators. The D14 and D8 strategies showed greater economic feasibility than D92 because of the reduced operational costs and investments to buy post-larvae and feed. All strategies showed moderate environmental sustainability but had weakened economic and social sustainability due to the virus. The D14 and D8 strategies received the highest overall sustainability index. The D92 was the most environmentally favorable management strategy and had a social tendency. In general, shrimp mariculture performed with a high initial stocking density cannot guarantee the return of invested capital. The lower density strategies were economically feasible due to the high prices paid per kilogram of shrimp as a function of the higher individual average weight. However, economic feasibility of these two strategies coincided with low creation of employment opportunities and income, decreased social sustainability, and increased environmental impact.