The Feasibility of Farming Macrobrachium in Dominica, West Indies

The technical feasibility of freshwater prawn framing in the Windward Island of Dominica is reviewed in the light of environmental, topographic, economic and marketing conditions. Although environmental conditions are good for the culture of Macrobrachium spp. in Dominica, the nature of the terrain precludes the construction of large farms. However, small farms supplied with stock from a government hatchery should be economically viable. Despite the need to import at least part of the feedstuff requirement, freshwater prawn farming would have a favorable effect on balance of payments due to the export market available in the neighboring French Departments of Martinique and Guadeloupe.