Jilfimp culture industry in Sri Lanka has a history of over 2 decades. It originated from the 'JjflVflloj sector and developed rapidly with little input from the government sector. Initially, tganroli for the production of good quality shrimp and disease control were the major roles InciQi-mkcn by the government sector in addition to approving new projects. During the fftpiti development phase in early 1990’s the sector expanded into small and medium sized yitUU.t’CS due to its high returns. However environmental considerations were over looked Chirljig the expansion and the consequences of these activities have resulted in the present problems of the industry.
C^O'itiiinous disease outbreaks and rapid spread of viral infections have caused heavy losses (il farmers, and these have been attributed to environmental degradation and water quality llStQi’i Oral ion in the estuarine system which acts as the main water source and receiver of ifflUOnts. During the past year most farms were non operational due to environmental 0011(11 (Jons.
Al present, research has introduced the suitability of physico- chemical environment for Qlllmrc activities, use of biological treatment for effluents and upgrading water quality in the SBtWfirine system and the disease conditions -infectious and non infectious and precautionary lilQfUHii'cs to prevent disease spread. Also the use of many probiotics has been studied and ihstr impact in disease management, water quality and effectiveness under prevailing environmental conditions has been documented. The environmental impact of shrimp OuHttre and other fishery activities in the Mundel- Puttalam estuarine system which is the mpfn water source for shrimp culture has been studied. Many management options inii’Odneed have not been adopted properly and disease conditions ails the shrimp industry P.nd causes many problems in the estuarine system and its resource users, since the latter part (if the last decade.
1/Uitlier research is needed to identify other suitable species that could be used in crop I'Ohilion, the many chemical and biological agents used in shrimp culture activities and their impact on our estuarine environment as well as on the farming practices, and technology to liplill the shrimp culture industry including-brood stock domestication, development of dl/icase resistant strains, and use of best management practices [BMP’s] to reduce disease- dti.k. - one of the main strategies developed by other shrimp farming countries. It is also jSeeded to monitor the environmental quality in the estuarine system, its biodiversity, CO,source use, and the impacts on fishery in the area due to the recent developments in the flhrimp culture industry, including the opening of lagoon mouths, release of diseased shrimp 1.0 environment, and impact of water and resource use by shrimp industry in the estuarine System. It is important to identify the BMPs that could be adopted in Sri Lanka to ensure the sustainability of the industry and the conservation of the coastal environment in shrimp farming areas.