A survey on use of the chemical and biological products for shrimp farming in Sinaloa (NW Mexico)

The present work documents the use and application rates of chemicals and biological products for shrimp farming in Sinaloa, Mexico. Representative interviews of the coastal region of Sinaloa state were conducted; 23 shrimp farmers were interviewed. During the previous year of the survey (2001), eight different diseases were registered, the most frequent being those associated to gregarines, vibriosis, white spot syndrome virus and necrotizing hepatopancreatitis. A total of 106 different types of products were identified, on an average, 41.7 products were applied in each farm. The most commonly used products were feed additives, liming materials, inorganic fertilizers and antibiotics. In comparison with shrimp farms from Philippines and Thailand, farms from Sinaloa utilize a higher number of feed additives, vitamins and antibiotics and fertilizers, while the contrary occurs with the use of pesticides, disinfectants and soil and water treatment compounds. Finally, some regulations and ecotoxicological effects of chemical wastes on associated ecosystems are discussed.