/ Modified sep 21, 2017 2:21 p.m.

UA Lab Keeps Shrimp Industry Swimming Along

Researchers test and certify seafood for commercial farmers.

Shrimp generic hero Farmed shrimp is a $40 billion industry.
Via Pixabay

The shrimp you eat probably has been given a stamp of approval from researchers at the University of Arizona.

Farmed shrimp is a $40 billion industry, and, according to analysts at the UA’s Aquaculture Pathology Lab, the success of the business relies heavily on a disease-free product.

The university’s lab is known as the top certification facility for farmed shrimp in the world. Lab director Arun Dhar notes the shrimp industry is a worldwide employer that depends on researchers and disease specialists.

“We need to make sure the industry remains sustainable for years to come, because it provides jobs to millions around the world,” he said.

The UA lab evaluates live shrimp samples from farmers around the world to diagnose infectious diseases and certify healthy stock. Industry statistics show the shrimp business is expected to grow by more than 4 percent every year.

Dhar says 99 percent of the shrimp consumed in the United States comes from other countries.

By posting comments, you agree to our
AZPM encourages comments, but comments that contain profanity, unrelated information, threats, libel, defamatory statements, obscenities, pornography or that violate the law are not allowed. Comments that promote commercial products or services are not allowed. Comments in violation of this policy will be removed. Continued posting of comments that violate this policy will result in the commenter being banned from the site.

By submitting your comments, you hereby give AZPM the right to post your comments and potentially use them in any other form of media operated by this institution.
AZPM is a service of the University of Arizona and our broadcast stations are licensed to the Arizona Board of Regents who hold the trademarks for Arizona Public Media and AZPM. We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples.
The University of Arizona