Aquaculture in North West Florida
University of Florida Sea Grant Extension for Okaloosa and Walton Counties supported freshwater prawn farmers participating with Santa Rosa and Okaloosa County's Natural Resources Conservation Service and Three Rivers Rural Conservation and Development. The project was successful because it established prawns could be produced in the less than optimal conditions found in the two County area (Santa Rosa and Okaloosa). *However marketing remains a challenge since prawns often compete with marine shrimp in the marketplace.
From this trial, farmers tested the marketing realities of the product without bearing the entire risk. Farmer used their owned assets such as ponds and equipment to raise this alternative crop to supplement farm income. In all likelihood, producers without these existing assets will be challenged to reach profitability.
Update May 2004
Seafood commodity prices remain very low - One of the greatest challenges with any agriculture product is marketing. Producers considering any venture, especially aquaculture, are strongly urged to research market conditions prior to initiating any production activities. Seeking the assistance of your local county Extension Service or other expertise is a great place to start.
For additional information on prawn culture visit the Mississippi State Web site.
Prawn Project
October, 2001
