Date: 07 August 1998
To: AQUA-L@LISTSERV.ifmt.nf.ca
QUESTION:
I am looking for an estimate of world Artemia production for recent
years. I understand supply has dropped and am wondering how this will impact future aquaculture production.
Howard M. Johnson <howjohn@nwlink.com>
H.M. Johnson & Associates
Information and Analysis For Decision-Makers
Seafood Marketing & Market Research
P.O. Box 53146
Bellevue, WA 98015
425/747-2757 Fax: 425/747-2672
http://www.hmj.com http://www.fishjobs.com http://www.fishbiz.com
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COMMENTS 1:
To see from the present situation, this year the Chinese Artemia cysts
production is normal, an estimate about 300 tons dry weight (?).
Liu Fengqi <fengqi@mail.zlnet.com.cn>
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COMMENTS 2:
The Division of Wildlife Resources at the State of Utah have historical Artemia cyst harvest data that is available. Although the Great Salt Lake is presently experiencing some problems there are cysts available from former CIS States that are mitigating the shortage somewhat.
Howard W. Newman <BShrimp@aol.com>
Inve Aquaculture, Inc.
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COMMENTS 3:
I am sure many on the list are interested in the Artemia supply situation in the coming year.
Prices have gone up tremendously (3 to 4 times in Malaysia) this year.
The devaluation of the Malaysian currency only accounts for a relatively small part of that increase.
We would like to know what is the likely scenario next year.
Liong CC <liongcc@pl.jaring.my>
Malaysia
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COMMENTS 4:
The situation for the harvest this year at the Great Salt Lake is looking
more like a repeat of last year with one additional disadvantage...the salinity is much lower which will compromise the product further. Most of the product harvested last year, when the lake salinity was 110 ppt, was of lower quality and this year we have a present salinity of 80-85 ppt. This causes problems in early breaking of the cysts and a buoyancy factor: the cysts do not float and gather in streaks on the lake surface unless the water is extremely calm.
I believe because of the reduced consumption in some areas due to the
elevated prices that there is still some inventories available. As the news of another poor harvest becomes a reality I believe there will be some panic type of buying, forcing the product prices up.
As I mentioned in my previous e-mail there is some CIS product on the market at this time that is of very good quality and hopefully will be in sufficient quantities to keep Artemia prices in an affordable range.
You mentioned the price of Artemia cysts were 3-4 times higher, but you did not mention the price, so I cannot respond to this, except to say that for years the price of Artemia cysts was too low and most companies involved in harvesting, processing, sales/marketing had a difficult time receiving a decent return on investment. Artemia cysts behave like any commodity: too many chasing too few clients = depressed prices; too few, with eager buyers = higher prices.
Somewhere/how a happy medium must be found wherein hatcheries can afford to use the cysts and suppliers can make enough money to stay in business without either group being disadvantaged.
Howard W. Newman <BShrimp@aol.com>
Inve Aquaculture, Inc.