shrimp

The agricultural export sector plays a significant role in Iran's non-oil exports, particularly in food and agricultural products. These products are crucial for securing foreign currency and supporting the national economy. In 2022, Iran's agricultural product exports reached over 5.2 billion dollars, representing 9.77% of total non-oil exports. However, the sector remains highly reliant on imports, which amounted to around 17.8 billion dollars, highlighting the importance of domestic production growth and export development to achieve a positive trade balance. One of the key products in Iran's agricultural export portfolio is shrimp. According to Iran's Fisheries Statistical Report, shrimp exports in 2022 totaled over 37,000 tons, accounting for nearly 21% of the country's fishery exports. This generated over 600 million dollars in foreign currency, with shrimp contributing more than 180 million dollars. With total shrimp production in 2022 reaching 68,267 tons, more than 55% was exported, underscoring shrimp's importance as a major export product. China is one of the largest shrimp markets globally and has been a consistent top destination for Iran's shrimp exports. In 2021, China imported over 4 billion dollars worth of shrimp, and the demand for imports continued to rise in the first half of 2022, showing a growth of 25.8%. From 2017 to 2021, China consistently ranked as the primary destination for Iran’s shrimp, except for 2020 when the UAE took the lead. Recently, Russia has also emerged as a growing export market for Iran's shrimp, with exports to Russia surpassing 17 million tons in 2022. This research aims to rank the obstacles to expanding Iran's shrimp exports to China and provide recommendations for overcoming these challenges. Understanding the factors influencing this market is vital to enhancing Iran's shrimp export capacity and maintaining its competitive position in the global shrimp trade.

Through the review of scientific sources, reports from relevant organizations, library studies, and interviews with experts from both government and private sectors, and exporters, 36 factors influencing the export of Iranian shrimp to China were identified, and a questionnaire was developed. The research variables were measured using the Likert scale, with respondents answering the questionnaire questions on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = very low, 2 = low, 3 = moderate, 4 = high, and 5 = very high. The overall framework of the questionnaire questions and each of the potential factors included in the questions were validated through interviews with experts and confirmed for content validity. The target population consisted of individuals who had significant experience in shrimp exports or had worked in the fisheries sector, in either executive, research, or production roles. The data collected from the questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS analytical software. The results were then evaluated, and based on the analysis; answers to the research questions were derived.

A total of 53 participants completed the survey, with an average age of 62 years. The sample was predominantly male, as 92% of respondents were men, while only 8% were women. In terms of age distribution, 38% of participants were over 60 years old, which constituted the largest group, followed by 26% in the 51-60 age range. Regarding educational qualifications, 40% of respondents held a doctoral degree or higher, while 53% had at least a master's degree. This indicates a highly educated respondent pool with substantial expertise in the field of shrimp export. The majority of respondents (72%) had more than 20 years of experience in the shrimp and fisheries sector, indicating an experienced sample. Only 13% had less than 10 years of experience. Of the participants, 43% were involved in shrimp export, and 42% were engaged in shrimp processing. The sample also included experts from various subfields of the fisheries sector: 38% were fisheries experts, 19% were researchers, 34% were shrimp farmers, and 9% were involved in fishing. Many respondents were active in multiple areas of the shrimp industry.
Data Analysis: The data collected using a 5-point Likert scale (ranging from 1 = very low to 5 = very high) were ordinal in nature, which necessitated the use of non-parametric tests. To ensure the validity of the statistical methods, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was applied to assess the normality of the data distribution. The results indicated that the data did not follow a normal distribution (p-value<0.05), supporting non-parametric methods for further analysis.
Chi-Square Analysis: The Chi-square test was employed to explore the relationships between the identified barriers and export outcomes. The null hypothesis posited that no significant relationships existed between the variables while rejecting this hypothesis would indicate meaningful relationships. The Chi-square results revealed that 9 factors, including limited production capacity, poor product quality, lack of product diversity, and weak adherence to health standards in the destination country, did not show a significant relationship with export outcomes (p > 0.05). This suggests that these factors did not substantially affect the success of shrimp exports. However, 27 factors exhibited significant relationships with export outcomes (p-value < 0.05). These factors included limited access to international banking services, restrictions on money transfers for purchasing inputs, weak branding, low competitiveness of Iranian exporters in the Chinese market, fluctuations in exchange rates, misalignment between production and export strategies, limited financial and operational capacity of exporters, lack of marketing knowledge, lack of coordination between export-related agencies, absence of export consortiums in the Chinese market, and insufficient banking support for production and export financing. These variables were identified as the most pressing barriers to the growth of shrimp exports from Iran to China.
Friedman Test: To evaluate the importance of each identified barrier, a Friedman test was conducted, ranking the barriers based on the respondents’ ratings. The null hypothesis assumed no differences in the rankings of the barriers, but the results indicated significant differences (p-value < 0.05), meaning the barriers were ranked differently by the participants. The rankings highlighted that the top challenges to shrimp exports were “Limited access to international banking services,” ranked first, followed by “Restrictions on money transfers for inputs and funds repatriation” in second place, and “Weak branding” in third. These were considered the most critical factors that needed to be addressed to improve export performance. Other important barriers included “Low competitiveness of Iranian exporters in China,” “Exchange rate fluctuations,” “Misalignment between production and export strategies,” and “Limited capacity and ability (financial and operational) of exporters.” 

Discussion and conclusions:

The study identified 27 significant factors influencing the development of shrimp exports to China, with marketing being the most impactful area, followed by banking, laws and regulations, transportation, production, and veterinary regulations. The top ten barriers included issues like limited access to international banking services, weak branding, low competitiveness of Iranian exporters, exchange rate fluctuations, misalignment between production and export strategies, and insufficient banking support. Previous studies, such as Heidarian (2011), also highlighted that increased production facilities and government support boost exports. However, access to financial resources did not significantly affect shrimp exports. Similarly, Ali Akbarzadeh Bidgoli (2018) found that domestic shrimp production, global shrimp prices, and farm area ratios significantly affected exports, while exchange rates did not. Norouzi (2019) emphasized the importance of factors like improved packaging, reducing exchange rate fluctuations, and expanding preferential tariffs to enhance export performances. The findings suggest that the Iranian government can play a key role by offering clear support to the aquaculture sector, attracting foreign investment, improving international relations, and reforming customs regulations. Additionally, addressing production costs, enhancing marketing knowledge, and establishing an export consortium can further improve export performance. Furthermore, implementing an efficient traceability system would help meet sanitary standards in China and improve overall export processes. The study advocates for a coordinated approach to addressing financial and operational challenges to boost shrimp exports.

One of the main causes of widespread mortality in farmed shrimp is the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), which can lead to rapid and significant losses within just a few days. Timely diagnosis can prevent extensive financial losses. The only reliable early detection method for this virus is molecular. Primers compatible with each other were designed from the viral genome for the VP28 region and the protein kinase-related region, and from the shrimp genome for the S18 ribosomal region as an internal control. After optimizing the primers for multiplex detection of WSSV, DNA extracted from 200 shrimp samples suspected of being infected with the virus was compared using two optimized kits and the IQ2000 reference kit (from Taiwan). Of these, 94 samples tested positive (infected with the virus) and 106 samples tested negative, with results matching the reference kit except for two samples. The sensitivity and specificity of the designed kit, compared to the reference kit, were 98% and 100%, respectively. Based on these results, the optimized one-step method from this study can be used as a replacement for or in conjunction with the reference kit.

Listeriosis, an important illness with a high mortality rate (up to 30%), is caused by Listeria monocytogenes. Nowadays, there are several reports that display the prevalence of L. monocytogenes in fisheries products. Therefore, it is important to investigate and control the expression of virulence genes and adhesion-related genes in different strains of this bacterium in foodstuffs. In this study, the expression levels of inlA, hly, lmo1634, lmo1847, sigB, and prfA genes in two isolates (food and clinical) were investigated under the influence of NaCl and lime juice in the shrimp broth. The results of the independent t-test for the prfA gene demonstrated that the expression level in the treatments of clinical strain was significantly higher than the food strain (p<0.05). Similarly, the average expression of both adhesion genes (lmo1847 and lmo1634) and stress gene (sigB) in the studied treatments for the clinical strain was significantly higher than the food strain. In both strains, the role of lime juice in increasing the expression of virulence and adhesion genes was significantly higher than in NaCl treatments (p<0.05). Overall, it can be stated that the transcription level of virulence- and adhesion-related genes upon exposure to preservatives may be different in the various L. monocytogenes isolates.

Since shrimp white spot virus has infected shrimps of all ages and caused widespread loss of shrimps in Iran and across the world, and the pandemic has caused great loss for shrimp farmers, many studies have been carried outto this day in order to identify the reasons and the risk factors regarding this fact. Regarding the importance of the subject and also the different opinions on the results of the past researches, in this study, we have tried to carry out a retrospective review on past studies in Iran and other countries especially on the target tissues for shrimp white spot virus in order to specify the tendency of the white spot virus generally. In this survey, the accomplished studies and researches in the Shrimp Research Center (Bushehr Province), other research centers, universities and higher education centers in Iran and other countries, were collected and the studies carried out on hepatopancreas, intestine, gill and other tissues were examined. Most of the target tissues for white spot virus in Penaeus vannameiwith high intensity are; hemolymph, posterior intestine epithelial cells and cephalothorax epidermis.Some researchers have claimed that the epithelium tissue is the most targeted tissue for white spot virus in penaeus vannamei. The lowest mean values of severity index (SI) were found to be from hemolymph, posterior intestine epithelial cells and cephalothorax epidermis. This could be due to more contact surface of the epidermis with the virus and also more receivers for the virus or lower operation of the immune system especially in horizontal transmission.It seems that hemolymph is the most probable early target tissue for the virus in vertical transmission because the virus replication is at a higher level compared to the other tissues.The most of researchers have pointed out in their researches that tissue of gill, stomach, hepatopancreas and intestine of shrimp are the most important tissues in relation to the white spot virus infection.

The positive performance of beneficial bacteria (probiotics) in promoting aquatic production has been proven, and Bacillaceae family is considered to be one of the most widely used bacteria in aquaculture. This study was conducted to investigate and compare the effect of indigenous probiotic Bacillus vallismortis IS03 (JQ085958.1) at 1011 CFU kg-1 concentration, on the growth performance, feed efficiency, and the amount of harvested biomass of western white shrimp in earthen culture ponds. Two treatments were considered for this purpose addition of the probiotic to water, addition of the probiotic to feed, and a control group (without the probiotic).  The lowest feed conversion ratio was recorded in the water treatment (1.60) and then, in the feed treatment (1.62), which were significantly different from the control group (1.74) during the 100 days of the culture period in ponds with a stocking density of 500,000 per hectare (p<0.05). The percentage of survival in the water treatment (80.72%) and in the feed treatment (80.09%) was recorded, and there was a significant difference between the water treatment and control group (p<0.05). The highest amount of harvested biomass was in the water treatment and then the feed treatment, respectively, and a significant difference was observed with the control (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the relative and specific growth rates in the treatments and the control (p<0.05). However, the final weight of shrimp at harvest was significantly different in the water treatment compared to the control treatment (p<0.05). Considering the positive and significant effects of the probiotic B. vallismortis IS03 in the method of adding to water on the survival rate, harvested biomass, and feed conversion ratio, this bacterium can be suggested as a suitable probiotic to be added to the water of shrimp rearing ponds.

Microbiological control of food is important to prevent food poisoning in humans. Pathogenic microorganisms are gram-positive or gram-negative pathogens found in food that cause gastroenteritis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the amount of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella in fish, shrimp and eggs presented in Shahrekord city. In this study, 300 samples, including 100 fish samples, 100 shrimp samples, and 100 egg samples, were randomly collected from retail stores in Shahrekord city and transferred to the specialized food hygiene laboratory of Shahrekord Islamic Azad University. The samples were enriched in Listeria enrichment culture medium for 48 hours and then on the selected culture medium and the suspected Listeria isolates from Palcam agar culture medium were counted after biochemical confirmation tests and for confirmation Salmonella was used from SS agar, BS agar and then TSI and LIA culture media. Research The results showed that 2 out of 100 fish samples (2 percent), 4 out of 100 shrimp samples (4 percent), and 5 out of 100 egg samples (5 percent) were contaminated. It was Listeria monocytogenes. The amount of Salmonella contamination for fish, shrimp and eggs was 9, 11 and 18 respectively. Due to the prevalence of Listeria, it is recommended to avoid consumption of undercooked seafood by at-risk populations. Strict implementation of sanitary conditions of food contact surfaces and handling areas, and good personal hygiene practices should reduce possible contamination of seafood products by L. monocytogenes.

The aquaculture industry is one of the most important sectors of food production and protein supply and creating food security needed by society. This study aimed to determine and identify the drivers that affect the future of the farming shrimp industry in Hormozgan province in the horizon of 1420 and then determine the importance and priority of each of the identified drivers. To achieve this goal, with a comprehensive review of research literature and upstream documents, 30 propellants were identified and provided to experts, and finally, 23 propellants were selected as key propellants affecting the farming shrimp industry in Hormozgan province. Then, the selected key drivers from the previous stage were provided to the experts in the form of Mikmak questionnaire. The average of their opinions in Mikmak software was analyzed and the direct and indirect effects of the drivers were evaluated, and finally, according to the ranking of the drivers by the software, 10 drivers Selected as key drivers for the farming shrimp industry in Hormozgan province, all 10 drivers were repeated in direct and indirect effects, including 1. infrastructure and equipment; 2. Producer supply; 3. New technologies of shrimp industry; 4. Labor training; 5. Shrimp diseases; 6. Shrimp feed quality; 7. Biosafety and health conditions; 8. Production costs; 9. Research and development in the shrimp industry and 10. Farm monitoring.

According to the official reports of the Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education, the corona virus or covid-19 was seen in our country (Iran) from the last months of 2018 and quickly turned into an epidemic. The entry of this virus into the country not only involved the country's health system and caused illness and death of many compatriots, but also had a significant impact on the country's economy in the production and trade sectors. Global reports indicate the negative impact of Covid-19 on the fisheries industry, the same as activities of aquatic processing industries in different countries. In this article, the impact of Covid-19 on the country's aquatic processing industry investigated. In order to conduct this research, a questionnaire containing 31 questions on important topics such as the effect of Covid-19 on the volume and price of raw materials, sales volume, type of product, income, labor forces, changes in the marketing method of processed products and other factors were gathered and subjected to the processing. A total of 56 completed answer sheets were received from the processing centers. The results of the analysis of the response letters showed that during the Corona era, 60% of the respondents confirmed a decrease in the supply of raw materials for aquatic products, 72.2% with an increase in the price of raw materials, 67.9% with a decrease in the volume of production, 80% with an increase in the finished product price, 80.8% with decrease in the volume of domestic sales, 81.5% were faced a decrease in the number of customers. Also, 75% of farmers' responses have reported a decrease in the number of seasonal employees during the Corona era. In terms of product exports, 84% of the respondents said a decrease in the volume of exports.

In the present study, the effect of using different levels of dietary -phlorotannins (1, 3 and 5%) extracted from Sargassum brown seaweed on growth function, nutrition, digestive enzyme activity and body chemical composition of white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannemei) was studied during a culture period of 35 days. During 5 weeks, the length and weight of all treatments increased significantly (P<0.05), however, the rate of increase was different in different groups and the highest rate was achieved in phlorotannins treatment of 5% (P<0.05). The best records of final weight, percentage of body weight index, growth rate, specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio, resulted in diet containing 5% phlorotannins (P>0.05). The relative activity of major digestive enzymes namely amylase, protease and lipase as well as protein and lipid content was higher in treatment containing 5% phlorotannins compared to other treatments (P<0.05). The results showed that the use of phlorotannins as a natural bioactive compound at the level of 5% in the diet can improve the growth, nutrition, activity of digestive enzymes and chemical composition of white leg shrimp during the culture period.

Optimal aquaculture requires various criteria, among which the choice of food with the necessary potential is of particular importance. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different levels of Spirulina platensis algae powder in shrimp diet on growth indices and survival percentage of Palaemon elegans shrimp larvae during a four week- culture period. The mean initial weight and length of post larvae were 0.0132 (g) and 6.88 (mm). Four diets consisting of the spirulina algae powder were prepared and substituted at 3, 5, 8 and 10 percent in a base shrimp diet as treatments and a control diet was without spirulina algae powder. Growth indices in the control treatment (without algae) had the lowest rate and was significantly different from treatments of 5, 3, 8 and 10 percent of spirulina algae (P<0/05). There was a significant difference between control and treatment fed with pure algae only in increasing total biomass (P<0/05). There was no significant difference between the group fed with pure algae and 3 percent treatment in the final length and increase of length (P<0/05), but the differences were significant in other growth indices with other treatments (P<0/05). The best growth indices were observed when shrimps were fed by 5 percent algae powder (P<0/05). in comparison between treatments of 3, 8 and 10 percent algae powder, the only significant difference observed in the final length, and an increase in length was detected in treatments 3 and 10 percent algae powder (P<0/05). Also, the survival rate in control treatment was significantly lower than other treatments (P<0/05). In general, based on the results of this study, the diet containing the 5 percent of spirulina algae powder showed the best results in the growth and survival of P. elegans shrimp post larvae.

60% of the cost of producing shrimp. Therefore, food type and feeding management are very important in shrimp growth and reduction of production costs. Feeding should be based on the nutritional needs of the shrimp. The number of feedings per day and the percentage of feeding depends on the breeding species, weight and amount of natural water production and climatic conditions of the region. In this study, shrimp growth and survival indices were compared in two methods manual and automatic feeder. The results of this study showed the specific growth indices, daily, final growth and survival of shrimp that were fed by automatic feeder method Showed a significant increase (P <0.05). The feed conversion ratio decreased (P <0.05). This study showed that automatic feeders are always available in the required amount of shrimp. Shrimp grow better and produce more economically than manual feeding.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the purchase amount of shrimp in the market and the relationship between consumption amount and some of demographic characteristics. The statistical population of this study is the whole country that 10 cities including Mashhad, Tehran, Tabriz, Birjand, Kermanshah, Gorgan, Yazd, Bandar Abbas, Ilam and Shiraz were randomly selected and a total 1000 questionnaires were completed by citizens proportionate to the household population of the studied cities. In order to evaluate the number of shrimp purchases per year as well as the amount of each purchase, from the output of SPSS software and to investigate the existence of a significant relationship between consumption amount and demographic characteristics, correlation tests were used. According to the results the number of times shrimp were bought by the household varied from one to twelve times a year (average 1.71±1.11). 44.2% of households of the consumption society bought shrimp once a year and 28.6% of them bought shrimp twice a year. It was further found that the amount of shrimp purchased by household varies from 0.5 to 2 kg per purchase (average 0.92±0.26 kg). while 76.3% of households of the consumption society purchase one kilogram of shrimp in per purchase. According to the findings, consumption amount had no significant relationship with the age, job and field of study variables (p>0.05). But the relationship between this index with the education level and number of household members variables was significant (p<0.05).