A prawn is actually a fresh water shrimp. In 2003, there were 280,000 tons of fresh water prawns grown world wide for human consumption. Of that quantity of farmed prawns, only about 50 tons were raised in the United States. With the vast popularity of this crustacean, there are many opportunities for American aquafarmers to broaden the horizons of their farms.
Freshwater prawn production has grown over the past five years due to the increase in demand, coupled with a renewed interest in prawn farming. Prawn farming interest had declined, but this area of aquaculture is beginning to once again gain in popularity. Initially, farmers faced an uphill battle because the general public was not aware of prawns or what they were, and this meant that farmers had problems finding buyers for their crop. Currently, prawns have made their way onto American tables and farmers are finding more and more avenues for marketing their product. Once consumers realized that prawns can be interchanged with saltwater shrimp in any recipe the demand began to rise. While this is true, the prawn is actually tastier than marine shrimp with a sweeter flavor, more akin to the lobster.
Another contributing factor to this boon, is that new management and production practices have been developed making this area of farming more appealing to aquaculturists.
Tennessee has a temperature culture that is conducive to raising these creatures, and the state already has established freshwater shrimp operations that have been in business since the 1990's.
Growth from hatchery to adult takes from 180 to 250 days, or less depending on the climate. Generally, the growing season for prawns is approximately late May-September 15 or later, depending on the area. This short span easily allows farmers to diversify their operations and have prawn production as just one branch of their operation.
Freshwater prawns are generally grown in earthen or mud ponds. When engaging in prawn farming, the prawn ponds must be held exclusively for this purpose and no other animals may inhabit the pond. Baby prawns would be consumed by other fish and water creatures.
Maintaining proper water perimeters and oxygenation is essential for survival. A prawn pond must be aerated 24/7 or they will not live.
There is a good potential for profit in the farming of prawns. The University of Kentucky developed a budget that allows for a potential profit of $ 2000.-5000. for a one acre pond. Interestingly, one of the major avenues of selling prawns is right out of the pond and into the consumer's hands. Many people prefer the fresh from the water prawns, as opposed to frozen. Many aquaculturists have people lined up at the prawn harvest waiting to purchase the crop directly. In addition, farmers also sell to restaurants and other distributors.