The proposal describes a method of head starting shrimp in a greenhouse covered enclosure within culture ponds. Ponds are equipped with internal dividers so that they can be divided into three units. Unit A is 0.08 acre; Unit B will be 0.4 acre; and Unit C will be the 2.0 acre farm pond. A greenhouse will be placed over Unit A. Shrimp will be grown in the greenhouse until the water temperature reaches 30øC. After that the screened gates will be opened so cooler water from Unit B can be circulated through the greenhouse. As spring progresses and temperatures become warmer, the screens in the gates will be removed and the shrimp allowed to feed in Unit B. Water will continue to circulate through the greenhouse to warm the water in Unit B 2øC. Later, after the water in Unit C becomes warm enough to support good growth, the temporary ends of Unit B will be removed and shrimp will have access to the whole pond. A surge of growth is expected each time the shrimp are released into a new unit with its abundance of natural food organisms.Anticipated Results and
Potential Commercial Applications: An extended growing season with increased rates of growth would increase the profit to be made from shrimp farming at little extra cost
