TAIWAN (FORMOSA) 



Shrimp and prawn production in Taiwan over the U-year period 

 1952-55 was as follows (as reported in the Foreign Service Despatches): 



Thousand pounds 



Catches from deep-sea and inshore fisheries using motor vessels 

 of 10- to 100-tons accounted for nearly half of the total 1955 catch and 

 consisted primarily of shrinp of about 2-| inches in length. Another part 

 of the catch was made in coastal fishing operations by sail- or man- 

 povrered sampans. The shrimp taken during these operations averaged less 

 than 2-| inches in length. Cultured prawn averaging 5 inches in length 

 made up the remainder of the catch. 



Among the species of cultured prawn, Penaeus japonicus and 

 others of the same genus predominate. All shrimp belong to the Macrura 

 family. 



The most common gear in the shrimp fishery are set nets, gill 

 nets, beach seines, seines, and sxJing bell nets. The peak of the shrimp 

 season is from March through Kay, although operations are conducted 

 throughout the year. About two-thirds of the catch is taken in the 

 tropical waters off the southwest coast of the island. 



Outside of some sun drying by fishermen there is no processing 

 of shrimp, nor do facilities for processing exist on the island. 



Production of shrimp on Taiwan is insufficient to meet the 

 local demand. The deficiency is made up by imports of dried shrimp from 

 Japan. There is no export trade in shrimp, nor is there any likelihood 

 that an export trade will develop in the foreseeable future. 



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