Belize’s Shrimp Industry Rebounds as Aquaculture Sector Eyes New Growth
From Industry Boom to Major Setback
Belize’s shrimp industry, once a major contributor to the country’s export earnings, is showing signs of recovery following years of challenges caused by Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS).
Joining Open Your Eyes to discuss the future of aquaculture and economic development in Belize were Hugh O’Brien, Senior Adviser to the Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, and Ravi Challagondla, Investor and Owner of BTC Shrimp Farm and Hatchery, who joined the conversation via Zoom.
Belize became involved in commercial shrimp farming as early as the late 1980s, with local companies conducting pioneering research and developing intensive shrimp farming techniques. The industry reached its peak in 2014, producing approximately 16 million pounds of shrimp and generating about $87.5 million in export earnings.
At the time, shrimp was positioned to become one of Belize’s leading agricultural exports, with projections suggesting the sector could have reached approximately $160 million in export earnings by 2020.
However, the emergence of Early Mortality Syndrome in 2014 and 2015 significantly affected production, sending the industry into a steep decline.
Rebuilding After Early Mortality Syndrome
According to O’Brien, shrimp production eventually fell to between one and two million pounds for several years, reaching approximately 1.02 million pounds in 2020.
The recovery process has involved significant changes in how shrimp are produced and how disease risks are managed.
The industry introduced stricter controls surrounding the importation of shrimp genetics, with the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) conducting disease surveillance and working to ensure that new shrimp brought into the country are disease-free.
Shrimp farms have also invested heavily in improved sanitation and more intensive production systems. Instead of relying primarily on large ponds, many farms have moved toward smaller ponds, including half-acre systems, allowing farmers to manage water quality and potential disease risks more effectively.
Farmers have also adopted stronger and faster-growing shrimp genetics, while some operations are using microorganisms to improve water quality and remove waste from the ponds.
These changes have contributed to a gradual increase in production. In 2025, Belize produced approximately 2.7 million pounds of shrimp, more than double the production recorded in 2020.
Technology and Efficiency Drive Modern Shrimp Farming
The industry’s recovery is also being supported by technology and efforts to reduce production costs.
O’Brien explained that shrimp farming is both capital-intensive and labor-intensive, with feed representing one of the largest expenses for producers. Farms are therefore looking at ways to improve efficiency while producing more shrimp within smaller areas.
Modern farms are increasingly using mechanized feeders and drones to distribute feed. These systems allow farmers to calculate feed requirements based on the amount of shrimp in individual ponds and distribute feed according to consumption patterns.
The shift toward smaller, more intensive ponds also makes it easier to manage water and respond quickly when potential problems arise.
Challagondla explained that his operation has also incorporated these approaches, including smaller ponds that allow for faster water exchange and better monitoring of conditions.
New Investment Brings Fresh Confidence
One of the signs of renewed confidence in Belize’s shrimp sector is the arrival of new investment.
Challagondla, who is originally from India, said his interest in Belize’s shrimp industry began during a visit to the country in 2018. With experience in shrimp production in India, he saw potential in Belize’s access to seawater and favorable conditions for shrimp farming.
After initially leasing a farm, his operations expanded following the reopening of international borders after the COVID-19 pandemic.
His company acquired its first shrimp farm in June 2023, followed by the purchase of a hatchery in Dangriga in 2024. The company later worked to acquire Aquamar, allowing the operation to establish a more complete production cycle—from producing post-larvae at the hatchery, to growing shrimp on the farm, and eventually processing the product.
Challagondla said government support from the Ministry of Agriculture and other government agencies has also been important to the company’s operations and investment plans.
Beyond Exports: A Growing Local Market
While Belize’s shrimp industry was historically heavily focused on exports, the recovering sector is also finding new opportunities within the domestic market.
O’Brien explained that Belize’s local consumption includes approximately 1.1 to 1.2 million pounds of shrimp, while the tourism industry accounts for an additional 1.4 to 1.5 million pounds or potentially more.
The growing demand for larger, jumbo-sized shrimp within the tourism industry has created an opportunity for producers to add value locally rather than relying exclusively on international exports.
For 2026, the industry is projected to generate approximately $24 million in export value, according to the discussion.
While this remains significantly below the industry’s 2014 peak, the increased local demand provides another avenue for producers as the sector continues its recovery.
Opening Doors to International Markets
For new investors such as Challagondla, the goal is not solely to compete within Belize’s local market.
He explained that his primary focus is on exporting Belizean shrimp, pointing to growing interest from international buyers. Markets mentioned during the discussion included Taiwan, Jamaica, Mexico, Europe, the United States, and other international destinations.
O’Brien noted that Belize has maintained access to several international markets through disease surveillance and certification efforts led by BAHA.
The possibility of increased production also means greater cooperation among shrimp producers could become necessary. Because international buyers require shrimp in significant volumes, producers may need to work together to meet large orders and maintain consistent supply.
A 2030 Target for the Shrimp Sector
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Agriculture has established targets for the continued recovery of the shrimp industry.
O’Brien said the government’s goal is to reach approximately 7.5 million pounds of shrimp production by 2030.
Achieving that target will depend on continued investment, improved technology, disease prevention, stronger genetics, and cooperation among producers.
The government is also supporting the sector through policy measures, including prioritizing risk assessments for shrimp genetics imported from other countries. O’Brien said four risk assessments have already been completed, with another assessment planned for genetics from Taiwan.
The Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is also supporting investment and recovery in the shrimp sector, including adjustments to repayment arrangements for existing borrowers.
Building a More Sustainable Future
With electricity costs and reliability presenting challenges for shrimp farms, producers are also exploring alternative energy sources, including solar power, to reduce operating costs and improve reliability.
O’Brien emphasized that government support is focused not only on direct financial assistance but also on creating policies and conditions that allow the industry to rebuild.
The combination of renewed private investment, improved farming practices, disease surveillance, new technology, and access to international markets is creating cautious optimism for Belize’s shrimp sector.
From its peak of 16 million pounds in production in 2014, through the dramatic decline caused by Early Mortality Syndrome, the industry is now working to rebuild its production capacity and economic contribution.
With a target of 7.5 million pounds by 2030, Belize’s shrimp sector is looking to turn the lessons of its past into a stronger, more technologically advanced, and more resilient aquaculture industry.
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