Where, When and how to collect prawn seed in jessore?

Collecting prawn seed, particularly for species like the Giant Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) or Black Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon), is an essential step for prawn farming in areas like Jessore, Bangladesh. Jessore has several rivers, ponds, and wetlands where prawns and their seeds (larvae) can be collected. Here’s a guide on where, when, and how to collect prawn seeds in Jessore:
1. Where to Collect Prawn Seed in Jessore:

• Rivers and Wetlands:
  • Kapotakkho River: A major river in Jessore district, known for its freshwater prawn population.
  • Bhairab River: Another river in Jessore where prawns are commonly found.
  • Ponds and Beels (wetlands): Local ponds and seasonal wetlands around Jessore are ideal for prawn seed collection, especially for freshwater prawns like Macrobrachium rosenbergii.
  • Canals and Floodplains: These areas are also prime locations, especially during the wet season when water levels rise.
• Farm and Hatchery Locations:
  • You can also collect prawn seeds from local hatcheries or farms. Hatcheries specifically breed prawns for distribution to farmers, providing a more reliable source of healthy seeds.
  • Contact local Department of Fisheries (DoF) or aquaculture associations in Jessore for recommendations on trusted hatcheries.

2. When to Collect Prawn Seed:

• Seasonal Timing:
  • Monsoon Season (June to September): This is the best time for collecting prawn seeds, especially for species like Macrobrachium rosenbergii. During this time, the water levels are higher, and prawns breed more actively.
  • Spring to Summer (March to May): For shrimp species like Penaeus monodon, the early warm months are optimal as these prawns begin spawning when water temperatures rise.
  • Tide Influence: If you are collecting marine prawns (like Penaeus monodon) in brackish water, focus on high tide periods for the best chances of finding prawn larvae and seeds.

3. How to Collect Prawn Seed:

• 1. Manual Collection:
  • Catch Using Nets: Use small nylon or fine-mesh nets to scoop up prawn larvae from the water. Ensure that the mesh size is fine enough to catch the small larvae.
  • Hand Collection: In shallow waters, you can collect the seeds by hand during low tide or by wading through the water, especially for freshwater species like Macrobrachium rosenbergii.
• 2. Light Trapping:
  • Prawn larvae, especially freshwater prawns, are often attracted to light at night. You can use floodlights or lanterns to attract larvae to the surface of the water and then collect them using nets or containers.
• 3. Trapping with Baited Traps:
  • Baited traps: Use bait (like fish, shrimp, or other organic matter) in traps placed in rivers or ponds. These traps attract prawns looking for food, and you can check them periodically to gather the larvae.
• 4. Hatcheries and Larval Collection:
  • Many local hatcheries in Jessore breed prawns in controlled environments. Visiting hatcheries and purchasing post-larvae (PL) prawns is the safest and most reliable method for obtaining high-quality prawn seeds.
• 5. Use of Seed Collecting Bags:
  • In larger-scale prawn farming, seed collection bags are sometimes placed in areas with strong water currents. These bags capture larvae as they swim by. This method is especially useful in tidal areas where currents are strong.
• 6. Monitoring and Screening:
  • Prawn larvae are small, so it’s essential to screen the water using mesh or filters to trap and collect them. You can screen water at intake points of ponds, rivers, or canals.

Important Tips:

• Proper Handling: Once collected, prawn larvae are very delicate. Handle them gently and avoid exposure to direct sunlight or high temperatures.
• Water Quality: Ensure the water where you are collecting prawn seeds is clean, free from pollutants, and has a suitable salinity (for brackish water prawns). Poor water quality can reduce the chances of successful collection and survival.
• Know the Species: Be sure to identify the species of prawn seed you are collecting. Freshwater prawns like Macrobrachium rosenbergii and marine prawns like Penaeus monodon have different environmental needs.
• Regulations: Follow any local regulations regarding prawn seed collection to avoid overfishing or disturbing natural ecosystems.

Conclusion:

• Location: Rivers, ponds, canals, and hatcheries in Jessore.
• Timing: Monsoon season (June–September) for freshwater prawns; Spring to Summer for marine prawns.
• Methods: Manual net collection, light trapping, baited traps, or purchasing from hatcheries.

With these methods, you can collect healthy prawn seeds and successfully start your prawn farming venture in Jessore.