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What does the moon have to do with shrimps?
At a first glance, you would say the only similarity is its shape; the moon as how it’s usually drawn in children’s books and the curled appearance of a shrimp.
There is more. As some of you may know, Luna means moon. But what does the moon have to do with shrimps? Or better to say, with shrimp farming? That’s exactly what we will be explaining in this blog. Good to know is that this blog has been written based on the interview that we have had with one of our associated shrimp farmers, Mr. Abdur Rahman who is farming in Debhata, Satkhira region.
Since ages, the lunar cycle, consisting of 8 phases from new moon to waning crescent moon, has been followed by the Bangladeshi rural culture. It’s in their nature to know which moon phase it is. Mr. Abdur Rahman learnt it from his father, who got it from Abdur’s grandfather.
But why exactly do farmers look at the moon cycle?
Depending on the moon phase, the shrimps are either more active or less active. As an example, shrimps are very active during the new and full moon phases. During these 6 days the shrimps tend to move close to the seabed and search for food. Which makes it an ideal timing for farmers to catch the shrimp by placing cages into which the shrimp runs independently and completely stress-free. During the other 6 moon phases, the shrimps are not so active and hide themselves, making it “a waste of time” to catch the shrimps.
During the day there is obviously no moon. So how do farmers know the actual moon phase?
To repeat once again, it’s in their nature to know which moon phase it is. Of course, they check the moon phase with their own eyes during evening time, and to plan ahead, they check the lunar cycle calendar. For the “new kids on the block” and at times farmers doubt, for instance when it’s very cloudy, there are mobile apps which they can consult.
The best moon phase to catch shrimps?
“Full moon period from June to August is actually the best time to get the shrimps out of the water as we then usually have longer harvest time and more quantity.”, says Mr. Abdur Rahman. Whether it has to do with the amount of light the moon reflects or any other explanation why shrimps tend to become most active during full moon, Mr. Abdur Rahman did not have the answer.
To the question if certain weather conditions have impact on shrimp farming, he responded as following: “We can feel the changes in weather as forecast of storm, rain and hot weather. To some extend our parents had more experience on this.” He continues, “and when it rains during harvest period, then the quantity is increased. If the weather is very hot than harvest quantity can be lower.”
Do all shrimp farmers follow the moon cycle?
They don’t. It is only practiced by those farmers who imitate the natural habitat of a wild shrimp, which is the case with our Luna Shrimp Farms’ shrimps. The living circumstances of our shrimps are basically the same as for wild caught shrimps. Their food consists of zooplankton and phytoplankton that is naturally available in the water and the number of shrimps in the water is similar as in nature.
Should we in person follow the moon cycle?
That’s up to you. It at least made me continue reading to learn more about its impact.
Date of the interview: 5th of September 2024
Conducted by: Mr. Sultan Salahuddin
