The discovery of the white spot symptom virus at Ceatech USA, Inc.’s Kekaha shrimp farm this month has some here worried that the virus might spread to Kaua‘i’s native crustaceans, ultimately harming the near-shore reef ecosystem. The virus — which
The discovery of the white spot symptom virus at Ceatech USA, Inc.’s Kekaha shrimp farm this month has some here worried that the virus might spread to Kaua‘i’s native crustaceans, ultimately harming the near-shore reef ecosystem.
The virus — which can decimate crustacean populations, but doesn’t affect humans — had never before been detected in Hawai‘i.
Officials with the state Department of Agriculture ordered an immediate quarantine and, this week, Ceatech workers voluntarily began draining all 48 ponds into Kinikini Ditch, and burying 20 million dead shrimp.
But some believe that those eradication efforts might not be enough to stop the virus.
“From what I’ve seen, their remediation efforts are like putting lipstick on a corpse,” said Don Heacock, Kaua‘i district aquatic biologist with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
The problem, according to Dr. James Foppoli, the state’s veterinarian, is that the virus lives in water, and Ceatech has been draining its effluent into Kinikini Ditch for years. Indeed, recent drainings mean those discharges have been at an all-time high and only stopped yesterday, he said.
The ditch runs into various streamlets and rivers and reaches the sea. Theoretically, the virus could take hold in Hawai‘i waters and harm native crustacean populations here and, ultimately, reef ecosystems, Heacock said.
Ceatech officials have abided by all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations during the draining period, Foppoli said.
Still, no one knows how long the shrimp — and the water — have been infected, Heacock said.
“We did find shrimp in the detention basins, and there’s nothing to prevent the tiny shrimp from escaping into the ditch and out to sea,” he said.
State biologists are sending Kekaha-area crustacean samples to the University of Arizona’s testing facilities, and should know whether local crustaceans have been infected with the virus.
“We can’t jump to conclusions until we’ve done more tests,” Heacock said. “We don’t even know if the virus happens here naturally.”
If the virus is detected in Kaua‘i’s native species, then tests will be done statewide to determine if species in other Hawaiian waters are infected. If the virus isn’t detected elsewhere in Hawai‘i, “we’ll have to look at Kekaha,” Heacock said, suggesting that the infection could be traced back to Ceatech.
“The virus could potentially spread around the island and archipelago,” Heacock said.
But Heacock strongly argues that Ceatech officials have done everything possible to control and destroy the virus.
Meanwhile, residents and travelers in the area are getting a nose-full of rotting shrimp.
“It’s beyond stink!” said Derek Pellin, a Lawa‘i resident and Kekaha-area surfer. “You just have to drive by there. It’s unbelievable.”
State scientists believe a bird might have eaten infected shrimp and spread the virus here with droppings.
“Every time you buy shrimp from the store, you’re probably getting the white-spot virus,” Heacock said. “Most shrimp from Asia are infected, but it’s harmless to humans. Still, all you have to do is eat it. Human waste can carry the virus. Even just washing your hands could pass the virus.”
Ceatech’s operations are an important part of West Kaua‘i’s economy, employing some 40 people. They run the largest aquafarm shrimp operation in the state, and have plans to expand their operations. But there are concerns that the company cannot survive a $2-million loss in revenue — the estimated cost of the virus to the company over the next few months.
“Our main concern is to get the Ceatech operation up and running,” Foppoli said.
Ceatech leaders will have to make some changes, Heacock said.
One of those modifications might include building oyster or seaweed ponds through which shrimp effluent might be circulated.
“It’s called an ‘integrated system,’ and cleans the water,” Heacock said.
Ceatech leaders have no plans to use an integrated system, Heacock said, adding that their present troubles might force them to reconsider.
Business Editor Phil Hayworth may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or mailto:phayworth@pulitzer.net.
