Brazilian shrimp production is forecast to climb by a third in 2020 to 120,000 metric tons, according to former industry trade body ABCC president Itamar Rocha.

Last year the industry lived up to expectations posting a 17 percent increase in production to 90,000 metric tons bringing it up to levels last seen in 2002.

This was helped the increasing deployment of greenhouse type coverings of ponds to combat the threat of diseases such as white spot by keeping temperatures steady.

Levels can fall 6 degrees or so lower during winter periods in the region and also dip during night time periods. The roofs also negate the effects of heavy rainfall, which can also impact pond water quality.

Improvements in feed quality have also boosted the Brazilian industry.

In recent years a raft of new producers moving into the business and the expansion of existing farms are forecast has helped raise production. A focus on the domestic market rather than exports has also lifted production.

But having looked on while Ecuador has rapidly increased its exports to the Asian giant, Brazilian producers also want a piece of the action. They are also eyeing the United States as a route back into greater levels of export business.

Brazil's shrimp exports have fallen to a tiny fraction of what they were 20 years ago after first disease then a period of a strong local currency between the country's 2003-2013 boom years led to lost market share in the United States and elsewhere.

More recently both farmed and wild-caught Brazilian seafood products have been shut out of the European Union market since the end of 2017 after EU inspectors highlighted problems with the handling of fish catches at Brazil's ports and some of the industry's processing methods.

While the matter remains unresolved Rocha said he is confident Brazilian producers can step up once it is.

Although legal frameworks in the northern producing states of Rio Grande do Norte, Piaui, Maranhao and Paraiba to help smaller producers are in place, they still need more backing Rocha said.

"We are awaiting more initiatives from government in terms of incentives. They are not yet offering financing,"