Both RAS and BFT offer viable yet distinct options for indoor shrimp farming.Photo: Stockfile/FIS

Indoor Shrimp Farming: Study Highlights Pros and Cons of Advanced Systems

MALAYSIA
Thursday, April 24, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

RAS and Biofloc Examined for Sustainable Shrimp Aquaculture

A comprehensive analysis published in the journal Aquacultural Engineering delves into the effectiveness of two advanced aquaculture technologies, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Biofloc Technology (BFT), for the indoor cultivation of white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). The study systematically compares these innovative methods in terms of efficiency, sustainability, and economic viability, also addressing current challenges and proposing future research directions.

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Aquaculture has emerged as the fastest-growing food production sector globally, experiencing an average annual growth rate of 5.30% between 2001 and 2018. White leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) is a dominant species in this expansion due to its high consumer demand, adaptability to artificial feeds, significant market value, and tolerance to a wide range of salinity levels. It currently accounts for over half of the world's crustacean aquaculture production.

However, the farming of Penaeus vannamei faces considerable hurdles. Disease management remains a significant challenge, as evidenced by past production collapses in regions like Taiwan and Ecuador due to pathogenic microorganisms. Traditional antibiotic use has proven ineffective and contributes to antimicrobial resistance, posing risks to human health. Furthermore, issues such as wastewater treatment, the scarcity of feed ingredients, and limited access to high-quality shrimp stocks require urgent solutions. The escalating global water shortage also necessitates the adoption of water-saving and environmentally friendly farming systems.

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The study highlights RAS and BFT as promising solutions for indoor shrimp culture. RAS functions by recycling water through sophisticated external biofilters, solid waste filters, and ultraviolet disinfection units. This closed-loop system allows for the maintenance of a stable aquatic environment, drastically reduces water consumption and environmental impact, and enables year-round production with enhanced nutrient control and disease management capabilities.

BFT, on the other hand, utilizes beneficial microorganisms to convert aquaculture waste products into protein-rich bioflocs. These flocs serve as a supplementary food source for the shrimp, stimulate their immune system, improve digestive enzyme activity, and enhance overall immunity. BFT is presented as a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable approach to shrimp farming.

To conduct this analysis, the researchers employed a systematic literature review method, adhering to the PRISMA framework and searching the Scopus and PubMed databases to ensure a transparent and scientifically rigorous process.

Biofloc Systems for Sustainable Production. Click on the image to enlarge it

The article also provides a brief historical overview of both technologies. Basic research on RAS commenced in Japan in the 1950s, while BFT has gained prominence more recently as an innovative method for improving aquaculture efficiency, biosecurity, and wastewater recycling.

The study presents a comparative analysis of the advantages, disadvantages, costs, and applications of both RAS and BFT. RAS is characterized as a highly controllable, land-based system ideal for water-scarce regions or areas with stringent emission regulations, capable of supporting high-density farming. However, its implementation requires significant initial investment and operating costs, reliance on advanced equipment, and high energy consumption, potentially limiting its accessibility in developing nations.

Biofloc technology

BFT is lauded for its ability to enhance shrimp immunity, promote growth, improve feed conversion ratios, reduce breeding costs, and its environmental friendliness. However, maintaining microbial balance within BFT systems can be challenging, water transparency is often poor, and it demands a high level of breeding management expertise.

The analysis further addresses the challenges associated with both systems. The high cost of RAS equipment, installation, and operation, along with the need for specialized technicians, primarily confines its use to developed countries. In BFT systems, maintaining the stability and activity of microbial communities is complex, influenced by factors like carbon source type and the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, thereby increasing the intricacies of aquaculture management.

Looking towards the future, the study proposes leveraging modern technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cloud computing, 5G, automatic identification systems, high-resolution satellite images, machine learning, in-situ sensor networks, and robotics. Integrating these advancements into RAS and BFT systems could significantly improve their intelligence and automation levels, reduce operational costs, and enhance overall aquaculture efficiency and sustainability.

In conclusion, the systematic analysis underscores that both RAS and BFT offer viable yet distinct options for indoor shrimp farming. The optimal choice between the two depends on a variety of factors, including management experience, production goals, and available resources. The study emphasizes the need for future research focusing on establishing regulatory frameworks for commercial-scale applications, assessing the long-term environmental and human health impacts, and optimizing system design and operational parameters to maximize the benefits of RAS and BFT in shrimp aquaculture.

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