Microbial ecosystem management- a sustainable approach to aquaculture

Abstract

Over the years, aquaculture has emerged to be one of the most successful ways to produce aquatic species to make up for the declining capture fisheries production. While increasing production through aquaculture, it is of great importance to consider sustainability and profitability b///y reducing the use of antibiotics, fishmeal and fish oil. A number of technologies have been developed for sustainable aquaculture. Biofloc technology and green water technology are microbial management methods that can be used to control disease outbreaks while ensuring growth, health and survival of the cultured species. It can also provide nutrition in a sustainable manner. Over a decade ago, the shrimp industry suffered a series of massive outbreaks of disease commonly known as Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) or acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND), which was devastating and costly. The use of green water for aquatic animal culture greatly mitigated the effect of Vibrio parahaemolyticus which causes EMS/APHND as well as white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). White shrimps reared in water containing microbial biofloc produced improvements in growth and survival as compared to those reared in clear or natural pond water. Also, biofloc redirects waste nitrogen into the sustainable biosynthesis of amino acids that are used as a protein source for aqua cultured organisms. In this regard, a formerly problematic waste material – water contaminated with ammonia can serve as a resource in the culture of shrimps, tilapia, mussels and other aquatic organisms. Therefore, biofloc, green water culture, recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) and other microbial management methods could discourage pathogens, reduce stress and contribute to sustainable aquatic ecosystems.