Shrimp farming is a major contributor to fisheries production and the Philippine economy. However, the rapid expansion of shrimp aquaculture poses significant threats to the environment, particularly to marine habitats and biosecurity, due to high stocking densities and the use of formulated feeds. Despite its economic importance, the rapid expansion of shrimp farming in the country highlights the need for sustainable shrimp farming technology that is not only profitable but also environmentally responsible.

The goal of sustainable aquaculture is to optimize the economic advantages derived from environmentally friendly shrimp farming techniques. This approach aims to ensure profitability while minimizing ecological impacts, promoting a balance between economic viability and environmental stewardship.

Shrimp farming technology and technique

Greenwater technology has proven effective as a biomanipulator for controlling diseases caused by luminous bacteria, offering a cost-effective alternative to microbial probiotics commonly used in aquaculture ponds. Additionally, this system aids in managing waste produced during the culture period and reduces pollution associated with shrimp farming.

Furthermore, probiotics are beneficial in disease management by reducing the presence of bacteria and viruses within the culture area, promoting shrimp growth, and improving water quality in ponds.

Implementing proper biosecurity measures in shrimp farming is highly recommended to enhance farm productivity. These protocols help prevent diseases and the prevalence of contaminants within the culture area that could adversely affect shrimp growth.

Another technique for sustainable aquaculture involves reducing the quantity of shrimp cultured in ponds or lowering stocking density. This approach provides shrimps with adequate space, thereby reducing the risk of disease and improving water quality.

Penaeid shrimps, such as Penaeus monodon and Penaeus vannamei, are economically significant commodities and valuable exports for the country. Locally known as “suati” or whiteleg shrimp, the production of P. vannamei (Litopenaeus vannamei) began expanding in 2014 due to its ease of cultivation, harvest efficiency, and ability to tolerate higher stocking densities.

According to the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center – Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD), 55 percent of 1,720 shrimp farms in the Philippines opted to culture L. vannamei.

NFRDI-SEAFDEC/AQD collaboration

Tasked with supporting and implementing diverse research needs and initiatives in the fisheries sector, the DA-NFRDI, through the Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center (FFRDC), collaborated with SEAFDEC/AQD in 2022. The collaboration aimed to verify the adoption and promotion of environmentally friendly practices in shrimp farming.

The economic viability of this culture method was successfully tested with black tiger shrimp, P. monodon, using HDPE-lined brackishwater ponds in 2022. HDPE-lined brackishwater ponds are aquaculture facilities designed with High-Density Polyethylene liners to prevent water seepage and facilitate controlled farming of shrimp in brackish water environments. The project proceeded to verify the same culture system with whiteleg shrimp, L. vannamei, in 2023.

Five brackishwater ponds at FFRDC in Taal, Batangas were stocked with 120,000 pieces of high-quality and disease-free shrimp fry to demonstrate and implement the grow-out culture of whiteleg shrimp. With a stocking density of 30 pieces per square meter, the stocking was completed in April 2023. Commercial pelletized feeds were used and stock sampling was conducted every 15 days to assess growth rate. Physico-chemical parameters were also monitored daily. 

Study results and ways forward

After 88 days of culture, 1,502.60 kg of white leg shrimp were harvested and sold for Php 337,695.00. The harvested white leg shrimp attained an average body weight (ABW) of 23.88 g.

In another trial conducted between July 2023 and February 2024, approximately 160,000 whiteleg shrimp were stocked in brackishwater ponds at a density of 40 pieces per square meter. After each stocking period of over three months, the harvest in October 2023 yielded a total of 4,219.50 kg with a marketable size averaging 28 g ABW. Another harvest in May 2024 resulted in a total of 4,317.25 kg, achieving an average body weight of 29.5 g, which was higher than the ABW of the previous harvest.

The harvest results indicated the success of the project and demonstrated that shrimp farming can be productive using environment-friendly techniques, reducing stocking densities from the typical 100 pieces per square meter to 30-40 pieces per square meter without compromising economic profitability and farm productivity.

Verification of the cultivation technique promotes sustainable shrimp farming that produces high-quality shrimp, contributing to improved food security and economic growth in the country. Furthermore, the initiative strongly emphasizes environmental conservation by helping to maintain good water quality and reducing the harmful impacts of shrimp farming on marine environments.

In addition to testing and refining this cultivation method, the project will package and disseminate the verified technology for adoption by local shrimp farmers. Future plans include conducting another cultivation cycle and restocking the brackishwater ponds to assess the method’s effectiveness during both the wet and cold seasons this year.

The success of this collaborative project is attributed to the leadership of SEAFDEC/AQD Chief Dan Baliao and NFRDI Executive Director Dr. Lilian Garcia, along with oversight from Dr. Maria Theresa Mutia, Scientist I and FFRDC chief; and Dr. Roger Edward Mamauag and Edgar Somblingo, technical experts from SEAFDEC/AQD.  Both organizations are dedicated to foster advancement of sustainable aquaculture in the Philippines through research and development initiatives such as this collaboration. (Vanessa Mae Escaño)