Shrimp Monoculture Research Articles

Greenhouse gas emission flux (CO2, CH4, N2O) from marine shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) monoculture cultures in the Brazilian semi-arid region

Greenhouse gases (GHG) and their rising atmospheric concentrations have been one of the most important international subjects due to their huge impact on climate change (IPCC, 2022). Aquaculture is of crucial importance to the human food supply and nutrition since it is one of the major sectors providing animal protein, besides reducing the pressure on the fishery stocks from natural resources worldwide (Cai, Zhou, 2019; FAO, 2022). On the other hand, it represents a threat to the environment by generating waste. Thus, this research aims to evaluate the GHG flux dynamics in marine shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) monoculture cultures. The study was carried out in two aquaculture farms, both located in the Brazilian semi-arid region. In order to measure the production of greenhouse gases, three cultures of marine shrimp were monitored. The dynamics of the diffusive and ebullitive emission of CO2, CH4, and N2O were monitored in the three units during the daytime (6:00 AM) and nighttime (6:00 PM). The results showed the stocking density as the main regulator for ebullitive CO2 emissions. A decreasing trend in diffusive CO2 emissions was observed. Aeration played a crucial role in controlling the diffusive and ebullitive emissions of CH4 and N2O, effectively reducing their release. The diffusive CH4 emissions exceeded ebullitive emissions and the oxygen content suppressed the anoxic pathway for N2O, and the ponds acted as a sink for this gas. This research aims to evaluate the dynamics of greenhouse gas flow in marine shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) monoculture cultures in the Brazilian semi-arid region and to verify whether lower stocking densities emit less greenhouse gases when compared to higher densities.

Integrated multitrophic culture of shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei and tilapia Oreochromis niloticus in biofloc system: A pilot scale study

Shrimp production in biofloc systems generates excess organic matter that must be removed from the system. Due to its ability to consume natural productivity, the integration of tilapia in shrimp culture could help to reduce the levels of total suspended solids in the biofloc system. The present study aimed to evaluate two stocking densities of tilapia in an integrated culture with shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei reared in a pilot-scale biofloc system. Two stocking densities of tilapia were tested, 35 and 65 fish m-3 in a recirculating system with 10 m3 tanks for shrimp culture and 4 m3 for tilapia culture with water recirculation of 965.66 ± 92.83 L h-1 during 78 days. The initial weight of shrimp was 0.9±0.1 g and of tilapia was 7.1±3.2 g. Shrimps were fed according to the feeding table and fish were underfed to stimulate bioflocs consumption. Selected water quality parameters were monitored during the trial. Tilapia densities did not affect shrimp growth (11.5±1.9 g and 10.1±0.7 g for 35 and 65 fish m-3 treatments, respectively). The tilapia presented a FCR lower than 1, proving that bioflocs were consumed by fish. The clarification time was shorter when compared to other studies with shrimp monoculture. Between the treatments, a reduction of 10 hours in the system clarification occurred when lower fish stocking density was used. The results demonstrate the feasibility of integrated shrimp and tilapia culture on a pilot scale, without compromising shrimp productivity.

Polyculture of Pacific White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone) and Red Seaweed Gracilaria birdiae (Greville) under Different Densities

The present study evaluated a polyculture system with Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and the macroalga Gracilaria birdiae and its potential to remove nutrients. The experimental design consisted of a shrimp monoculture of 100 animals/m2 (T0) and three multitrophic cultures with L. vannamei (100 animals/m2) and with G. birdiae at densities of 500 (T500), 1000 (T1000), and 2000 (T2000) g/m2. Nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations decreased at the beginning of the experiment in the treatments with macroalgae, but this reduction was not maintained throughout the cultivation period. The stable values of G. birdiae biomass were perhaps related to the high turbidity of the water. There was an increase in shrimp biomass during cultivation, which reached the final individual averages of 7.5 g (T0), 7.6 g (T500), 5.9 g (T1000), and 7.5 g (T2000), with no significant differences between treatments. Nevertheless, the absence of macroalgae growth provides no added profit for the producer. Thus, there is no economic advantage in using G. birdiae in an integrated multitrophic system with L. vannamei at a high density and conditions of high water turbidity.

Production of Marine Shrimp Integrated with Tilapia at High Densities and in a Biofloc System: Choosing the Best Spatial Configuration

Integrating marine shrimp and tilapia has been shown to be a viable alternative in a system based on bioflocs, but there is no consensus on the spatial arrangement of farmed animals. The present study aims to (1) compare the performance of shrimp and fish in high density when subjected to polyculture (species in the same tank) and multitrophic (species in different tanks) arrangements, and (2) effects on water quality, especially on organic matter (biofloc). The experiment was carried out for 30 days, and three treatments with bioflocs were evaluated in triplicate: control: shrimp monoculture, polyculture: shrimp and tilapia in the same tank, and multitrophic: shrimp and tilapia in separate tanks. The results show that the best product configuration is the multitrophic system, where the biological control of bioflocs took place, and the best performance of the Pacific white shrimp L. vannamei and Nile tilapia O. niloticus was obtained. Tilapia, as an organic consumer, was effective in controlling bioflocs.

Use of recirculation and settling chamber in synbiotic multi‐trophic culture of Crassostrea sp. with Litopenaeus vannamei

The objective of this work was to evaluate the use of recirculation and settling chamber in synbiotic multi-trophic culture of Crassostrea sp. with Litopenaeus vannamei. Four treatments were tested: MONO (shrimp monoculture); integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) (shrimp and oysters in the same tank); IMTA-R (shrimp and oysters in adjacent tanks with recirculation) and IMTA-RS (shrimp and oysters in adjacent tanks with recirculation using settling chamber). Shrimp post-larvae (pL10) and oyster juveniles (3.12 cm) were stocked at a density of 3000 pL m−3 and 200 oysters m−2, respectively, for 42 days. The IMTA treatments showed lower values of settleable solids, when compared to monoculture. However, the excessive removal in the IMTA-RS increased the levels of TAN (1.15 mg L−1) and nitrite-N (3.47 mg L−1). The weight and yield of shrimp (1.59 g and 4.63 kg m−3) and the weight of oysters (18.05 g) was significantly higher in the IMTA. Regarding the planktonic community analysis, significant difference was observed on abundance in relation to time and among treatments, where the initial samples and IMTA treatments, with lower values, differed from the 21st and 42nd days and MONO respectively. The results indicate the benefits of the integrated multi-trophic culture application with the two species in the same productive unit for better water quality and greater shrimp growth.

Growth performance and mineral composition of the white shrimp Penaeus vannamei and the sea grape Caulerpa lentillifera in a co‐culture system

Integrated systems have been proposed as a sustainable solution to minimize the environmental impact of shrimp intensive aquaculture practices. The increasing demand for seafood is largely attributed to a growing need for healthy food recommended in a human balanced diet, but information on the nutritional quality of the resulting products is still scarce. In this study, a co-culture system (CO) of white shrimp Penaeus vannamei and sea grape Caulerpa lentillifera were evaluated in 50-L tanks during 28-days. Water nutrients and mineral composition were measured every 4 days using spectrophotometry and ICP-AES, respectively. At the end of the experiment, growth performance of shrimp and seaweed, proximal composition of shrimp and mineral composition of shrimp and seaweed were evaluated. Shrimps in CO revealed a better final weight (15.4 ± 0.02 g) and lower feed conversion rate (1.4) compared with monoculture system (13.5 ± 0.4 g; 1.9). C. lentillifera, in the CO system, bioremediate 64.0% of ammonium, 62.5% of nitrite, 82.4% of nitrate and 53.3% of phosphate. Regarding minerals, there were less P, Ca, Mn, Fe and Zn in CO water than in shrimp monoculture water. Concerning products' compositions, in CO, sea grapes had higher protein content and shrimps revealed higher lipid content in muscle, lower whole-body cholesterol, higher concentrations in Fe (+70.2%), Zn (+14.8%), Co (+62.7%), Mn (+49.9%) and lower concentrations in Na (−13.7%). Thus, cultivating P. vannamei and C. lentillifera in a co-culture system led to an increase the nutritional value of aquaculture products and to improve their interest in a human healthy diet.

Metagenomic analysis of the abundances, diversity, and distribution of antibiotic resistance genes and their potential bacterial hosts in two types of shrimp-rearing farms in South China

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are attracting increasing concern worldwide. Many previous studies have investigated the occurrence and concentrations of ARGs in aquaculture. However, the sources of ARGs and the links with their potential bacterial hosts have not yet been explored. This study investigated the abundances and diversity of ARGs in two types of shrimp farms in South China through metagenomic sequencing. In total, 14 ARG types were detected. Tetracycline was the dominant ARG type. The abundances of ARGs in samples decreased in the order of duck feces > water source > sediment > shrimp gut > pond water. The samples from the duck–shrimp integrated farm contained 1.29–3.81-fold more abundant ARGs than those from the shrimp monoculture farm (p < 0.05). Several ARGs, that were most predominant in the duck feces samples, were also the most predominant in the shrimp gut samples from the duck–shrimp integrated farm. Redundancy analysis indicated that the abundances and distribution of ARGs formed three clusters: duck feces, water samples, and sediment and shrimp gut samples. The dominant genera in duck feces known as human pathogenic bacteria were potential hosts of ARGs, and were also dominant in the shrimp gut samples in the duck–shrimp integrated farm. Additionally, the abundances of dominant genera in the shrimp gut samples of the duck–shrimp integrated farm were 1.74–35.07-fold higher than those in the shrimp monoculture farm (p < 0.01). The duck–shrimp integrated farm had 3.36-fold and 4.94-fold higher abundances of ARGs and mobile genetic elements in the shrimp gut samples than those from the shrimp monoculture farm, respectively (p < 0.05). The results indicate that duck feces may be a crucial source of diverse and abundant ARGs spreading to reared shrimps in duck–shrimp integrated farms, posing a severe risk to public health.

Effects of shrimp‐fish polyculture on immune parameters, disease resistance of white shrimp and the prevalence of Vibrio spp

We pre-grew shrimp under polyculture (shrimp-tilapia ‘ST’ and shrimp-mullet ‘SM’) and monoculture (P-control) conditions until they reached the size of 10–12 g. Then, the shrimps were collected and injected with Vibrio alginolyticus (2.1 × 105 CFU shrimp−1). Some shrimp, originating from the shrimp monoculture, was also injected with sterile saline solution, served as N-Control. Over 8 days, mortality in N-control was significantly lower than that in the other treatments (p = 0.001). Total haemocyte counts (THC), phenoloxidase activity (PO) and respiratory burst activity (RB) in haemocytes decreased sharply after injection and were significantly different in P-control, ST and SM as compared to N-control (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in shrimp survival and immune parameters among P-control, ST and SM (p > 0.05). It is concluded that the application of shrimp-fish polyculture systems does not contribute to the robustness of cultured shrimp as verified by challenge through injection. The second experiment was carried out to verify the effect of shrimp-mullet polyculture on the prevalence of Vibrio spp. Mullet (3.45 g) were supplemented (either biomass of 500 or 700 g m−3) into six aquaria where shrimp (0.48 g) was stocked at a density of 80 g m−3. The other six aquaria were just stocked with shrimp as P-control and N-control. Aquaria were inoculated with V. harveyi at a density of 103 CFU ml−1, except for N-control. Results showed that the presence of mullet at either biomass of 500 or 700 g m−3 could reduce TCBS counts in water by 20.9% and 24.3%, respectively, as compared to shrimp monoculture.

Cyanobacteria reduction in the integrated culture of Pacific white shrimp and West India pointed venus in a biofloc system

This study aimed to evaluate the integrated culture of the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and the West Indian pointed venus (Anomalocardia flexuosa) reared in a biofloc system. The performance of both species and the phytoplankton community were evaluated. Shrimp monoculture and three stocking densities of West Indian pointed venus (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 Kg m-3) were evaluated in 0.05 m3 tanks. First of all, the addition of A. brasiliana did not affect the water quality parameters of the culture. Regarding the phytoplankton community, 13 taxa were found: 5 cyanobacteria, 4 dinoflagellates, 3 diatoms and 1 green algae. Although diatoms were dominant at the beginning of cultivation, in the middle and at the end a cyanobacterial dominance was observed (proven by ANOSIM and nMDS). The taxa that most contributed to the abundance of cyanobacteria were Aphanocapsa sp. and Pseudanabaena sp. Regarding the performance of the shrimp, all integrated treatments present the higher growth performances (final weight, yield and survival) when compared to shrimp monoculture. Moreover, gradual mortalities of A. brasiliana were observed, probably due to the high concentration of cyanobacteria. Thus, it can be observed that the integration of molluscs in shrimp culture can reduce the concentration of harmful algae and improve the zootechnical performance of the shrimp.

Effects of an ex situ shrimp-rice aquaponic system on the water quality of aquaculture ponds in the Pearl River estuary, China

Integrated shrimp-rice systems have been widely applied in paddy fields around the world but have never been constructed in brackish water ponds. In this study, two types of rice cultivars and three shrimp varieties with different salinity requirements were cocultured in two freshwater ponds (local rice-Litopenaeus vannamei and local rice-Macrobrachium rosenbergii) and two brackish water ponds (sea rice-Litopenaeus vannamei and sea rice-Penaeus monodon) under practical shrimp farming conditions. The nutrient removal ability and water stability of these four integrated systems were tested by comparing the nutrient concentrations and water parameters with those of shrimp monoculture ponds. The rice and shrimp varieties alone and their interaction had differential effects on the studied parameters. The results showed that dissolved nitrogen (ammonia-N, nitrate-N and nitrite-N), phosphorus concentration and CODMn in shrimp-rice ponds were significantly lower than those in shrimp monoculture ponds, with reductions of 74.32%, 76.29%, 85.57%, 35.93% and 10.64%, respectively. Nitrate-N was significantly lower (55.88%) in the sea rice pond than in the local rice ponds. The nutrient content in monoculture ponds changed dramatically over time, especially during the middle and late stages of breeding, but was relatively stable in shrimp-rice ponds without extreme values occurring for any analyzed water parameters. The results of this study suggested that integrated shrimp-rice pond culture was an effective method to improve nutrient utilization efficiency and helped to illustrate the potential applications of integrated brackish water shrimp-rice models in coastal areas of China and other countries.

Agriculture and fisheries production in a regional blending and dynamic fresh and saline water systems in the coastal area of Bangladesh

With the increase of salinity, shrimp monoculture is a typical production system on many global coasts. They are thus inviting commercially valuable exotic shrimp species that threaten the population of natives and causing alteration of ecosystem function. This intentional introduction and redistribution of shrimp species is an Anthropocene feature of the global coast. Therefore, we investigated how the coastal system breaches a freshwater system leading to more saline-friendly production. Spatiotemporal mapping showed the scope of diversified coastal livelihood that illustrate the coexistence of saline and sweet water-based production system in Bangladesh with a mean accuracy of 89% (kappa statistics 0.86). In many parts, the once agriculturally dominated landscape has transformed into aquaculture to produce shrimp, crab, fish, and salt. Continuous Change Detection and Classification (CCDC) algorithm also depicts the breakpoint in time series of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data due to coastal land-use change. This dynamism includes the strong presence of mixed rice-shrimp culture in Assasuni (west coast) and Chakaria (east coast), as well as salt panning in Chakaria and paddy rice production in Kalapara (mid-coast). Thus those areas are more resilient because many other coastal communities primarily depend on shrimp or aqua monoculture, having limited or no alternative production system. Due to semi-intensive shrimp cultivation, biotic depletion, disease, pollution like antibiotics, nutrients, and organic matter loads are also less than the global coast's intensive aquaculture area. This study revealed the need for a blended fresh and saline-based production system. The findings can be used as a reference in the formulation and implementation of sustainable coastal management policies.

In- situ and ex- situ purification effect of ecological ponds of Euryale ferox Salisb on shrimp aquaculture

This study was conducted to explore the in- situ and ex- situ purification effect of ecological ponds of Euryale ferox Salisb on shrimp aquaculture in tidal flat ponds. Nine 0.60 ha tidal flat ponds were divided into three groups randomly: (1) shrimp monoculture group, SM; (2) shrimp + E. ferox group, SE; (3) shrimp + E. ferox + tailwater group, SET. Results showed that most main water quality parameters in aquaponics groups (SE and SET) were significantly lower than those in SM group at 60, 90, and 120 days of the experiment. Total nitrogen, total phosphorus, nitrite, ammonia nitrogen, and chemical oxygen demand in SET group reduced to the same levels as those in SE group at 95 + 3 days. The concentration of nitrate in SET group reached the same levels as that in SE group until 95 + 7 days. The SET group also saved source water of 2666.6 m3 by using tailwater of shrimp aquaculture. The phytoplankton abundance and biomass in aquaponics groups (SE and SET) were significantly lower than those in SM group. The shrimp production and survival rates in the aquaponics groups (SE and SET) were significantly higher than those in SM group (P < 0.05). The profits of aquaponics groups were approximately 1.45–1.50 times higher than that of the SM group (14,290.0 USD·ha−1). The ecological and economic effects of different shrimp and E. ferox combinations revealed that the aquaponics model, especially the shrimp + E. ferox + tailwater system, is a water saving and sustainable development model that fits well with the conditions of shrimp ponds in coastal tidal flats.

Innovative Aquaculture for the Poor to Adjust to Environmental Change in Coastal Bangladesh? Barriers and Options for Progress

More so than wealthier, less nature-dependent social groups, the poor in tropical coastal regions suffer from adverse environmental change and need new income options. With high levels of saltwater intrusion into coastal lands, innovative brackish water aquaculture (BWA) including integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) are crucial adaptation options to the expanding marine waters. This article examines how poor Bangladeshi coastal residents view BWA, and what is needed to make BWA a viable and sustainable livelihood for the coastal poor. In sites that are affected by major salinity intrusion, we used a semi-structured questionnaire to interview 120 households. We examine three questions: (1) What kind of aquaculture is currently being undertaken in brackish/saline/coastal waters? (2) Do poor coastal residents see BWA (and, by implication the hitherto fairly unknown IMTA) as a viable and sustainable livelihood? (3) What is needed to make BWA a feasible and promising livelihood in Bangladesh? Our results show both information and perception biases obstruct in particular coastal poor women and men from engaging with innovative BWA. Their knowledge on ecosystem-based aquaculture was scarce and their views of aquaculture were related mainly to previous experiences with shrimp monoculture and its polarizing socio-economic effects. We propose some strategic fields of action to develop innovative BWA that also benefits coastal Bangladesh’s poorest people.

Business analysis of vaname shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) culture in traditional ponds with monoculture system in Sedati, Sidoarjo

This study was aimed to analyze the culture business of vaname shrimp in a traditional pond with a monoculture system in Sedati, Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia. The study location was chosen intentionally (purposive) as considered to be one of the production locations of vaname shrimp (Litopanaeus vannamei) in Sidoarjo Regency. This study used a descriptive method. Data were collected through an observation method. The business analysis results showed that the monoculture system of vaname shrimp in Sedati was feasible to be developed and implemented. This can be seen based on the income value with IDR 30,048,939. The R/C ratio value was 1.86. The PP value was 3 and BEP value was IDR 13,345,778. The producer surplus received by vaname shrimp farmers in Sedati District per hectare of ponds reached IDR 22,283,561/year, therefore the total economic value of vaname shrimp monoculture in Sedati with 143 ha pond area reached IDR 3,186,549,167/year.

Evidence of total suspended solids control by Mugil liza reared in an integrated system with pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei using biofloc technology

The biofloc culture system (BFT) allows for the production of aquatic animals at higher stocking densities compared to conventional aquaculture systems and it has been proven to be efficient for shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and mullet (Mugil liza) rearing. Accumulation of nutrients enhances the natural productivity of the system, thus the concentration of total suspended solids (TSS) tends to accumulate during the production cycle, which can deteriorate the water quality and performance of the animals produced. Integrated multi trophic aquaculture (IMTA) can be performed in single or multi tank systems, depending on the interaction of the different species being cultured. The present study aimed to reduce TSS concentration by integrating juvenile mullet into a shrimp BFT system, through the consumption of these solids by the mullet. Three different treatments were used: shrimp monoculture (MONO), single tank (SING -shrimp and mullet cultured in the same tank) and IMTA multi tank (MULT- shrimp and mullet cultured in different tanks). The performance of shrimp was impaired in the SING treatment, while mullet had their best zootechnical performance in this treatment. The presence of the fish modified the nitrification even with the use of biofloc inoculum. The presence of mullet, regardless of the IMTA system used, resulted in lower biofloc concentrations, compared to the monoculture of shrimp, thus confirming that mullet can be used to control solids concentrations originating from shrimp production in a BFT system.

Effect of stocking density of Crassostrea sp. in a multitrophic biofloc system with Litopenaeus vannamei in nursery

In recent years, the coculture of organisms from different trophic levels has been practiced to improve water quality and nutrient consumption. In this context, this study evaluated the effect of Crassostrea stocking density on zootechnical performance and water quality of Litopenaeus vannamei reared in a multitrophic biofloc system during the nursery phase. The experimental design was completely randomized with four treatments: control (shrimp monoculture) and three treatments with oysters (3.21 ± 1.26 cm) at densities of 100, 200 and 300 oyster m−2, for 45 days. Water quality, zootechnical performance parameters of shrimp and oysters, proximate composition of microbial flocs, Vibrio count from water, shrimp and oysters samples and total hemocyte counts from shrimp and oyster samples were evaluated. For water quality, multitrophic biofloc system treatments had the lowest amounts of settleable solids, resulting in lower settling chamber use than the control. However, a high density of oysters (300 oysters m−2) increased total ammonia nitrogen and nitrite-N levels, which had maximum values of 4.01 and 4.63 mg L−1, respectively. The final average weight and cumulative growth of oysters were 16.23 ± 3.45 g and 18.91 ± 5.24%, respectively, corresponding to an average growth of 4.07 ± 0.34 mm month−1. In shrimp performance, the higher density treatment (300 oysters m−2) had the lowest values of final weight and yield (0.94 ± 0.03 g and 2.26 ± 0.05 Kg m−3) and the lowest nutritional quality of the microbial floc (14.96% protein and 3.71% lipid). The Vibrio count was significantly lower in all the multitrophic biofloc system treatments compared to the control, with an average reduction of 37.32% in water and 75.69% in shrimp hepatopancreas. Stocking densities of up to 200 oysters m−2 did not affect shrimp growth in the multitrophic biofloc systems evaluated. The multitrophic biofloc system used in this research is a viable option for controlling nitrogen compounds and solids and reducing Vibrio in a shrimp biofloc system during the nursery phase.

Development and current state of seawater shrimp farming, with an emphasis on integrated multi‐trophic pond aquaculture farms, in China – a review

AbstractShrimp farming has been the fastest‐growing sector in seawater aquaculture and has contributed to improving the farmers income and the utilization efficiency of aquaculture resources in China. The shrimp industry has deployed ever‐improved and innovated methods, from extensive farming to semi‐intensive and intensive farming. Various high‐density intensive culture models, such as high‐land, greenhouse and indoor industrialized culture models, have been used for shrimp pond farming in the coastal area. However, efficiency, environmental and social considerations have led to an increasing adoption of the environmentally‐friendly culture model called integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture (IMTA). This has occurred most rapidly along the northern and central coasts of China. The deployed IMTA culture models reviewed here are shrimp + crab, shrimp + fish, shrimp + sea cucumber, shrimp + jellyfish + clam, shrimp + crab + clam, shrimp + crab + clam + fish and the ridgetail white shrimp polyculture in saline alkaline water, which have been tailored to local conditions and organisms' characteristics. Suitable organism varieties and the maintenance of suitable eco‐friendly water quality have been key to success. The eco‐friendly IMTA culture models described here fully exploit the pond culture resources, to increase production with minimal additional feed and labor inputs, while reducing effluent emissions and treatment cost. The performance of shrimp IMTA models is compared to shrimp monoculture models regarding the economics. An equally important outcome of this publication is making generally accessible the findings from a vast Chinese scientific literature on shrimp culture that has hitherto been unavailable in English.

Integrated culture of white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei and mullet Mugil liza on biofloc technology: Zootechnical performance, sludge generation, and Vibrio spp. reduction

We grew mullet Mugil liza and white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei in two different culture ways, a monoculture and an integrated culture for 41 days. They are (1) shrimp monoculture (SM), (2) mullet monoculture (MM), (3) integrated culture of mullet and shrimp in a same tank (SMI), and (4) integrated culture of mullet and shrimp in two separated tanks (SMIS). The experimet units were composed of a matrix tank (800 L) and a recirculation tank (90 L). After 41 days, no significant difference in shrimp final weight (1.43 ± 0.05 g) was observed among MM, SMI, and SMIS groups. The yield of shrimp in SM was higher than that of shrimp in SMI and SMIS. Growth of mullet in SMI and SMIS significantly reduced the zootechnical performance of shrimp. A reduction of sludge production in water indicated biofloc consumption by fish in SMI and SMIS. Mullet could reduce population of Vibrio spp. in SMI and SMIS. In conclusion, integrated culture of mullet and shrimp could be placed in a same tank, with no need to use additional tank.

The effect of tilapia Oreochromis niloticus addition on the sediment of brackish low-salinity ponds to white shrimp Penaeus vannamei farming system during the wet and dry season

The present study was carried out to determine the effect of tilapia Oreochromis niloticus on the physical and chemical sediment parameters on an earthen pond in monoculture (shrimp Penaeus vannamei) and co-culture (tilapia-shrimp) during the dry and wet seasons in a commercial farm during the period from mid-September to end-December 2017 and February to mid-May 2018. Chemical and physical analyses were realized on sediment samples from brackish water ponds representing shrimp farms in San Blas Nayarit, Mexico. Concentrations of organic carbon, nitrogen, potassium, magnesium and calcium were higher in co-culture ponds, and there was a tendency to a higher concentration of phosphorus and sodium in the sediment of monoculture ponds. The texture of the ponds showed a tendency in the dry season to increase the percentage of clay in co-culture due to the effect of bioturbation caused by tilapia. There was no evidence of poor development of sediment quality in any treatment. It was found that tilapia was a factor that affected sediment quality, differences in growth between shrimp monoculture and tilapia-shrimp co-culture can be explained, at least in part, by differences in their sediment.

Digestive microbiota of shrimp Penaeus vannamei and oyster Crassostrea gigas co-cultured in integrated multi-trophic aquaculture system

A current practice of marine aquaculture is to integrate different trophic-level organisms to optimise nutrients uptake, improve water quality, and potentially increase economic income. Even though bacterial communities in the intestine of the Pacific white shrimp Penaeus vannamei and in the digestive gland of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas have been studied, the effect of an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) system in the digestive microbiome of both species is unknown. In the present work, we examined the bacterial communities in the intestine of P. vannamei and digestive gland of C. gigas under monoculture and co-culture in IMTA conditions. The results revealed a higher final weight of shrimp in co-culture compared to monoculture (2.73 ± 0.07 g and 2.47 ± 0.13 g, respectively) (P < .1). The total sedimentable particles in water were significantly reduced in co-culture conditions compared to shrimp monoculture (P < .05). Analysis of oyster gut bacterial communities in co-culture with shrimp showed higher diversity compared to oyster from monoculture and shrimp treatments. We found that Proteobacteria is the most abundant phylum in all treatments, followed by Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. Higher abundance of Bacteroidetes and abundance variation in Alphaproteobacteria (Sphingomonodales and Rhodobacterales) of oyster from IMTA were attributed to consumption of shrimp waste and consequently reduction of suspended matter in the system. Moreover, shrimp intestine and oyster digestive gland in the co-culture system showed a lower relative abundance of Vibrionaceae compared to monoculture treatments. These results suggest that IMTA system impose digestive microbiome dynamics changes that could improve water management and shrimp productivity.