Understanding Sustainable shrimping and prawning practices

Sustainability has become the priority for every business across various spectrums. And the seafood industry is no different when it comes to practicing sustainability to ensure the safety of the environment as well as the viability of their business. Prawning and shrimping are two popular fishing techniques that involve catching small crustaceans such as shrimp and prawns from both freshwater and saltwater bodies. These practices, however, have come under scrutiny in recent years because of their environmental impact and depletion of aquatic resources. Due to this, many countries have adopted environmental regulations to ensure sustainable and responsible shrimp and prawn harvesting.

Sustainable shrimping and prawning practices involve using methods that do not harm the environment, and that promote the long-term health of the aquatic ecosystem. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most widely used sustainable shrimp farming methods.

Sustainable Shrimp farming techniques

A key component of assuring the shrimp farming industry’s long-term sustainability while reducing its detrimental environmental effects is sustainable shrimp farming. This can be accomplished using a variety of environmentally friendly methods, such as integrated multi-tropical aquaculture, bio floc technology, recirculating aquaculture systems, organic and natural feed, mangrove protection and restoration, water quality management, and closed prawn farming systems. Shrimp farmers can reduce pollution and waste by using these methods along with effective management techniques. They can also keep water quality, enhance water, better disease management, and safeguard the natural ecosystems surrounding their farms. Sustainable prawn farming methods can contribute to the industry’s long-term commercial and social viability while also protecting the environment for future generations.

Sustainable shrimp farming techniques include:

• Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA): IMTA involves the cultivation of multiple species of aquatic organisms, such as shrimp, fish, and seaweed, in the same system. The different organisms utilize different nutrients and waste products, leading to more efficient use of resources and reduced environmental impacts.
• Bio floc technology:  Bio floc technology involves the use of beneficial microorganisms to create an environment in which organic matter is converted into microbial protein, which can be used as a food source for shrimp. This technique can reduce the need for external feeds and prevent the build-up of waste products in the pond.
• Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS): RAS involves the use of a closed system in which water is continuously recycled and treated to maintain water quality. This can reduce water use and the discharge of pollutants, as well as improve disease management.
• Organic and natural feed: Organic and natural feeds can be used to reduce the environmental impact of shrimp farming. These feeds are often made from sustainable ingredients and do not contain artificial preservatives or growth hormones.
• Mangrove conservation and restoration: Mangroves are important ecosystems that provide a habitat for shrimp and other aquatic organisms. By conserving and restoring mangrove forests, shrimp farmers can help to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• Water quality management: Effective water quality management techniques, such as aeration and sedimentation, can help to maintain good water quality and reduce the risk of disease outbreaks.
• Closed shrimp farming systems: Closed shrimp farming systems involve the use of indoor or greenhouse systems that use recirculating water and controlled environmental conditions. This can reduce the environmental impact of shrimp farming and improve disease management.

To minimize environmental effects, ensure animal welfare, and maintain the long-term viability of the industry, sustainable shrimp farming necessitates the use of a combination of these methods along with good management practices.

Implementing Responsible Management Plans

Governments and the fishing industry have put management plans into place to support continued ethical fishing practices, the preservation of aquatic habitats, and the protection of endangered species. To guarantee the sustainability of the sector and safeguard the environment, prawn farming must implement responsible management plans.

Making sure prawn farms are not constructed in locations where they will harm the environment or displace local fishing communities is another essential component of responsible administration. The prawn farming sector can continue to be a source of income and work for communities by putting responsible management plans into place while also protecting the natural resources that underpin their way of life.

Reducing Waste

Sustainable fishing requires significant waste reduction during fishing operations. To avoid environmental pollution and preserve the health of aquatic ecosystems, proper refuse disposal is crucial. Shrimp farms’ excess feed and waste can add to pollution and damage the ecosystem in the area. Farmers can use a variety of tactics to reduce waste, including regulating feeding rates, utilizing high-quality fodder, and routinely checking the water quality.

Another method employed by some farmers is referred to as “bio floc technology,” which entails establishing a microbial environment in the ponds that transforms waste into a beneficial supply of protein for the shrimp. Farmers can increase their profitability over the long run while also increasing the sustainability of their operations by reducing waste.

Using Technology for sustainable shrimp farming

Sustainable shrimping and prawning practices have greatly benefitted from technology. Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), which enable water reuse and can lessen the need for water exchanges, have been developed, and this represents one of the most important technical advances in prawn farming. Additionally, without harming the ecosystem or other species, GPS and sonar devices can assist fishermen in finding and catching prawns. Utilizing sensors and automated systems to keep tabs on ponds’ water quality, temperature, and oxygen levels is another technological advancement. This enables real-time adjustments and can stop the development of dangerous circumstances that could trigger the outbreak of disease or environmental degradation.

Finally, shrimp farming has become more productive and sustainable thanks to the use of selective breeding methods to create strains of shrimp that are resistant to disease and grow quickly. In addition to encouraging sustainable shrimp farming practices, these technological developments also result in more effective and lucrative operations.

Avoiding Overfishing

The main issue of overfishing can result in the depletion of aquatic resources. A crucial aspect of sustainable prawn aquaculture is avoiding overfishing. The ecosystem and the way of life in coastal communities may suffer as a result of a significant drop in shrimp populations. Farmers can take action to prevent overfishing by enforcing rules on catch limits and minimum sizes, employing selective fishing methods, and refraining from fishing during breeding seasons.

To lessen the dependence on wild-caught fish in shrimp feed, some shrimp farmers have also turned to substitute sources of protein, such as insect meal or plant-based diets. Farmers can support the environment and the communities that depend on shrimp by implementing these sustainable practices, which also guarantee the long-term health and viability of shrimp populations.

Supporting Local Communities

A crucial component of sustainable shrimp farming is aiding the local community. For coastal communities, the sector has the potential to be a source of income and employment, but it is crucial to make sure that the rewards are distributed fairly. The participation of local communities in decision-making processes should be prioritized, and chances for education and training should be made available. Sustainable shrimp farming techniques should also prevent uprooting traditional fishing communities and take the industry’s effects on society and culture into account.

Sustainable shrimp farming can reduce poverty, spur economic development, protect coastal communities’ natural resources, and preserve their rich cultural heritage by helping the local community.

Reflections

Sustainable shrimping and prawning practices are vital to protect the environment and preserving the world’s aquatic resources. We can maintain a healthy and sustainable aquatic environment by using non-destructive fishing methods, carrying out responsible management plans, minimizing waste, utilizing technology, preventing overfishing, and aiding local communities. Also, when we buy seafood, we as consumers can also do our part by selecting shrimp and prawns that have been captured using sustainable fishing methods.

Sustainability is a top priority at Megaa Moda

By working with certified farmers who follow sustainable shrimp farming practices, we ensure that our products are of high quality, meet ethical standards, and support the long-term viability of the industry.  

To know more call us at: + 91 33 4063 6240, + 91 33 4029 5578

or visit our site www.megaa.in