JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 Volume 16 Number 1

Start-ups Galore in Singapore

Bespoke Microbiota Management

Marine Fish Hatchery Segment In Bali

A Progressive Shrimp Industry In The Philippines

MCI (P) 010/10/2019 PPS1699/08/2013(022974) ISBN 1793 -0561 Shrimp: Supply Exceeds Demand

www.aquaasiapac.com

Contents 1

Volume 16, Number 1 January/February 2020 MCI (P) 010/10/2019 ISBN 1793 -056

From the editor 2 2020 – The wish list

News 4 Shaping the future of responsible aquaculture production and sourcing

Hatchery and Nursery Shrimp farm in Quang Ninh, Vietnam. 8 The road to hatchery success in north Bali Photo credit: Soraphat Panakorn. Fulfilling domestic and regional demand, mainly for hybrid groupers and milkfish. By Zuridah Merican

Editor/Publisher 15 A fifth facility in Asia Zuridah Merican, PhD Set to revolutionise hatchery operations in Vietnam with supplies of fresh Artemia Tel: +60122053130 Email: [email protected]

Editorial Coordination Shrimp Culture Corporate Media Services P L A practical experience at a shrimp nursery system in Vietnam Tel: +65 6327 8825/6327 8824 18 Fax: +65 6223 7314 As the nursery fever reigns in Vietnam, the three-phase BIOSIPEC system reduces risk of Email: [email protected] crop failures. By Marcell Boaventura, Georges Hetzel, Cuong Huynh Tran, Sjoerd Bakker Web: www.corpmediapl.com and Marc Campet

Design and Layout Words Worth Media Management Pte Ltd Industry Review Email: [email protected] Web: www.wordsworth.com.sg 21 Marine Shrimp in Asia in 2019: Supply exceeds demand Spotlight on India’s shrimp farming industry AQUA Culture Asia Pacific is 24 published bimonthly by 26 Philippines shrimp: working together for a progressive shrimp industry

Feed Technology 29 Latest F3 challenge prize focuses on carnivores. By Kevin Fitzsimmons Aqua Research Pte Ltd 3 Pickering Street, 30 Fishmeal substitution with a protein concentrate for the whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus #02-36 Nankin Row, vannamei China Square Central, Best growth performance was obtained in shrimp fed with 50% fishmeal replacement. Singapore 048660 By Nguyen Van Nguyen, Danny Van Mullem, Le Hoang, Tran Van Khanh, Nguyen Thanh Trung and Web: www.aquaasiapac.com Paula Sole-Jimenez. Tel: +65 9151 2420 Fax: +65 6223 7314 33 Diseases and health management at TARS 2019 Different strategies towards quality feeding/Maximising benefits with feed additives/Bespoke Printed in Singapore by Print & Print Pte Ltd microbiota management in fish and shrimp 3011 Bedok Industrial Park E, Fish immunology for beginners: The five defense lines of the immune system in fish #03-2000 39 Singapore 489977 Serge Corneillie explains what pathogens need to overcome before they can multiply in the fish organs and ultimately kill the fish. Subscriptions Subscribe via the website at 41 Committing to sustainable and profitable aquaculture www.aquaasiapac.com At DSM’s 2019 aquaculture conference Asia Pacific Subscriptions can begin at any time. Subscriptions rate/year (6 issues): Asia SGD 70, Other zones: SGD 100 Developments Email: [email protected] Tel: +65 9151 2420 47 Revisiting global shrimp production and trade at the INFOFISH World Shrimp Fax: +65 6223 7314 Conference (Shrimp 2019)

Copyright© 2019 Aqua Re- 50 An orbit view on shrimp farms search Pte Ltd. 52 Mentoring aquaculture start-ups in Singapore All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, 54 A PL counter starts off innovation to automate shrimp hatcheries stored in a retrieval system or trans- mitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without Show Review the prior permission of the copyright owners. 56 Our future: Growing from Water at AE2019

60 Company News and Events Aqua Culture Asia Pacific Online View E-magazine Download past issues January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific 2 From the editor

2020 – The Wish List

trap. Today, there is a clear winner with the will be high until there is economies of Asian seabass or barramundi as genetic scale. Should farmers bear the burden of selection has developed faster growing this cost alone? Perhaps the downstream strains. segments of the supply chain could help by offering to pay a premium for seafood 3. The problem continues as the species raised on sustainable products? Surveys is protogynous when fish are female in show that consumers are willing to pay early life and become males at 4 years 6% premium price for traceable and old. For each generation, it takes at least sustainable seafood. This will lighten 4 – 5 years for breeding and genetic the cost burden shared between the Zuridah Merican selection. Could we induce a male feed companies, farmers and processing population faster? Alain Henry Michel plants. who has worked with several generations Happy New Year! It’s time to plan for 2020 of barramundi has seen animals of both 9. Functional feeds still face heavy and here is The Wish List. sexes at 2 years of age when kept in resistance in Asia from farmers who The shrimp sector is beset by diseases captivity, and at higher temperatures. He prefer top dressing. One reason given and yet supply is higher than demand, wonders why this is not taken up. is that farmers want immediate therapy which feed companies are unable to negatively impacting margins. If we stick 4. Most marine fish hatcheries today feed supply such special feeds on an urgent to the intensive model, the industry must juveniles on formulated feed but when basis. Prevention is still the best route improve on survival rates. stocked in cages, farmers interchange to disease mitigation and perhaps feed between trash fish and formulated feeds. 1. When we look at the supply chain and companies could advise farmers on the Cost is the driver, but trash fish is both a apply the HACCP system, the weakest right timing to introduce such functional pollutant and a vector of disease. point seems to be vulnerable PL 10. Our feeds to minimise the feed cost per kg of current model advocates for moving SPF 5. Integration still has a low barrier to entry shrimp or fish produced. PL10 from a sterile hatchery environment today but the sector must look further We accept that Asian aquaculture is a high- into a pond habitat with fluctuating water than the live fish market. quality parameters, containing perhaps risk business. We can mitigate risks with every known pathogen. There is a need Both our freshwater fish, tilapia and data analysis and determining ‘cause and to focus on early healthcare and build pangasius face image issues. effect’. stronger juveniles of PL 30-40 days 6. The pangasius is an export earner for 10. Asian aquaculture has accumulated with a developed nursery phase and Vietnam but the sector has not responded data but there has been little analyses corresponding nutrition. to negative publicity in social media. to link it to the causative factors and 2. Today, with the emergence of new The entire sector has to work together trigger points. In a disease outbreak, diseases, genetic selection should focus along the supply chain to initiate generic farmers look for therapy (rightly so) less on growth and more on robustness marketing for the species and impose but survive the disaster without any with the ultimate goal of a SPR trait with self-regulation as we all know it only learning on how to prevent this in future. SPF status. takes ‘one bad apple to spoil the whole Fortunately, there are startups today with cart’. technological innovations to help, with The marine fish sector has been slow to real time monitoring, big data analytics integrate, and is lost in the multispecies 7. Tilapia has hit a saturation point in and artificial intelligence but they need demand in the US but has a poor entry farmers help to test out their algorithms. into the EU. British supermarkets will not touch tilapia due to the use of hormones Since starting modern aquaculture in Asia OUR MISSION to create an all-male fast-growing in 1980s, the second generation of farmers population. Is it not time to adopt an are taking over from their parents. We We strive to be the beacon for the alternative route to all male populations cannot pass on the industry to the third regional aquaculture industry. such as RNA interference? Will this be generation with the same problems and We will be the window to the better received by supermarket chains zero learning process. world for Asia-Pacific aquaculture and the consumer? producers and a door to the market In the segment of feeds: for international suppliers. We strive to be the forum for the 8. Alternative protein meals and oils development of self-regulation in capable of replacing fishmeal and fish oil the Industry. are available today. But like all startups, the initial take-up will be low and prices

See updates at www.tarsaquaculture.com

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific

4 News GOAL 2019 Shaping the future of responsible aquaculture production and sourcing

he trademark of the Global Outlook Aquaculture Leaders Global farmed shrimp and finfish T(GOAL) conference since its inception in 2001 is to discuss shared responsibilities and goals in a pre-competitive production and trade trends environment. Over 3 days in Chennai, India from October 22-24, Yearly, global aquaculture and seafood stakeholders wait in GOAL 2019 organised by the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) anticipation for the global farmed shrimp and farmed finfish drew 475 attendees, a 25% increase from 2018. There were 60 production data as well as the challenges faced by the shrimp speakers from 16 countries providing insights on the trends aquaculture industry. At GOAL 2019, these were presented during shaping the future of responsible aquaculture production and the session “Aquaculture Production Forecast and the Seafood sourcing. Trade Landscape”. For the 13th consecutive year, GOAL stalwarts James L. Anderson, University of Florida and Ragnar Tveteras, Panel discussions covered current concerns such as antibiotic use University of Stavanger, respectively presented data and trends in aquaculture and disease management. Breakout sessions were from shrimp and finfish production surveys, administered annually on several areas, such as accelerating aquaculture technology by GAA’s Darryl Jory, with contributions from Ragnar Nystoyl of uptake, charting a future for monodon shrimp farming and casting Kontali Analyse. Gorjan Nikolik, Rabobank then addressed factors spotlight on India’s shrimp production, among others. At the potentially reshaping global seafood trade in the years ahead. marketplace roundtables, influencers and representatives from leading seafood retailers and food service trade were handpicked “The FAO statistics on total shrimp production in 2017 showed a for their opinions on selected issues. steady increase of 8% since 2016 to 5.5 million tonnes. In contrast, in recent years, GOAL’s data have diverged greatly from FAO’s For the first time in its history, there was a live telecast of the first data, where data from the survey were only 4.5 million tonnes for day and opening session. The US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) 2017,” said Andersen. The high production data by FAO in 2017 partnered GOAL and gathered groups of industry stakeholders in was explained by the discrepancies in information emanating the Philippines (30), Indonesia (37), Myanmar (35), Malaysia (40) and Thailand (30) to present this live telecast. Similarly, the Society of Shrimp Aquaculture by Major Producing Regions: 2013 - 2021 Aquaculture Professionals (SAP) with sponsor Avanti 2.0 Feeds Ltd organised a live 1.8 telecast of the “Farmers’ Day” 1.6 to around 200 farm managers, 1.4 technicians, hatchery and 1.2 processing plant operators, in 1.0 four locations ─ Vijayawada, 0.8 Million Tons Balasore, Pondicherry and 0.6 Surat. Santana Krishna, 0.4 0.2 Maritech moderated the 0.0 session (see p24). Southeast Asia China India Americas Middle East / Other Northern Africa 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 K.S. Srinivas, Chairman Sources: GOAL (2014-2018) for 2013-2017; GOAL (2019) for 2018-2021. MPEDA-Marine Products Export Southeast Asia includes Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Philippines, Myanmar and Taiwan. Development Authority opened Species included are L. vannamei, P. monodon and Other. M. rosenbergii is excluded. the conference and highlighted some targets. The current seafood trade of USD7 billion with 1.4 million tonnes, is projected to rise to USD15 billion in the next 5 years through diversification of Issues and Challenges in Shrimp Aquaculture cultured species, including gift GOAL 2019 Survey – All Countries tilapia and pompano; revival of

black tiger shrimp production; Diseases promotion of inland aquaculture ***Production costs - Feed/Fishmeal ***International trade barriers activities; introduction of new Access to disease-free broodstock ***International market prices culture technologies, including Production costs - Fuel recirculation aquaculture systems Seed stock quality & availability Environmental management (RAS) and adoption of global Production costs - Others standards. He encouraged Banned chemicals / antibiotic use Access to Credit investments in aquaculture, such Feed quality and availability as venturing into hatcheries for Market coordination Product quality control the GIFT tilapia. A 100% FDI will Infrastructure Conflicts with other users be given through an automatic Public Relations Management

route. MPEDA will also launch its Not Important Moderately Extremely own certification scheme. Important Important

Asterisks indicate a Top 3 issue in GOAL 2007 Survey

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific News 5 from China. This year, the reporting was much better. Highlights on production data are detailed below and in the top graph: • Global shrimp production from aquaculture totalled 3.47 million tonnes in 2019. From 2015-2021, the projected CAGR is 4.9%. Volume in 2021 is expected to rise 11% over that in 2018 to 5 million tonnes. • In 2019, China and India were leading in shrimp aquaculture production with 1.4 million tonnes and 0.58 million tonnes, respectively. Southeast Asia increased production to 1.69 million tonnes, mainly in Vietnam which increased production by 4% since 2018 to 0.7 million tonnes. There was slow growth in Indonesia and Thailand. At the lighting the lamp ceremony, from left: K.S. Srinivas, Chairman MPEDA; Andrew Mallison, CEO, GAA and George • Ecuador led production from the Americas with Chamberlain, President, GAA. more than 0.6 million tonnes in 2019. Ecuador has experienced strong growth in the last few years; expectations through 2021 are positive as well (CAGR = 13% during 2013-2021). • The vannamei shrimp accounted for 79% of global farmed shrimp production and 73% of Asia’s production.

With regards to the supply situation, in 2019, aquaculture accounted for 55% of the global shrimp supply and vannamei accounted for 44% of this supply. US imports rose 39% between 2013-2019, and EU imports were down 6% in the 2015-2019 period. Japan’s imports have decreased 23% from 2011 to 2019. However, China’s imports increased by 150% At GOAL 2019, three Q&A marketplace round tables connected influential bringing the import volumes close to that of the US buyers and suppliers to address the major challenges and opportunities markets. China imports mainly shrimp from India and Ecuador. In facing aquaculture. Steve Hart, GAA (left), moderated this Market terms of shrimp sizes, Andersen said that in the last 2 years, the Place Roundtable Asia with from left: Tommy Sekiguchi, Fishery Project proportion of small-sized shrimp has declined, an indication of Department and Food Business Unit, Mitsui & Co Ltd, Japan; Joe Qiao, Qingdao Meichu Food Co Ltd, China; Frank Huang, HemaFresh, Alibaba decreasing issues with diseases. The product forms favoured in and Li Zhong, Zhanjiang Guolian Aquatic Products Co. Ltd., China. the Americas are raw shrimp, whereas in Asia, it is more towards value-added products. • Salmon production increased 7% to 2.6 million tonnes and prices Issues and challenges were high during the first half of 2019. Stakeholders also looked forward to the list of issues and challenges in shrimp aquaculture for all countries in 2019 as • In 2019, global cobia production reached 53,000 tonnes in shown in the bottom graph. The top challenge for all countries 2019, and is expected to increase by 5% in 2020. Bluefin tuna was diseases, followed by prices and production costs, feeds and production was 72,349 tonnes and is expected to increase by 8% fishmeal, and international trade barriers. While producers in Asia in 2020. Various grouper production was 174,000 tonnes in 2019 considered the first two as critical for them, their third challenge and will go up by 6% in 2020. was access to disease-free broodstock. For Latin American producers, the main issue in 2019 was international market prices Tveteras shared some trends and issues. These are technological followed by production costs (including fuel costs), and feeds or institutional innovations; land-based and closed production and fishmeal. As a reference, in 2018, the survey gave disease as systems as well as exposed/offshore production systems. In top in the list followed by banned chemicals and antibiotics, and plans/visions for land-based salmon farming, the expected international market prices. production may reach 800,000 tonnes (kontali.com). Working on institutional innovations, Tveteras noted that problems include Andersen concluded that real shrimp prices were at historic lows external biological/environmental effects, and there is a need for in 30 years; the increase in production volumes rose 1% in 2019 regional collaboration models. Certification schemes can play an versus 2018. Over the period 2018 to 2021, production increase important role. is expected at 3.5% per year and production in 2021 will be 11% above that in 2018. Uncertainties will continue because of disease Trade dynamics and trade issues. “The global market should be able to absorb In his discussion on trade dynamics in key aquaculture industries, these modest increases without further price declines, but there covering that for the salmon, shrimp and tilapia and pangasius, are disease uncertainties, a serious trade war, and global economic Nikolik said that the salmon trade sector is maturing. Main buyers expectations, especially for China, are difficult to assess”. of salmon are in the EU. There is increasing demand but supply cannot respond to it. Some 700,000 tonnes are expected from RAS Finfish production outlook systems, in regions physically far from traditional producers, but Some highlights of the survey, presented by Tveteras were: maybe only 10% of this target will become a reality. Global trade can be impacted by RAS and by offshore supply, especially in • Tilapia production was estimated at 6.3 million tonnes, up 4% the US, China and Japan. Together, Iceland and Russia, both can since 2018, despite some 300,000 tonnes of losses in Asia. potentially supply 100,000 tonnes in the future. The weakness is • Pangasius production was reported for Myanmar, China, the intercontinental delivery of fresh salmon. Bangladesh, Indonesia, India and Vietnam. In Vietnam, pangasius production increased 4% since 2018 to 1.5 million While in 2012, the major exports were seen with Thai shrimp tonnes in 2019 and a 3% increase is expected in 2020. Prices going to the US; in 2018, it was shrimp from Ecuador and India were better in 2019; USD4.3 in the US but lower in the EU at going to China. There is clear evidence of India emerging and USD3.3. The total production of the pangasius and other catfish substituting Thailand and driving growth. India has taken over reached more than 5.0 million tonnes in 2019.

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific 6 News

The panel on antibiotic use and AMR on humans was moderated by Ian Shone, GAA (left) and panellists were (from right), Ramanan Laxminarayan, Centre for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy, USA; Ruth Hoban, New England Seafood International, USA; Will Rash, Big Prawn Co UK; Flavio Corsin, IDH, the Sustainable Trade Initiative and Ramraj Dhamodar, India Hatcheries Associations (AISHA).

Thailand’s position in the US market. In 2018, value was down but vulnificus was documented to cause serious infections in persons consumption was high in the US, indicating that focus needs to be handling live tilapia in Israel. In Japan, Vibrio parahaemolyticus placed on marketing rather than production. infections have been linked to consumption of farmed fish. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria have been isolated from the Major markets for the shrimp have changed. In 2013, EU, Japan and carcasses of catfish. US were the leading markets. In 2018, it was China overtaking the EU, with the volume 3 times that of the volume of Japan’s market. Global antimicrobial consumption by aquaculture in 2017 Ecuador is doing extremely well with 38% of global markets at was estimated at 10,259 tonnes and from this baseline, the low prices which no other nation can match. China is the largest antimicrobial consumption is projected to rise 33% to 13,600 importer, taking up 28% of the global shrimp trade estimated at 2.7 tonnes by 2030. His message was that it is important to recognise million tonnes. that aquaculture’s actions have global consequences for humans and animals. In the freshwater whitefish market (tilapia and pangasius), China and Vietnam lead with exports. US and EU lead with imports, a A related panel discussed antibiotic use in aquaculture situation unchanged since the 1990s. China is becoming the and implications at the retailer and consumer level. Legal second largest importer of whitefish; in the period July 2018-June requirements on antibiotic-free farming do not exist, but it is clear 2019, Vietnamese pangasius production increased but exports that producers should not use antibiotics as growth promoters declined 55% as compared to the same period in 2017-2018 due nor as prophylactics. On control, it is all down to the supply to tariffs in the US markets. “African swine fever (ASF) could be base as processors can only advise. Antibiotic-free practices the best thing for freshwater whitefish,” said Nikolik. As prices of and thus labelling products are gaining traction as seen at the pork increase, there is a refocus on tilapia for domestic markets. last Seafood Expo Global in Brussels. It may be difficult for the Together, the US-China trade war and ASF can convert China from market to recognise “antibiotic-free” products, but in the case being a leading exporter to that of a net tilapia importer. of shrimp with majority small scale farms, it is important for governments to educate these farmers on its use. Antibiotics are available for purchase in stores in Asia and a change in mindset Antibiotic use in aquaculture is urgently needed. India was in the spotlight with 50% testing of Keynote speaker Ramanan Laxminarayan, Centre for Disease products entering markets and alternatives to antibiotics, such as Dynamics, Economics and Policy, USA brought home the point bacteriophages, probiotics are being tested for their effectiveness on the global problem of antibiotic resistance. Aquaculture is in disease prevention. central in the action on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Some two thirds of the tonnage of antibiotics are used in livestock and Innovations in shrimp farming, disease aquaculture where antibiotics have been used as a substitute for management and marketing hygiene and nutrition. Antibiotics for human use are also used for Dr Loc Tran, ShrimpVet Laboratory, Vietnam presented on lessons treatment of bacterial infections in salmon, catfish, trout and other learnt from the emergence of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis commercially-raised fish. The USFDA has approved certain drugs disease–(AHPND), Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) and White for use in aquaculture as long as the seafood contains less than a Faeces Disease (WFD). To control outbreaks, the goal is to disrupt mandated maximum residue limit. nutrients needed for Vibrio proliferation. One example given was the use of feeds with fermented soybean meal for Early Mortality Ramanan described some examples of how resistant bacteria Syndrome (EMS) and WFD intervention. Shrimp haemocyte have been transmitted to humans through handling of fish. iridescent virus (SHIV), which has been isolated from polychaete Streptococcus iniae was reported to cause invasive infections worms and farmed shrimp, presents a challenge. Robins in persons handling farmed tilapia, and a new biotype of Vibrio McIntosh, Charoen Pokphand Public Foods, Thailand presented on the amazing advances in sustainable intensification. Control is essential to produce more from less. His message was not to worry on prices which farmers have no control over, but they should worry on things that they can control such as the costs of production.

Sreeram Ravi, Eruvaka Technologies is developing intelligent solutions for shrimp farming. Aside from the importance of real time monitoring to give insights on pond conditions, Ravi said that the biomass of a particular pond should be assessed. For the processor, biomass data and images of shrimp size distribution help with sourcing operations. In marketing, Travis Larkin discussed the shrimp marketing initiative, launched at GOAL 2018 saying that new ideas and actions are needed to increase shrimp At the “Not so novel: Bridging the gap between innovation and market consumption in the US market. Social media is important. acceptance in the feed sector” panel, GAA’s Dan Lee (right) discussed the road to bring novel feed ingredient to market. Participants were, from right; GOAL 2020 conference will be held in Tokyo, Japan. Dates and venue Karim Kumaly, Veramaris; Darian McBain, Thai Union Group; Chris Haacke, Corbion; Allan LeBlanc, Calysta; and Chloé Phan Van Phi, Innovafeed. will be announced soon.

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LALLEMAND ANIMAL NUTRITION SPECIFIC FOR YOUR SUCCESS www.lallemandanimalnutrition.com 8 Hatchery and Nursery The road to hatchery success in north Bali Large and medium size hatcheries in north Bali fulfill domestic and regional demand, mainly for hybrid groupers and milkfish

n 1998, the Gondol Research Institute for Mariculture (GRIM) Although it could be said that the hatcheries are crowded in a small Iwas successful in the mass production of fry and fingerlings of area, water quality is not an issue. For them, the major challenge the humpback grouper Cromileptes altivelis, and the tiger grouper is fluctuations in the water temperature, which is usually at 30°C Epinephelus fuscoguttatus in 2000. Researchers said that their basic but can go down by 2°C during the winter months such as during research in breeding of the milkfish Chanos chanos helped them to August. In general, guidance on the broodstock rearing, breeding achieve the above goals for the groupers. They then catalysed the and larval rearing protocols is provided by the researchers at the setup in north Bali of hatcheries, mainly, backyard, close to the Gondol Institute, including the use of yellow painted tanks where institute. In the beginning, GRIM helped the small hatcheries with research demonstrated that fry and fingerlings can see the rotifers the supply of eggs. better when feeding.

Today, many of these hatcheries have grown larger and are self- Domestic and regional demand sustaining, with their own broodstock and fry and juvenile rearing These hatcheries in Bali as well others in Lampung, Sumatra and facilities. The current interest is to produce the popular grouper on Java Island, supply grouper juveniles to local farmers for grow- (kerapu in the Indonesian language) hybrids. These hybrids include: out in cages and also in ponds. Usually larger fingerlings are sold kerapu cantik derived from hybridising the tiger (kerapu macan) to local farmers (10cm) and smaller (6-7cm) are exported to and camouflage (kerapu batik) groupers (female E. fuscoguttatus Vietnam and Thailand. “Exports to Malaysian farms require health X male Epinephelus polyphekadion), and the hybrid of the tiger certificates,” said Apri who sells 3cm grouper fingerlings locally at and giant (kerapu kertang) groupers (female E. fuscoguttatus X IDR600/cm (USD0.04/cm). Lucas exports 5-10cm fingerlings to male Epinephelus lanceolatus), called kerapu cantang. Meanwhile, Vietnam and Malaysia. Local demand for hybrid grouper depends since 2017, the functions at the institute, now called the Institute on ex-farm prices of marketable fish. In August 2019, ex-farm for Mariculture Research and Fisheries Extension have changed prices were IDR110,000/kg (USD7.9/kg) for the cantang and to research and extension in marine aquaculture and fisheries. IDR125,000/kg (USD 8.9/kg) for the cantik. The only downside However, the location close to the hatcheries makes it the referral for these hatcheries is the lower demand from local cage farms centre for hatchery production problems including diseases, for grouper fingerlings after the government imposed a regulation breeding and larval growing, water quality as well as for any banning the sale of live groupers direct from the cage farms to farming challenges. well-boats.

Sustainable businesses The production of the milkfish fry is to supply local farmers for grow- There are many multispecies hatcheries located in Desa out in brackishwater ponds. This is a popular fish in the domestic Penyambangan, Kecamatan Gerokgak, Kabupaten Buleleng in market and demand is rising. In 2018, Indonesia produced 778,520 north Bali. Most of the hatcheries produce fry and fingerlings of tonnes of milkfish (Rokhmin Dahuri, 2019). Indonesia is a leader in the Asian seabass or barramundi Lates calcarifer, milkfish and the production of milkfish fry. The largest milkfish hatchery in Bali, various groupers. Apri, owner of Apri Hatchery Buleleng, has been CV Dewata Laut produces 5-10 million fry annually. It has 15kg/ in this hatchery business for the past 15 years. His neighbours, fish broodstocks. Daily, 1cm fry are packed into bags at a density of are Lucas and Nyoman Suwitra who started CV Dewata Laut in 1,500 fry/bag and exported to Bulacan in the Philippines. 1998. Apri produces fingerlings of the hybrid groupers (cantik and cantang) and seabass, milkfish fry, and two ornamental fish, one Apri sells 3cm milkfish fry at IDR12/fingerling (USD0.85/1000). of them being the clown fish Amphiprion ocellaris. He also produces Lucas does not have any milkfish broodstock in his hatchery. He fingerlings of the kerapu batik E. polyphekadion where the eggs buys the eggs, hatch and grows them to 1cm fry. While waiting for come from the Gondol Institute and the coral trout Plectropomus milkfish egg supplies, Lucas grows vannamei shrimp in his tanks. leopardus or kerapu sunu using his own broodstock. Growth of the shrimp is much slower in his tanks as compared to culturing in ponds, but Lucas is convinced that the flesh is firmer and tastier. In 4 months, he gets size 30-40/kg shrimp.

Hatchery operators in North Bali, from the left; At Apri Hatchery Buleleng, Apri has been in this hatchery business for the past 15 years; Krishnan (left in middle picture) manages the multispecies PT Bali Barramundi hatchery and Lucas produces fingerlings of the hybrid groupers and milkfish

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific

10 Hatchery and Nursery

At CV Dewata Laut, there are 15kg milkfish broodstocks, export of 1 cm milkfish fry.

Fulfilling demand for fingerlings of grouper hybrids In the production of fry and fingerlings for cantik, Apri has 24 broodstocks of male E. polyphekadion and gets female E. fuscgottaus broodstock from the wild. “Suitable broodstocks are usually between 4-8kg and for both species, the first, 4 years they are female (protogynous) and after 8 years they change to males,” said Apri. The whole cycle from hatching to final fingerling size (3cm) for sale will be 45 days for the cantang and cantik. There is poor demand for tiger grouper fingerlings. Although the fish has an attractive Packing 1cm milkfish fry for price at IDR180,000/kg (USD12.9/kg) the export at CV Dewata Laut demand for fingerlings is poor as the survival rate in grow-out net-cage farms can be rather low.

A distance away in Sanggit village at the PT Bali Baramundi hatchery, Krishnan, a recent graduate and hatchery manager since a year ago, said that each hatchery cycle for the cantang grouper will

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific

12 Hatchery and Nursery

take 45 days and his target is a production of 300,000/month of 1cm fingerlings.

“It is costly to produce grouper fingerlings,” said Apri. In a field report on trials to produce the cantik hybrid (Andrian, 2018) the hatching rate was 54%. “From around 3 million eggs to the production of 3cm fingerlings, the survival rate is 10% and then from 3cm to 6cm, survival is 80%. In contrast, for the milkfish, the hatching rate is 50% and the survival rate to 1cm is at 80- 90%,” added Apri.

Feeds will account for 30-40% of production cost at most for growing from 1.2cm to 10cm fingerlings. Fortunately there is a wide choice of feeds, both local and imported microfeeds. In the production of the grouper, Apri starts by feeding fry with Nannochloropsis throughout the rearing period from DAH2 (days after hatching) to the end of the rearing period (DAH45). Rotifers are used from DAH2 to DAH38 and feeding with microfeeds start at DAH14 to DAH45. Artemia feed is used from DAH17 to DAH45. “We have a choice of feeds for the different stages of growth. For the Groupers and fingerlings of hybrids, clockwise from top; camouflage early stages, we have Artemia pellets, grouper Epinephelus polyphekadion broodstock, 100g cantik INVE’s Ocean Star Artemia nauplii and for fingerling and 6cm cantang fingerlings at Apri Hatchery Buleleng the larvae, Otohime feeds from Japan. At 5cm, we can feed them with the locally produced extruded feed (Megami brand). With regards to disease, the issue is always with the grouper. Diseases are detected with a PCR and detection of 10% deformity is usual due to nutrition – presumably due to the lack of omega-3 fatty acids,” said Apri.

“In the case of the coral trout, the cycle is 45-50 days. At DAH20, fry will start eating Artemia. At DAH8-10, we start to feed them with microfeeds. They will continue to feed on Nannochloropsis and rotifers from DAH2 Cantang grouper fingerlings in cages and tanks at PT Bali Barramundi hatchery. to DAH28 and at DAH3 we also feed them copepod nauplii.”

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific

14 Hatchery and Nursery

Current research at Gondol At the institute, work on the breeding of Abalone farming the yellow-fin tuna initiated together with JICA back in 2003 is continuing. There are land based facilities and offshore large 20m diameter cages for the tuna broodstocks, an expensive venture as broodstocks are fed fresh fish daily. This is the second such facility for tuna research in the world. With regards to other species for aquaculture, as the local community commercialises their research output, researchers will move on to the next target species. To date, the success has been in the breeding and grow-out of seven marine species from the milkfish to the lobster Panulirus sp. In the case of breeding application, it has covered 14 species which included 5 grouper species, cobia, 2 crab species and the yellow fin tuna. The current target species for research is the abalone.

Feeding yellowfin tuna in large 48m diameter cages.

Integrated operations At the 5,000m2 PT Bali Barramundi hatchery and nursery, Krishnan said that they produce fingerlings of cobia PL Rachycentron canadum, barramundi, hybrid grouper and pompano Trachinotus blotchii. Each cycle for the cantang grouper will take 45 days.

PT Bali Barramundi is integrated with cages to farm mainly the barramundi and since 2016, started to farm groupers and other species. The production is to supply its restaurants in Denpasar and to meet the high demand for barramundi from Bali’s tourism industry. It has an ocean farm off Gerokgak, around 800m from the beach. Marketable sizes for the groupers range from 1.7kg to less than 2kg which will take more than a year to reach. It takes 1.5 years for the barramundi to reach 3kg-size. (www.iambeu.com)

The process at the cage farm is to stock 10m2-12m2 floating net cages with juveniles of 12cm until 50cm. These are then transferred into 6m, 10m and 20m diameter cages. The farm has more than 30 of such cages to farm barramundi and groupers. Fish are fed locally produced extruded feeds but at times, they Perfection in micro are fed trash fish. The use of trash fish is a question of costs rather than growth of fish. Harvesting is done according to the nutrition demand from its restaurant in Denpasar. PL is our high quality shrimp starter diet designed All in all, the hatcheries will continue to produce fish fry; the to offer advanced nutrition to shrimp hatcheries. species produced will depend on the demand by the grow- out farmers. Over the years of experience gained, there is no problem in the production of fry and fingerlings.

www.skretting.com

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Hatchery and Nursery 15 A fifth facility in Asia In Phan Rang, Ninh Thuan province, daily supplies of Artemia are set to revolutionise hatchery operations

n 2013, Frank Indigne and Luk Van Nieuwenhove, co-founders Iof I&V BIO, established a pilot Artemia Nauplii Center in Thailand. Since then, they have expanded with operational centers in Thailand, India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Ecuador. In October 2019, the group opened a brand-new state of the art facility in Phan Rang, in the province of Ninh Thuan, Vietnam. By the end of 2019, it will have five Nauplii Centers and the center in Bangladesh will be ready at the beginning of 2020.

Most of these facilities will have a production capacity of 700-800 trays of 800g pure instar1 Artemia per day. A tray is equivalent to one can of 70% hatchability Artemia. “I&V Bio's key to success is our guarantee to supply our customers with fresh, clean and disinfected (Vibrio-free) products, daily," said Indigne. "We further focus on Instar 1, as these animals contain the most and best nutrition. By cooling down the nauplii until 4°C development is halted and thus the energy level maintained. The nauplii are further de-watered before they are packed in trays and we set the standard at 75.000 nauplii per gram. By doing so we simplify the feeding calculations for hatcheries.

"When the team started this project to supply hatcheries daily with instar 1 Artemia, they worked on the premise that hatching Artemia is a challenging task for fish and shrimp hatcheries. Firstly, they will need to buy sufficient Artemia cyst stocks, which is a drain on cash for the hatchery. There are more than 100 different Artemia brands available and selecting the best in terms of value for money is a difficult choice. Quality in terms of hatching percentage as guaranteed on the packaging is seldom achieved,” said Indigne.

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific 16 Hatchery and Nursery

I&V BIO opened its fifth Artemia Nauplii Center in October 2019, in Phan Rang, Ninh Thuan province, the hub of post larvae production in Vietnam.

He added that during the culture process itself, hatching conditions such as light, temperature and aeration are difficult to control. The result is often a daily oversupply or shortage of Artemia nauplii. A major challenge is the separation of swimming nauplii from the non- hatched cysts and empty shells. The worst situation is when there are bacteria blooms occurring very quickly during hatching. This is very difficult to control, often resulting in heavily contaminated Artemia which negatively affect the health of the shrimp and quality of the shrimp tank water. Fulfilling a demand in Vietnam Ninh Thuan Province is the hub of post larvae production in Vietnam and the region can contribute 60-70% of the total post larvae production. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam has planned to set up the National High-Quality Shrimp Seed Production and Testing Center in Ninh Thuan province.

Artemia cysts in often sub-optimal conditions. To further strengthen the health of shrimp post larvae, the company also offers INSTART E (Enriched Artemia nauplii) to hatcheries, nurseries and grow-out facilities. This is produced in a 3-step enrichment: enrichment with high quality docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) emulsion followed by The production capacity is 700-800 of trays of 800g enrichment with algal extracts high in amino acids and carotenoids pure instar1 Artemia per day. and finally enrichment with ELVAN a blend of herb extracts, proven for its powerful anti-Vibrio effect and its prebiotic properties. There is also decapsulated cysts (M-BRYO) in a paste form similar to INSTART1 in trays of 800g and full-range of high-quality diets. Solutions for hatcheries With the new production technology, I&V Bio also provides quality “With our separation technology, the process of disinfecting diets for its customers to feed to shrimp larvae. and packaging the Artemia is as equally important to produce a consistent quality and quantity of our product. In combination our A patented technology customised programs and our trained staff ensure efficient timed While there are some companies trying to copy our concept, our deliveries 365 days per year. All our facilities are equipped with INSTART 1 remains unique. Keeping the Artemia nauplii undamaged, ozone water treatment and ultra-filtration (0.01 micron) system. Vibrio free and alive, requires more than just a few hatching tanks. This guarantees zero possibility of EHP spore contamination. We Timing the harvest to ensure that 90% of all harvested nauplii are also invested in a real time PCR which analyses all our produced instar1, requires skilled people and custom-made software. The batches daily for EHP and acute hepatopancreatic necrosis patented separation and hatching technology was developed disease/early mortality syndrome (AHPND/EMS). Besides this we by Luk Van Nieuwenhove. “Hatcheries have to depend on our also perform daily Vibrio analysis, Artemia count per tray, Instar 1 daily deliveries, in which we provide a back-up system to ensure check, and survival check etc.” consistency and supply. In our opinion, our services are much more valuable than the product itself,” said Indigne. Today, I&V Bio offers several products. There is the pure instar1 Artemia nauplii (INSTART 1), with a guarantee of no impurities, The goal of I&V Bio is to be the preferred supplier of high-tech no damaged animals, and no Vibrio. The product is offered in a consistent products, which are both easy to use and with daily consistent live-paste (800g per tray) setting a new standard in delivery directly to the end-user. Indigne said “We want to be the shrimp industry. This product allows hatcheries to follow strict present in all the main shrimp and fish markets world-wide through biosecurity protocols relieving them from the burden of hatching the establishment of local facilities with local partners.”

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Asia’s premier aquaculture event returns for the 10th consecutive year!

Asia’s shrimp production continues to be plagued by diseases, bringing down survival rates and increasing costs of production. Conversely, market prices have dropped due to higher supply from new production areas in Asia and from Latin America, placing considerable pressure on margins. TARS 2020 will look at how Asia’s shrimp aquaculture industry is preparing for the future, and how it can navigate through this perfect storm with market-led production and innovative technologies to increase efficiency.

TARS 2020 features a vibrant speaker program and networking opportunities with industry experts and key stakeholders! www.tarsaquaculture.com

PLENARY SESSIONS HARD TALK on building • Understanding demand and supply alliances along the supply chain • Productivity and costs of production to improve productivity (Asian vs Latin American models) • Where is the weakest link? • Data analyses, AI and innovations Share and Learn at the • Investing for the future INTERACTIVE ROUNDTABLE BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Organised by: Sponsors:

For more information, email: [email protected] or visit www.tarsaquaculture.com Follow us on | 18 Shrimp Culture A practical experience at a shrimp nursery system in Vietnam As the nursery fever reigns, in Vietnam, the three-phase BIOSIPEC system comprising high- density nursery and pre grow- out phases isolates each phase with its own unique biosecurity protocol and reduces risk of crop failures.

By Marcell Boaventura, Georges Hetzel, Cuong Huynh Tran, Sjoerd Bakker and Marc Campet

orldwide, the effects of disease outbreaks remain the most Management Wserious restraint for the growth of the shrimp industry. In intensive semi-biofloc nursery systems, strict control must be Disease-led crop failures have been prompting producers given to the following: biosecurity, post larvae quality, stocking to investigate new sustainable technologies for increased density, feed quality and feeding ration, dissolved oxygen, consistency of output. The implementation of modular intensive suspended solids, free carbon dioxide, pH, alkalinity and light farming systems is challenging, but highly rewarding in terms penetration. The biofloc system passes through a maturation of infrastructure utilisation, shrimp growth and survival as well process. In the early days while the system is still immature, as feeding management along with higher and more consistent heterotrophic bacteria are responsible for the recycling of all output. The nursery phase is an intermediate step between the nutrients. At this stage, continuous addition of a carbon source hatchery and grow-out stages and is responsible for substantial is required. In the secondary stage, chemo-autotrophic bacteria improvements in performance and the efficient use of resources. communities are also established; the feed along with alkalinity This article describes the main principles and advantages of the management becomes the main sources of carbon. nursery system and displays the achievement of consistent results of BIOSIPEC, a three-phase modular system, which combines In the early days, excess microalgae can delay the achievement of applied science and technology with the needs and realities of the optimum balance of microorganisms mainly to the fluctuations commercial production. of pH and dissolved oxygen levels. These systems work well at low levels of microalgae. Shading the culture or maintaining it indoors Incoming water is the main path for the introduction of pathogens represents a major advantage to achieve the consistent equilibrium in the rearing system. Operating systems under strict biosecurity of the microbiota communities. control require the full disinfection of incoming water. Effective water disinfection systems are expensive, hence reducing water Post larvae quality is fundamental to achieving good results. While requirements with closed systems and semi-biofloc and biofloc, specific pathogen tolerant (SPT) and specific pathogen resistant help to maintain the efficacy of filtration at a low operation cost (SPR) animals are desirable, working with specific pathogen free for successful and sustainable intensification of production. In the (SPF) stock is usually sufficient, given that the system aims for the past, intensive systems required high water exchange to maintain complete isolation of the animals from the external environment, the water quality. throughout most of the cycle. Nevertheless, continuous application of commercial probiotics and health surveillance are required Figure 1 below shows the development of farming areas in for the early detection of potential breaches in the biosecurity India and reminds us that pristine water is no longer available in system. The continuous maintenance of an integrated farming most farming areas given the growth of aquaculture in the last system, which focuses on the optimum operation practices as decade. A number of publications document the reduction in demonstrated in Figure 2 is also important. Not to forget, record water requirements and discharge of nursery systems (Cohen et keeping and traceability are of the highest importance. Accurate al., 2005; Khanjani et al., 2016) and this is a crucial factor for the information of each supplies including detailed information on post sustainable development of the shrimp industry. larvae must be available and diligently recorded.

Figure 1. Shrimp farming in the Dumas region, India; in 2009 (left) and 2018 (right, Manoj Sharma, 2019). Picture credit to Dr Manoj Sharma and Google Earth

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Shrimp Culture 19

Disease Disease Disease

Disease Disease Decrease viral load and prevent it from entering the farm BIOSECURITY Quarantine Sanitary dry-outs

Sanitary Decrease Stress Geomembrane barriers: domes, green-houses Control of water parameters, Organic matter Temp, pH, salinity treatment Water filtration SPF Increasing ResistanceGeo animals Aeration and Good Water Practices O2 SPR animals disinfection People and equipment Closed Figure 2. The three levels in an disinfection Probiotics Nutrition Systems Immune-stimulants integrated shrimp farming system.

Semi-biofloc as a tool to reduce water nutrient requirements are required in adequate levels. The supply of highly digestible protein with the proper amino acid profile is key exchange in reaching the potential of the new shrimp genetic lineage but also The effluents of intensive nursery systems are rich in nutrients reduce pollution of the rearing water. A recent study conducted at such as nitrogen and phosphorus, along with suspended organics the Institute of Marine Sciences - Labomar, in Brazil, demonstrated and high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD, McIntosh et al., a 12% gain in survival, 8% reduction in FCR along with a reduction of 2001). With adequate management and control of carbonaceous size variability by half when using BernAqua’s MeM (a cold micro- substrate, microorganisms can uptake these metabolites, extruded diet), in comparison to a regular crumble, during a 56- maintaining the water quality, reducing nutrient release and day nursery process. recycling the waste into nutritious biofloc, which is a natural food for detritivores such as shrimp. In a study comparing efficiency of a 2.5 years of experience on nursery and biofloc system using low and high protein content, no detrimental effects to water quality could be linked to the use of a high protein biosecure intensive shrimp farming diet (Brito, 2018) Running since September 2017, BIOSIPEC is the Bio-Secure Intensive Shrimp Production pilot of ADM in Vietnam. The production cycle in this system is divided into three phases: a nursery, a pre grow-out and a grow-out phase. Having the Having the production cycle divided production cycle divided into three phases will allow for five cycles “ per year, adjustment of energy consumption for each phase and a into three phases will allow for five cycles better control of the environment. (Table 1 and Figure 3) per year, adjustment of energy and feed consumption for each phase and a better Nursery Pre grow-out Grow-out control of the environment. ” Duration (days) 28 42 42 Shrimp initial size 0.003 0.3 6 In an intensive biofloc system, up to 40% of shrimp biomass can be (g) obtained from the biofloc produced and consumed in the system Shrimp final size 0.3 6 18 (Burford et al., 2004; Cardona et al., 2015). The direct benefits are (g) a reduction in feed demand and feed conversion ratio (FCR) along with an increase in efficiency. These days, the availability of post Final density 3 2.8 3 3 larvae from strong family selection systems is a reality. Fast growth (kg/m ) is one the main traits targeted by the global shrimp breeding Survival 80% 90% 90% centres, but only gives a “potential” of what the shrimp can achieve in terms of growth. To reach that potential, protein along with other Table 1. Typical key performance indicators of the three-phase system.

Nursery 2 on BIOSIPEC

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific 20 Shrimp Culture

NURSERY FEEDING AND GROWTH RATES Feeding rate Average weight (%) (g)

35.0% 0.45 Feeding Rate Average Weigt 0.40 30.0% 0.35 25.0% 0.30

20.0% 0.25

15.0% 0.20

0.15 10.0% 0.10 5.0% 0.05

0.0% 0.00 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Days of Culture

Initial shrimp number 251,000 Final shrimp number 214,000 Initial Average Weight (mg) 3.1 Final Average Weight (mg) 388 Initial Biomass (kg) 0.8 Harvested Biomass (kg) 83 Initial Density (PL/l) 8 Final Density (kg/m3) 2.8 Figure 3. BIOSIPEC nursery raceway with specific design Produced Biomass (kg) 82.3 Feed Consumption (kg) 77.2 to improve aeration and water movement Survival 85% FCR 0.94

Nursery performance In this nursery system, there is a 30m3 raceway located in a Having a BIOSIPEC demo-farm has allowed ADM to develop greenhouse and thus protected from the rain, light and external its own expertise in innovative and intensive shrimp production. contamination. The cycle starts with post larvae (PL10) and runs Currently, the demo-farm serves as a training site for customers for 4 weeks with a density ranging from 8 to 10 PL/L to reach a and technical teams to be acquainted with products and protocols survival of over 80% and FCR around 0.95. From the beginning, the adapted to the requirements of a high-density nursery. animals are fed with formulated feed to avoid any contamination. The PL10 are fed with MeM 200-300 (BernAqua) at 30% of the References biomass, before slowly decreasing the feeding rate to finish at 6% to 8% biomass with a specific extruded nursery feed, Vana Nano Cohen, J., Samocha, T.M., Fox, J.M., Gandy, R.L., Lawrence, A.L.,2005. feed (Ocialis). At the end of 4 weeks, the shrimp reach 300mg Characterization of water quality factors during intensive raceway production of juvenile L. vannamei using limited discharge and biosecure management tools. on average, which may seem low when compared to the results Aquacult. Eng. 32 (3–4),425–442. in lower density cultures, such as at one PL/L, but higher density Manoj Sharma. 2019. The good, the bad and the ugly side of shrimp farming. Aqua culture saves space and energy. Water consumption is around Culture Asia Pacific, Volume 15, March/April 2019, pp 8-13. 300m3 for the nursery cycle, which represents around 3.6m3/kg of McIntosh, D., Samocha, T.M., Jones, E.R., Lawrence, A.L., Horowitz, S., Horowitz, biomass produced. This represents a reduction in cost as well as a A 2001. Effects of two commercially available low-protein diets (21% and 31%) on minimising risks with introduction of pathogens. water and sediment quality, and on the production of Litopenaeus vannamei in an outdoor tank system with limited water discharge. Aquaculture. Eng. 25, 69–82. Low water consumption also allows the regulation of the mineral balance of the water. Indeed, during the nursery phase, shrimp can undergo 10 to 15 moulting during which it is crucial to have the perfect mineral balance. In cases of low salinity, successful artificial salinity and mineral balancing have been performed at BIOSIPEC. A few steps ahead of the development of shrimp nursery The last few years have seen the concept of nursery spreading across all shrimp production regions such as Vietnam, India and Cuong Huynh Tran is Regional Technical Manager Aquaculture, based in Vietnam. ([email protected]) the Philippines. Farmers quickly calculated the advantage of a nursery phase compared to direct stocking. However, the current Georges Hetzel is Aquaculture Engineer, based in Vietnam. trend is to run low-density nurseries (1PL-2PL/L), which barely ([email protected]) compensates for the investment costs. BIOSIPEC is two steps Marcell Boaventura is Sales Manager APAC BernAqua based in ahead of this trend and adopts the following features: Australia. ([email protected]) Sjoerd Bakker ([email protected]) is Aquaculture Export • More cycles per year, higher density, with optimisation of the and Project Manager and Marc Campet (marc.campet@adm. surface and energy consumption, com) is Asia Aquaculture Commercial Developer, based in • Partitioning the usual farming cycle into three phases and Vietnam. isolating each phase, which allows the implementation of a All authors are with ADM Animal Nutrition. specific biosecurity protocol for each phase and reduce the risk of crop failures.

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Industry Review 21 Marine Shrimp in Asia in 2019: Supply exceeds demand Higher supply, lower prices and margins in 2019 despite the emerging market in China.

owards the end of 2019, there Twere several exchanges on what was happening with farmed shrimp production, some focussing at the global stage while one was specially on the Philippines. These are reported in this issue. In this review, it was decided not to repeat these discussions, but to focus on the market, sourcing and supply situations. Following up on the interest to bring back the production of the monodon shrimp reported in the last review in the January/ February 2019 issue, updates are given below. Markets During the Shrimp 2019 Conference in November 2019, Dr Darryl Jory, USA and Dr Cui He, China Aquatic Products Processing and Marketing Alliance (CAPPMA) indicated that the two major exporters in the farmed 50g vannamei shrimp grown the monodon shrimp way at the Gujarat-based Mayank shrimp trade are India and Ecuador. Aquaculture. Dr Manoj Sharma presented at Shrimp 2019 in November 2019. Cui He also said that slowly, China is reducing its production output of shrimp and in 2020, will import more shrimp, up to 750,000 tonnes and if consumption rises, up to one million tonnes.

In the recent 2 years, Ecuador’s and India’s combined growth in output and exports have tipped the balance. Since 2018, supply has exceeded demand. Even though Ecuador exports mainly HOSO (head on shell on) while India’s exports are 80% HLSO (headless shell on), both countries have competed for the Monodon shrimp farmed in Vietnam China market resulting in the easing of prices from the second quarter of Magazine Design v1-176X62.5MM v5.pdf 1 6/8/2014 9:50:57 PM

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January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific 22 Industry Review

2018. India started the 2019 year poorly due to poor local prices Vannamei shrimp Monodon shrimp which deterred farmers from stocking. However, production of the tonnes tonnes second crop was higher even though the average harvest sizes tend to be smaller, partly to avoid diseases and partly to cash-in China 584,000 96,000 with the existing ex farm prices. India 557,000-618,000* 49,000-54,000*

Vietnam started strongly with its first crop but was not translated Indonesia 300,000-350,00 20,000 into exports due to the poor prices which means that processing Vietnam 330,000 220,000 plants were carrying larger inventory in their cold storage. It was reported in Shrimp Tails (7 Sept 2019, seafood-tip.com) that Thailand 285,000 14,250 Bangladesh was seeing poor exports of the monodon shrimp Philippines 65,000 7,000 due to poor post larvae quality and high temperatures leading to Malaysia 40,000-42,000 8,000 lower production, and the Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation (BSSF) has plans to overcome this situation (see page 48). Bangladesh 40,000 *MPEDA (Shrimp 2019) According to Dr Ho Quoc Luc, during Vietfish 2019, the US is a big market for Vietnam, but since Vietnamese shrimp are subjected to Table 1. Estimates from industry on farmed shrimp production in 2019 antidumping duties, exports to the US have been decreasing. In 2019, the US market was only 10%. Minh Phu, the largest shrimp exporter has 44% of this share and enjoys 0% duties whereas others 2018 (see page 24). It is still difficult to assess the production from have a tax rate of 4.58%. An opportunity for Vietnam’s exporters is Vietnam and Indonesia. In the case of Indonesia, based on post the US-China trade war which may open markets. Vietnam’s main larvae and feed sales, industry estimated a production at 300,000- competitor in the US market is India; with lower prices, India has a 350,000 tonnes. Based on feed sales and feed conversion ratio 35% share of this market. Indonesia is also a competitor and it does (FCR) of 1.5, the estimate for Vietnam was only 550,000 tonnes. not have antidumping duties to pay. Malaysia’s production continued to be around the 40-50,000 tonnes range. There are reports that shrimp farms in East Malaysia Ho said that the EU is the third largest importer of shrimp from are doing much better than those in Peninsula Malaysia. Vietnam, which is looking forward to a thriving export trade into the EU, with the impending EVFTA (Europe Vietnam Free Trade A country to watch is the Philippines, which reportedly produced Agreement). This means that gradually Vietnam’s producers will only between 60-70,000 tonnes of the vannamei shrimp in 2019 pay zero tax. Furthermore, Vietnam can supply IQF shrimp, as which is marginally higher than that reported officially by the demanded by the EU markets. Ho emphasised that in the long term, government at 60,122 tonnes (Albaladejo and Usero, 2019) in Vietnam must develop a brand for Vietnamese shrimp. 2018. However, industry active in the Philippines are convinced that production was much higher, with the rapid expansion of farms “Thailand’s shrimp exports have diverted away from the EU as it lost in Mindanao Island in the south. Most of them opting for intensive the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP),” said Dr Somsak culture systems. The interest is with smaller ponds and increasing Paneetatyasai at Shrimp 2019 (see page 47). Shrimp imports from stocking density. Thailand face 20% taxes on cooked shrimp (GSP was 7%) and 12% During the PhilShrimp 2019 congress, there was interest by taxes on fresh shrimp (GSP 4%). Among the traditional markets, the second generation to move away from traditional extensive only Japan is importing 25% of total exports of Thai shrimp. Other systems to more intensive culture systems as well as utilise more of markets take up 46% of its shrimp exports. Robins McIntosh, CPF, the available land for production. Such large proposals will require said during TARS 2018, “ Efficient vannamei farming favours large external sources of funding. PJJ farm which now stocks 70PL/m3 in sized shrimp, which is Thailand’s new focus.” two large 1 ha and 0.8ha ponds has plans to modify the ponds into smaller ponds and intensify culture in 2021. Currently, there are Supply multiple harvests, starting with 16g shrimp to a final harvest with In this annual review, we looked at the production data. The annual 23g shrimp. The next step is to increase production and harvest GOAL survey presented at the conference in Chennai, India, gave more often. a global marine shrimp production from aquaculture at 3.47 million The situation up to the third quarter in 2019 was summarised by tonnes for 2019. Southeast Asian production was 1.69 million Shrimp Tails in its January update (seafood-tip.com). Overall the tonnes. While the GOAL report gave 1.4 million tonnes for China, Dr global supply growth was 5% vs that of 2018. There is a tighter Cui He, said it was 0.8 million tonnes for marine shrimp and another supply of larger sizes as cycles are shortened due to weather and 0.5 million tonnes of vannamei shrimp production in freshwater disease problems in Vietnam and Indonesia, respectively. This aquaculture systems (Shrimp 2019). resulted in a major supply of smaller sized shrimp and increased Ravi Yellanki in his presentation at GOAL 2019, gave India’s price for larger ones. Ravi Yellanki (2019) reported that in March production in 2019 at 600,000 tonnes, 18% below that reported for 2019, imports of broodstock were down 50% but went up again in the last quarter of 2019. This matches with the report that India is working on a third crop as the October import of broodstock was high. In India, growth was 4% but in terms of value it was only 0.5%, indicating lower prices. Indonesia showed about 1% growth in output but value fell by 6% when compared to 2018 figures. Compared to 2018 figures, Vietnam’s growth up to the third quarter was 6% but lower stocking was expected in the last quarter.

Robins McIntosh, CPF, Thailand and Jerry Shi, Kona Bay (right) with hatchery owners at GOAL 2019.

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Industry Review 23

Breakout session on “Charting a future for the black tiger shrimp during GOAL 2019.

Demand Reviving monodon shrimp production EU demand has been slow for the whole year and is expected to With the exception of Bangladesh, there has been little focus cross 600,000 tonnes which will be at the same volume for 2018. on production of the monodon shrimp. According to industry, However, prices are expected to ease by 10%. The US is expected 220,000 tonnes of this shrimp were produced in Vietnam, where to grow about 1% and import about 650,000 tonnes and prices will there is a preference for a dual species industry – vannamei shrimp slump by 5%. The interesting growth market is China where for the in intensive culture and monodon shrimp in areas more suited to first time, grey imports through Vietnam were at a minimum due to extensive and semi-intensive culture practices. The production of the fierce clampdown by the Chinese government. The result is a monodon shrimp increased from 3% to 5% of total production of significant increase of direct imports which allows accurate data farmed shrimp in Thailand in 2019. to be collected. Undercurrentnews.com reported that in May 2019, volumes imported showed an increase close to 285% on volume In the Philippines, traditional farms focus on extensive culture of the but only 210% increase in value. This equates to a drop in average monodon shrimp but with the success in farming of the vannamei prices of 20%. shrimp with higher returns and also the fact that SPF post larvae are available, a younger generation taking over farms are now A price war was predicted between Ecuador and India, but this did looking at converting to vannamei shrimp farming. Furthermore, not happen. Inventory in China was estimated to be at 4-6 months the market in the Philippines still favours small sized shrimp, at before the Shanghai Seafood Exhibition in August, but China’s 16g. According to an industry source, some farmers in Cebu and purchase levels exceeded expectations and prices increased by Negros produce monodon shrimp to large sizes (40g) to get the an average of USD0.15-0.20/kg. In September, an Ecuadorian higher prices, above USD8-10/kg. The Aquaculture Department, shipment was tested positive for a virus and consequently all their Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Centre (AQD, SEAFDEC) shipments had to go through checks on arrival to China main ports. started a “return to the monodon shrimp” program in 2017 and is in This dampened exports from Ecuador and prices crept up by USD1/ the midst of collecting wild shrimp as founder broodstock. kg by October. However, a diplomatic meeting reversed this in November, and it will be interesting to see prices in 2020. By this “Despite perennial calls for the vannamei shrimp to be farmed time, major buying by China had already been done for Chinese in Bangladesh, the country has opted to stay with the monodon New Year 2020 which falls on 25 January 2020. shrimp,” said Syed Mahmudul Huq, chairman of the Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation (BSFF). There is a large World Bank Conundrum with the monodon shrimp project to expand monodon shrimp production. In the last marine shrimp review, it was reported that lured by demand from processing plants and the availability of post larvae During the recent GOAL conference held in Chennai in October, from SPF broodstock, in Malaysia, there was a surge to farm the in the presence of representatives from shrimp farming countries, black tiger shrimp in 2018. This trend did not last long as in mid- leading importers and retailers from Europe, USA, Japan and 2019, farmers in the south of Peninsular Malaysia could not find China, aquaculture scientists and disease specialists deliberated markets for the large sized 20/kg or even the smaller sized 30-40/ on how to revive the market and production of monodon shrimp. kg shrimp. One possible reason was that prices were too high when Led by George Chamberlain, Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA), a large sized vannamei shrimp were much cheaper. Offer prices went round table session discussed ideas and a small group was formed down to around MYR38 (USD10/kg) for size 20/kg. At the same to continue the dialogue and come up with concrete strategies and time, the live monodon shrimp market has been competitive; farms action plans for this purpose. in Southern Thailand and Malaysia vie for the live shrimp market in China. Meanwhile, the indoor farms in China are supplying live shrimp. Prices are very good and did not put any caps on costs of production, which are high. Astaxanthin is added to the feeds to produce the red colour demanded by consumers.

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific 24 Industry Review Spotlight on India’s shrimp farming industry

Santana Krishnan (fifth right) with speakers and SAP members at the Farmers’ Day session during GOAL 2019, Chennai, India. Picture credit: S. Muthukaruppan, SAP. he GOAL Conference in Chennai featured a breakout session: TSpotlight on India’s bustling shrimp sector. This session was organised by the Society of Aquaculture Professionals (SAP) in poor harvest and low returns to the farmer. Poor water and soil together with Avanti Feeds Ltd as part of a Farmers’ Day event with quality are causes of WSD and a reversal has been reported both in a live telecast beamed to around 200 farm managers, technicians, the field and in the laboratory, indicating the possible role of poor hatchery, processing plant operators and other stakeholders in four pond conditions. locations– Vijayawada, Balasore, Pondicherry and Surat. Santana Krishnan, CEO, SK Marine Technologies, was the moderator of this SAP, together with the University of Arizona, conducted an online session, where several industry experts gave their views on shrimp survey and field surveillance of WFS affected ponds. Out of 256 farming developments in India. survey respondents and 155 field samples collected, it was found that all the samples have the classic symptoms of white faeces, In the past 8 years, the remarkable growth in farmed shrimp with 143 samples tested positive for EHP while 12 were negative. production was at an annual rate of 20-35% and reached 750,000 tonnes in 2018. Since 2015, India has been the leading shrimp “Shrimp diseases are the primary cause for low productivity and exporter to the US and China. However, SAP’s President Ravi reducing margins in shrimp farming, and WSD, WFS and slow Yellanki in his presentation on India’s industry outlook, said that in growth are the causes for low productivity,” said Ramraj. He 2019, SAP expected production to drop by 18% to around 600,000 suggested crop planning by choosing the right season to prevent tonnes. He attributed this change to lower average international WSD as well as the use of functional feeds and probiotics. Ravi prices which have declined from USD8.50 in 2017, to USD8.00 in suggested a paradigm shift – moving from the use of specific 2018 and USD7.30 in 2019. The low prices resulted in 70% of farms pathogen free (SPF) to specific pathogen tolerant (SPT)/specific experiencing losses. Only 10% of farms were profitable and 20% pathogen resistance (SPR) broodstock, and also use those SPT/ broke even in 2019. SPR for EHP.

Ravi noted that in 2019, imports of vannamei broodstock were 10% Production challenges less than 2018. In the last 4 years, India imported 200,000 or more Avanti Feeds is the leading shrimp feed producer and has of the vannamei broodstock. In March 2019, 50% less broodstock conducted a survey of farms with WSD over three years (2017- were imported compared to March 2018, despite it being the high 2019). Srinibas Mohanty, Technical and Marketing said that season for post larvae sales. This was because farmers were just classically WSD occurs at 30-35 days in ponds. Mortality at not stocking. The situation only improved in late 2019. Vannamei 20% would amount to a loss of 10-15 billion post larvae, costing post larvae production was 57 billion in 2019. Average harvest sizes USD140 million. It was estimated that WFD occurred in 40% of have declined from 30g to 15-16g. farms resulting in 8-10% production loss, valued at INR1,000 crores (USD150 million). With EHP, the farmer still has a crop to Diseases: Prevention and challenges sell but instead of 25g shrimp, harvested shrimp size was only 6g. Disease affecting the vannamei shrimp include the white spot The rate of infection of EHP was estimated at 30-40% of farms in disease (WSD), white faeces syndrome (WFS), loose shell India resulting in a loss of INR350 crores (USD 52.6 million). syndrome (LSS), slow growth, Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP), running mortality disease (RMS), vibriosis, and diseases in Climate changes in India over the last few years have greatly the hatchery. Dr D. Ramraj, President All India Shrimp Hatcheries affected the shrimp industry with long spells of drought over 7-8 Association (AISHA), said that WSD has been in the industry for the months. Salinity can rise to 50-55ppt and this can be followed by past 25 years. Peak WSD outbreaks occur during the cooler months short bursts of rainfall, suddenly reducing salinity to zero. Mohanty (January to March) and monsoon months from June to August. described some losses to drought by farms in Ongole, Nellore in Outbreaks are less during the summer months. “Crop timing and Andhra Pradesh and in Tamil Nadu. Losses are direct losses as well improved biosecurity are the best options for WSD control and as that with a slow recovery. white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) tolerant stocks hold promise for the future,” said Ramraj. Some actions by farmers have increased profitability and production efficiency. In Gujarat, farms have opted for low stocking density WFS is rated by farmers as the most serious threat to shrimp with higher profitability. In 2017-2018, the average stocking was farming. Slow growth with WFS bring reduced survivals, resulting 50-60 PL/m2 but in 2019, it was 25-30PL/m2 but margins were

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Industry Review 25

important areas but usually the focus is on the wholesomeness of the products. The farming segment needs to understand that the new generation of consumers, the millennials, want to know where and how the shrimp are produced. Antibiotic-free production is the responsibility of all parties in the supply chain. He encouraged farmers to participate in group third party certifications. Feed management Dr Victor Suresh, United Research, Singapore gave some insights into some feeding practices in farms, based on information from some shrimp farmers. One of his tips on feed management is that, a good start increases the chances of a successful culture. This is especially true when there are high risks due to diseases such as EHP. The provision of a high-quality balanced feed at day of culture 1 (DOC 1) should start from 1.5kg/100,000PL. Victor also listed some steps on feeding based on observations of shrimp in the feed trays. Overall, farmers deemed check trays as indispensable but commented that the value of check trays in feed management depends on the number and size of trays, shape of ponds etc. The use of automatic feeders is only at 1% (Sreeram, 2019) and Victor Sree Atluri, Devi Seafoods said that quality, food safety listed the advantages of using autofeeders as well as acoustic and sustainability are three important areas. feeders where the ration is driven by the shrimp’s feeding activity. Feeding information is transmitted to the feeder as sound signals. Studies demonstrate vast improvements in feed efficiency with the use of acoustic feeders. better. Mohanty also cited actions in some villages where farmers have opted for crop holidays to avoid disease and adverse weather There are some paradigm shifts which the industry should consider conditions. Subsequently, survival rate increased to 80-90% from adopting. Ravi said that global production is about 4 million tonnes the previous 30-40%. and the export market ranges from 2.1-2.3 million tonnes. “This means that there is a lot of local consumption in some producing Market forces countries like China, Mexico Brazil and Malaysia. Therefore, India Linking the needs of seafood buyers with farming practices was needs to focus on the domestic market since we have a huge the focus of the presentation by Sree Atluri, Devi Seafoods, a population which is growing. Already, some 80% of Indian shrimp leading seafood processor and exporter with a strong presence are exported headless; to be competitive, the strategy for India is in the US market. Quality, food safety and sustainability are three to move to value adding with ready-to-eat products.”

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January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific 26 Industry Review Philippines shrimp: working together for a progressive shrimp industry The industry in the Philippines is showing a strong resurgence in production and the call at the 12th PhilShrimp was to collectively work together.

he 12th Philippines National Shrimp Congress (PhilShrimp) Tstarted with a high note as shrimp production showed an increase over that in 2018. This was a large gathering of almost 1,050 participants of farmers, industry suppliers, national and local governments, academia and researchers. It was jointly organised by Philippine Shrimp Industry, Inc. (PhilShrimp), the Negros Prawn Producers Cooperative (NPPC), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Agriculture (DA-BFAR), Aquaculture Department Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC-AQD) and the Department of Science and Technology.

Constantine C. Tanchan, Chairman for this Congress, held from November 20-22, 2019 in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, said that there has been tremendous growth in the past years Hon. Cynthia A Villar, Senator of the Republic of the Philippines particularly in Mindanao, Visayas and Luzon. Most of the growth is with Constantine C. Tanchan (left) and Roberto A Gatuslao in the south, with new players in Davao and General Santos. “There (middle) with PhilShrimp directors at the opening ceremony. has been consolidation of small and medium farms. We expect year 2020 to be very productive.” The production in 2019 was estimated to be between 60,000 to 70,000 tonnes. In 2018, the reported production was 60,122 tonnes (Albaladejo and Usero, 2019).

The theme for this Congress was “Strengthening synergies towards a progressive shrimp industry for global competitive advantage”. There were 30 presentations over 2.5 days, which was a “caravan of knowledge with a focus on responsible competitiveness to empower players in a global landscape” said Roberto A Gatuslao, PhilShrimp President and NPPC Chairman. At the press conference, held prior to the opening, Gatuslao said, “Growth is with partnership. We cannot be successful if we are alone; we need to work together. It is timely that we leverage our performance with The Biosolutions International and that of our Asian neighbours.” INVE Aquaculture teams with clients

Despite not facing massive challenges with disease, there are At present, most of the shrimp produced is sold in local markets some concerns which Tanchan addressed. This is the need for and additional production, may be channelled for export. The the government to prevent farms from being too close with each processing sector is ready with modern plants to take up the other. “This means that if one farm gets an outbreak, others close- additional volume. However, Audie H. Lim, Mindanao Director, by will surely be affected. I think 2-3km away from each other will PhilShrimp said, “Today whatever is being produced is sold locally be good.” as prices are better than export markets. As the country’s economy is going well, I would expect that the local market can take this More shrimp and partnerships additional production.” “We can expect production to reach 120,000 tonnes in the next 3 years. There are a lot of developments; farms are changing to use In November, the price for 15g shrimp was PHP220/kg (USD4.35/ high density polyethylene (HPDE) liners which will allow them to kg) but it was expected to rise to PHP300/kg (USD5.9/kg) during do more crop cycles. We also have many new farms in Mindanao the Christmas peak demand season. The lowest price in 2019 was where the trend is towards intensive farming as compared to the PHP150/kg (USD2.96/kg) semi-intensive farms around Pampanga and Bulacan on Luzon Island. In Negros and Cebu, it is a mixture of semi-intensive and Changing farming concepts intensive farms. My worry is that we need to be able to balance this Tanchan who is the owner of the Aquatic Phoenix Aquaculture expansion with the environment. How to live with the environment Group with five farms, is a modern and successful farmer and a role was one of the areas discussed during this Congress.” Tanchan model for industry. He is cautious with the farming practices at his added that it helps that BFAR conducts accreditation exercises and farms and recently is changing standard operating practices (SOP) this includes checks on sludge treatments. to improve production. One recent investment is using ozone (instead of chlorine) at his newest farm in Cebu. The public-private partnership is strong in the Philippines with BFAR and SEAFDEC-AQD supporting industry. Tanchan had a Neil Cabigon, CTO at Aquatic Hatchery described the state- wish list for the future, “It is critical for the government to consult of-the-art hatchery technologies at his two vannamei shrimp industry leaders when making or changing policies that affect hatcheries in Cebu. Critical control points to avoid pathogens us. We know the industry problems well. With these in place, the include the use of broodstock which comes only from BFAR shrimp industry in the Philippines will be more competitive.” There accredited specific pathogen free (SPF) facilities. With live are some regulations which industry would like to be consulted, polychaetes, Neil will first disinfect them using microbubble- such as the requirement on Environmental Impact Assessment ozone and iodine. Additionally, formulated broodstock feeds and (EIA) which may impact new investments into the sector. imported irradiated frozen feeds are used. Secondly, the incoming water is treated with ozone followed by UV treatment. Neil said the

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Industry Review 27

Farming in Mindanao, Cyrus Regalado Marc Campet, ADM Asia (fourth from (right) and Petros Regalado. the right) with the Philippines team

At the Uni President Vietnam booth, Wen Wei, Export Aquafeed Department, Uni President Vietnam (left) with Ramon and Ryan At the Bayer booth, Chris Mitchum Ganancial, Alegre, Dobe Hatchery. In his presentation, Wen Wei introduced Portfolio Manager – Aquaculture (second right) photosynthetic bacteria for pond remediation and inhibition of and Adrian Fok, Lanxess, Singapore (right). pond bacteria. Some effects were on black gill disease. preference for ozone is its high efficiency and lower concentration In another presentation, Marybeth V Irigo, owner of PJJ Farms in time (CT) value. Apart from that, oxidation reduction potential Davao described the farm’s progress to date since its setup in 2016. (ORP) is not affected by pH, and there is no residual dissolved The farm has 1.8ha of grow-out ponds and a 0.4ha settling pond. oxygen, and calcium scaling is not needed; ozone in the gaseous Stocking density was at 70PL/m2. Currently the farm harvests 68 form makes it easy to disinfect airtubes too. In the hatchery, they tonnes/year from multiple harvests, starting with 16g shrimp and will continue to use innovations to enhance efficiency, such as ending with 23g shrimp. Each harvest is 12-15 tonnes. Marybeth internet connected multiparameter sonde and machine learning plans to convert the ponds into smaller units and intensify culture. post larvae counter. Expansion in Mindanao A new entrant to shrimp farming , Allan Lopez from Dynamic Team There are established shrimp farming groups based in Mindanao Venture Inc, Sarangani Province in Mindanao gave his take on with farms around Davao and General Santos, Alsons, Sanacor and using the “Best Small Pond Project (BSP)” which he said, “is easy to RD. They also have farms on the other islands such as in Cebu and adopt, gives higher productivity, easy to manage with predictable Bohol. A general opinion at the Congress is that Mindanao is where results and is environmentally friendly and sustainable.” The farm more intensive farming practices are happening, compared to the in Tuyan, Malapatan was started in 2017 and has smaller grow-out lower stocking density in Negros Occidental at 80-100 PL/m2. An ponds at sizes 1,500-2,500m2. It has a series of settling ponds, established player noted that new entrants into shrimp farming are reservoir ponds and ready to use (RTU) ponds. Subsequently, more aggressive in terms of stocking density. The presentation by there is the effluent treatment ponds (ETP) for sludge removal. Cary Andigan, BioSolutions’s International Corporation detailed The results from a harvest in June 2017 was 100% survival after 100 approaches at the Sarangani Farm, which was challenged with days. The total yield was 8.3 tonnes of 23g shrimp from a 1,700m2 high ammonia and nitrite in high density shrimp culture (100- pond (49.3 tonnes/ha), stocked with 294/m2 juveniles. Feed 250 PL/m2). These problems were successfully addressed with conversion ratio was 1.23. a series of solutions. The end result was production of 30g shrimp after 111 days (grow-out at 81 days and nursery for 30 days). The Some interesting features presented were that the total grow-out total biomass was 22.5 tonnes/ha. In another farm in General area is 35,000m2 and the reservoir areas is 31,000m2; ponds and Santos, the production was 30 tonnes/ha of 14g shrimp after 90 canals are all fully HDPE lined and water is treated by chlorination days using a stocking density of 200PL/m2. at 30ppm and settled over 3 days. There is a nursery with six round tanks of 10m diameter, two as nursery and four as reservoirs. There are more cautious farmers in Mindanao. Cyrus Regalado, Lopez said the they follow Charoen Pokphand’s nursery protocol. formerly from the Blue Archipelago Farm in Malaysia has taken Recent harvest results in 2019 from a 1,800m2 pond using juveniles over some older ponds (30-years old) in Davao. In 24 ponds, he is of 0.37g, stocked at 178/m2 was 41.8 tonnes/ha of 32g shrimp. stocking at 100-150PL/m2, a lower stocking density for the larger Survival was 89%. Another 1,800m2 pond, stocked with 184/m2 0.8ha ponds compared to the smaller 800m2 ponds (150PL/m2). of larger 0.55g juveniles was harvested after 76 days. The crop He has harvested the smaller ponds at 1.8 tonnes/pond and the yield was 40.4 tonnes of 29g shrimp and survival was 90%. This 0.3ha ponds yielded 5.2 to 5.3 tonnes/pond. The harvested size concept promotes smaller ponds, which are easier to manage and was 16g and these were sold in the local markets. yield higher production per area, with a faster crop turnover. The yield also fits with market demand. Disease control is easy with biosecurity. The cost of production was reported at PHP165/kg (USD3.26/kg).

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific 28 Industry Review

At the 20-year old, 30ha farm belonging to the RD group, the 39 ponds are stocked with 100-120 PL/m2. Ponds dykes are lined. “This is a cautious stance as compared to others stocking at 150- 200 PL/m2,” said Petros Regalado, Farm Manager. “The younger farmers will also attempt stocking at 250-300PL/m2.” Similarly as with others, the harvest size is 16g, for the local markets, with smaller volumes for export. The company has seven farms, five around General Santos and Sarangani Province and two in Bohol Island. Health management Robins McIntosh, Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF), Thailand looked at disease, disruption and change with new systems being introduced in Vietnam, India, Indonesia and Malaysia where the Ramir Lee (second left) at the Zeigler/Feedmix booth. focus is having more control on production with smaller ponds, efficient waste removal and better aeration. He discussed the move in Thailand to transform to controlled indoor recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). This is key to producing more from less. At the hatchery level, the emphasis is on automation, no ablation of broodstock, and reduction in the use of fresh feeds, among other protocol changes. Steve Arce, Kona Bay looked at the steps in biosecurity and disease management at the hatchery level, as well as how to address critical control points in the hatchery. He also showed how Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) was introduced though local broodstock in Vietnam, with infection from wild polychaetes; he also provided a protocol for treatment of EHP in the maturation of broodstock. At the pond side, Celia R Lavilla-Pitogo, Consultant, Feedmix Specialist Inc II, provided some insights on monitoring strategies, and explained thoroughly the shrimp defecation process for a better understanding of the white faeces disease. “Each disease has a different monitoring strategy and there is no single template for biosecurity,” said Celia. Celia R Lavilla-Pitogo and the team from Dobe Hatchery

farming of the black tiger shrimp which disease and grow good quality shrimp to is farmed at much lower stocking density marketable sizes. as compared to this shrimp. With this well illustrated and farmer-friendly manual, the There are two parts covered in the authors provide the management strategies manual. Part 1 deals with the biosecurity to grow-out farmers and technicians which measures to prevent and manage have been applied in successful farms. It infectious and non- infectious shrimp also serves as a guide on how to operate diseases during adverse environmental shrimp farms based on actual experiences conditions. It informs readers on how a and applying good aquaculture practices farm should maintain favourable water (GAqP) to minimize negative impacts to quality despite the mixed infection of the environment. The manual is part of two pathogens white spot syndrome the National Shrimp Production Program virus and Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (NSSP). (WSSV+EHP) in 2017 with several indications of vibriosis. The manual also In the preparation of this manual, the includes applications of several inputs Sustainable strategies in Managing authors had the assistance of members of during the culture period, including Penaeus vannamei culture the Negros Prawn Cooperative-Bacolod feed additives, immuno-stimulants and Authors: Maria Abegail Albaladejo and City and GJ Sarrosa, to document their probiotics to maintain a consistently Roselyn C Usero management practices. The goal of the high growth performance and survival Publisher: Bureau of Fisheries and authors is to lead the industry in the of shrimp. An interesting inclusion is the Aquatic Resources, Philippines (BFAR) “new normal”; farming in the presence of demarcation route for daily monitoring, from ponds with less days of culture (DOC) to ponds with longer DOC. Launch of manual for Philippines shrimp farmers Part 2 describes management practices Maria Abegail Albaladejo is the National and strategies in case of complex mixed Focal Person for Shrimp as well as the infections as applied by successful Chief Aquaculturist/OIC, Fisheries shrimp farmers. The authors specially Planning and Economic Division (FPED) noted that these are mix infections of at BFAR and Roselyn C Usero is Operation WSSV and EHP; WSSV and vibrosis; and Manager, Negros Prawn Cooperative- white faeces disease (WFD) and WSSV. Bacolod City. Both work closely with the The interpretation of bacterial analyses Philippines shrimp aquaculture industry. Maria Abegail Albaladejo (left) and in fry, juveniles and adults and specific Penaeus vannamei was introduced for Roselyn C Usero launched this manual case experiences are described in the commercial farming in 2007. Philippines at the 12th PhilShrimp Congress in manual, the latter with crop performance shrimp farmers are well versed with the November 2019 in Bacolod City. history and specific strategies applied.

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Feed Technology 29 Latest F3 Challenge Prize focuses on carnivores By Kevin Fitzsimmons

n just the last few years, great advances have been made in salmon supplies, uses over 20% of the fishmeal and 60% fish oil Ifishmeal and fish oil replacements for aquafeed. We have seen this consumed by the aquaculture sector. Today, over half of the global first-hand through our series of F3 Challenge contests, designed to shrimp supply is farmed. Global shrimp farming production, which accelerate the development and adoption of competitive alternative reached nearly 4 million tonnes in 2018 according to the UN Food ingredients—such as insects, algae and single-cell proteins—to and Agricultural Organization, is also one of the dominant consumers decrease pressure on wild forage fish to feed farmed fish. of the global fishmeal supply.

The F3 or Future of Fish Feed, is a collaborative effort between We invite feed companies to enter the contest by registering as an NGOs, researchers, and private partnerships to accelerate the individual or as part of a team in one or more of the award categories. commercialisation of innovative, alternative aquaculture feed There are no restrictions on teaming up if teams contribute relevant ingredients to replace wild-caught fish. ingredients or participate in distribution. The lead entrant is a feed company that can report sales. In addition, ingredient or distribution In October 2019 at the Global Aquaculture Alliance’s GOAL meeting, companies can join multiple teams, but sales must be submitted by the F3 team awarded Veramaris a USD200,000 prize for selling the the lead entrant team and cannot be double counted. most “fish-free” oil replacement during the F3 Fish Oil Challenge. The unique algae used by Veramaris is filled with an abundant Other added benefits of the contest are the positive publicity all amount of nutrients, including all three essential fatty acids DHA, contestants receive globally and an invitation to a networking event EPA and ARA in the ratios that carnivorous fish obtain in the wild and with large feed companies, investors, seafood buyers and others which are needed to grow farm-raised seafood. The contest was interested in innovative ingredients for aquaculture. able to save over two billion forage fish from being used in feed. Companies that make the switch to alternative ingredients will be Carnivore Edition opens better positioned for long-term growth because they will be able We are now recruiting contestants to join our newest contest, the to continue to supply and sell feed for a wide variety of farmed F3 Challenge - Carnivore Edition. Prizes will be awarded in each carnivorous fish, even if wild-caught stocks of forage fish diminish, of three categories—salmonid, shrimp, and other carnivorous or become unavailable. These companies will have ‘future- species—to the contestant that produces and sells the most feed proofed’ their supply chain in advance made without using wild-caught fish or any other marine-animal through leveraging the opportunity of the ingredient. Entrants for the “other” carnivorous species category F3 Challenge. Contest registration is open must receive approval in advance from the F3 judges. until April 30, 2020.

We chose carnivores for this contest since they are large consumers Kevin Fitzsimmons is Chair and Judge, Future of forage fish supplied meal and oil. In fact, salmon aquaculture, of Fish Feed (F3) Challenge and professor at the which currently provides roughly 70% or 2.5 million tonnes of all University of Arizona. ([email protected])

Challenge

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific 30 Feed Technology Fishmeal substitution with a protein concentrate for the whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei Best growth performance was obtained in shrimp fed with 50% fishmeal replacement, while 100% had a neutral impact on shrimp.

By Nguyen Van Nguyen, Danny Van Mullem, Le Hoang, Tran Van Khanh, Nguyen Thanh Trung and Paula Sole-Jimenez

ue to its dwindling supply and high cost, fishmeal has been Chromium oxide (Cr2O3) was used as the digestibility marker. Drecommended to be reduced in aquafeeds (Bureau et al., 1999; Growth and feed utilisation assessment. At the end of the trial, Tacon et al., 2008). Today, the reduction of dietary fishmeal in the shrimp were sampled and weighed to calculate growth (WG), feed aquafeed industry has become a global trend. The substitution efficiency (FCR and FI), survival rate (SR%) and for histology. of fishmeal with sustainable alternatives in aquafeed plays an important role in improving the sustainability of aquaculture Histological assessment and reduces adverse environmental impacts (Hertrampf and The histological examination followed the method of Lightner Piedad-Pascual, 2000; NCR, 2011). This study described below (1996). Shrimp fed the five experimental diets during the growth investigated the effects of replacing fishmeal with a protein trial were taken randomly with 3 shrimp/tank, and 9 shrimp/ concentrate in diets for white leg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. treatment for histological assessment. Samples were fixed by Davidson’s solution and kept in 70% alcohol until they were A protein concentrate that replaces fishmeal in vannamei shrimp processed. The shrimp body (containing midgut) was dissected diets (LSAQUA, fishmeal replacer) containing 70% crude protein, into four sections and each section was processed in an automatic 3% fat and 9% ash used in these trials, was provided by Lambers- tissue processor (Sakura VIP5). These were embedded in paraffin Seghers NV Aqua (LSAQUA, Belgium). We obtained 1,500 white and were then continuously sectioned and stained in the Shandon leg shrimp juveniles, initial body weight of 1.0 – 2.5g, from Long An Varistain 24-4 slide stainer by the specified solutions. The province and transferred them to the Go Vap experimental station. stained slides were examined under the light microscope (40X) Shrimp were then reared in the fiberglass tanks (2,000L/tank) for to determine the height of the enterocytes (intestinal epithelial acclimatisation before transferring to 21 units of 120L glass tanks, cells). The results were converted into micrometer (µm) with the with salinity of 15‰ for the feeding trials. conversion coefficient of 2.525.

Experimental diets Digestibility assessment As shown in Table 1, the basal diet (D0) was formulated to contain Digestibility assessment followed the method of Furukawa and 24% fishmeal and no protein concentrate, while the diets (D1, D2, Tsukahara (1996). The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) D3, D4) contained 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% protein concentrate of the test ingredient for dry matter, crude protein, crude lipid, and respectively, corresponding with 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% gross energy were calculated based on the method of Cho, Slinger substitution of the fishmeal. In terms of the digestibility test, two formulated diets including a reference and a test diet were prepared (Table 2). Feed ingredients were ground to pass through 0.5 mm sieve. The finely ground ingredients were well mixed for 10 minutes and then mixed again for 5 minutes with 30% water added gradually. Experimental feeds were prepared using a laboratory pellet mill and dried at 60°C for 24h. The diets were stored at 4°C until use. Experimental designs and husbandry The experiments were completely randomised with five treatments for growth (Table 1) and two treatments for digestibility test; each treatment was replicated three times. Shrimp in the growth experiment were randomly stocked in 15 units of 120L glass tanks, with 15 shrimp in each tank (150 shrimp/m3). Similarly, shrimp were Shrimp juveniles of initial body weight of stocked randomly in six units of 120L glass tanks with 15 shrimp 1.0–2.5g were used for the growth trials per tank (150 shrimp/m3) in the digestibility test.

The system of glass tanks used for the experiments is shown in Figure 1. Experimental diets Description Growth performance D0 0% (Basal) Control diet with fishmeal * Shrimp were reared in seawater with a salinity of 15‰ and fed three D1 10% Replacing 25% fishmeal times per day (8:00; 14:30 and 20:30h) at a feeding rate of 4-6% body weight for 60 days. Ninety minutes after feeding, uneaten D2 20% Replacing 50% fishmeal feeds were removed and the amount recorded. Each tank was D3 30% Replacing 75% fishmeal equipped with flow-through seawater and aeration to maintain D4 40% Replacing 100% fishmeal optimal water quality. The dissolved oxygen level was always kept higher (4 -5 mg/L) during the experiment. At the end of the feeding *New Zealand fishmeal (65% crude protein) trial, shrimp were sampled to determine growth performance. Table 1. Experimental diets for the growth trial Histological analysis was carried out on shrimp from the five treatments during the growth experiments. Diets Description Digestibility experiment T1 Basal Reference diet (RF) Faeces were collected twice a day for each tank at 11:00 and T2 Test diet 70% RF + 30% (LSAQUA) 16:00h by siphoning. The faecal collection was carried out for 8 weeks to gain a sufficient amount of sample for chemical analysis. Table 2. Digestibility experiment

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Feed Technology 31

Figure 1. Growth and feed utilisation

Measurement of apparent digestibility coefficients Figure 2. Survival rate (%)

& Bayley (1982), with 30% of the reference diet substituted by the test ingredient. ADCs of nutrients and the test ingredient were described as the equations below:

ADC of dry matter (%) = 100 x [1 – (dietary Cr2O3)/faecal Cr2O3] ADC of nutrients or energy (%) = 100 – [1 – (F/D x DCr / FCr )] ADC of the test ingredient (%) = 100/30 x [ADC in the test diet – (0.7 ADC in the reference diet)]. Growth performance After the 60 -day feeding trial, shrimp were collected to calculate the growth performance and feed utilisation. Data in Figures1 and 2 shows that the highest growth and feed utilisation of shrimp was Shrimp in the growth experiments were randomly obtained with the 50% fishmeal- substituted diet (D2) while the stocked in 15 units of 1,200L - glass tanks. lowest values were recorded at the basal diet (D0). Particularly, the highest survival rate (71.11%) was observed in shrimp fed the D4 diet where 100% dietary fishmeal was replaced. This may be explained attractants. Thus, the fishmeal - replaced diets, were probably by the balanced amino acid profile of the protein concentrate and satisfactory in terms of nutrients and functional properties; the reduction of the inclusion rate of soybean meal in the diets. The containing essential micronutrients and nutritive compounds protein concentrate may provide sufficient nutrients to meet all that were likely to make shrimp healthier and with higher survival the nutritional requirements of white shrimp when dietary fishmeal rates. As a consequence, shrimp may possess harder new shells was replaced. Additionally, the product contained functional or recover faster after moulting which is translated as a reduction micronutrients such as minerals, vitamins, pigments and chemo- in mortality rate caused by cannibalism during the moulting period.

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Histological morphology and Treatments Parameters digestibility D0 (0%) D0 (25%) D0 (50%) D0 (75%) D0 (100%) The morphology results of shrimp enterocytes Enterocyte 17.49a ± 0.87 20.44ab ± 4.38 23.06ab ± 3.72 26.25b ± 5.09 24.93b ± 3.20 are described in Table 3 and Figure 3. Shrimp fed height (µm) with the protein concentrate showed a notable Values are mean ± SD. Values in the same row with different superscripts are significantly difference in the enterocyte height. The highest different (p <0.05. value of enterocyte height (26.25 ± 5.09 µm) Table 3. Enterocyte height of midgut of shrimp fed the experimental diets. obtained in shrimp fed diet D3 with 75% fishmeal replaced while the lowest value (17.49 ± 0.87µm) was observed in those fed the control diet (D0). ADCs Ingredient Dry Matter Crude Crude Lipid Phosphorus Gross In particular, shrimp fed with higher than 30% (%) Protein (%) (%) (%) Energy (%) fishmeal substituted with the protein concentrate LSAQUA 80.96 ± 1.58 90.38 ± 0.82 91.21 ± 1.40 76.34 ± 0.96 88.31 ± 1.57 exhibited significantly higher enterocyte height (D2: 23.06 ± 3.72 µm; D3: 26.25 µm, and D4: 24.93 Table 4. Apparent digestibility coefficients of test ingredient (LSAQUA) for dry ± 3.20 µm). The higher enterocyte height in shrimp matter, crude protein, crude lipid, phosphorus and gross energy (n = 3). fed the fishmeal- substituted diets was possibly attributed to high digestibility coefficients of nutrients (Table 3) and the reduction of plant protein rate in the diets through reducing dietary soybean meal which may contain a number of anti-nutritional factors.

The high digestibility coefficients of nutrients obtained reflect the digestible properties of the D0 (Control) D3 (30% LSAQUA) nutritive substances contained in the protein concentrate (Table 4). Figure 3. Enterocyte height of shrimp

Conclusion The present study shows that the best growth performance utilisation, survival rate, and histology than the control diet. The of shrimp was obtained at the diet of 50% dietary fishmeal test ingredient, LSAQUA can be used to replace fishmeal in the replaced with the protein concentrate. The ingredient had rather diet without any adverse effects on growth and feed utilisation of high apparent digestibility coefficients of nutrients and energy. white leg shrimp and this ingredient is a potential protein source to Shrimp fed fishmeal- substituted diets had a better growth, feed replace fishmeal in the diets for white shrimp.

References Bureau D.P., Harrisa, A.M. and Cho C.Y. 1999. Apparent digestibility of rendered animal protein ingredients for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykis) Aquaculture: 345-358, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0044-8486(99)00210-0. Cho C.Y., Slinger S.J. and Bayley H.S. 1982. Bioenergetics of salmonid fishes: energy intake, expenditure and productivity. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology 73: 25 – 41, https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-0491(82)90198-5. Furukawa A and Tsukahara H.1966. On the acid digestion method for the determination of chromic oxide as the index substance in the study of fish feed. Bulletin of the Japanese Society of Scientific Fisheries 32: 502–506. Hertrampf J. and Piedad-Pascual F. (2000). Handbook on ingredients for aquaculture feeds. Kluwer Academic Publishers. The Netherlands:27-29. Lightner, D.V. (editor). 1996. A Handbook of shrimp pathology and diagnostic procedures for diseases of cultured penaeid shrimp. National research Council, 2011. Nutrient requirement of Fish and shrimp. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, https://doi.org/10.17226/13039. Tacon A.G.J. and Metian M. (2008) Global overview on the use of fishmeal and fish oil in industrially compounded aquafeeds: Trends and future prospects. Aquaculture 285:146-158, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2008.08.015.

Nguyen Van Nguyen is Director of Research Center for Aquafeed Nutrition and Fishery Post-harvest Technology (APOTEC) at the Research Institute for Aquaculture 2 (RIA2), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. ([email protected]) Danny Van Mullem is CEO of Lambers-Seghers NV Aqua (LSAQUA, Belgium). ([email protected])

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Feed Technology 33 Diseases and health management

ARS 2019, covering aquafeeds looked at how the sector can Tcontinue to support Asia’s fish and shrimp farming industry and be “Fit for Future”. There were 17 presentations, amongst them on state of industry and challenges in Indonesia, India and Vietnam, given by aquafeed producers and by feed users on their needs in terms of feed quality as well as the support they seek from the Improvement of production efficiency aquafeed sector. Reports on these presentations as well as those This starts from genetics. Selected animals, with the potential for on nutritional challenges were published in issues September/ growth or robustness, need to express their potential. Therefore, October and November/December 2019. it is critical when working with quality animals, throughout the production cycle, from broodstock maturation all the way to the Diseases and health management continue to take centre stage hatchery, nursery and grow-out, to really exploit that potential. in Asia’s aquaculture industry as it strives to improve productivity, "Obviously, there are a number of well documented protocols at predictability and determine some degree of consistency in the hatchery stage and cost-benefits are well understood. Good production. A session was dedicated to ways to improve nutrition production comes from strong and healthy post larvae which will and health of fish and shrimp; from looking at gut microbiota to grow faster and handle challenges better,” said Olivier. feeding strategies and maximising benefits of feed additives. Different strategies towards quality feeding In 2018, according to the annual GOAL survey, the concerns of the industry evolved by including international price and feed cost to the ever important disease management. “In Asia, the feeling was that it was not going to get better in 2019,” said Dr Olivier Decamp, INVE Aquaculture, Thailand, adding, “The worry is on production cost, market price and how to reduce costs. Unfortunately, this also means a reduction in investments covering biosecurity and production costs, by, for example, procuring cheaper post larvae and lowering feed cost. Feed producers try to meet customer demands for cheaper feed, but the increasing prices of raw materials put pressure on them to optimally formulate performing feeds.”

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific 34 Feed Technology

“ The focus should be on production efficiency and predictability. This has to be done at every step of the production process. ” - Olivier Decamp

Bernard Jordan T Lim, Hoc Po Feeds Corporation, Philippines (right) with Fabio Soller, Diana Aqua, Thailand and Sawasporn Jaklerdchai, SPF Diana, Thailand.

growth and stronger animals. In Vietnam, post larvae fed a partial replacement with this health booster diet could cope in an early mortality syndrome (EMS) challenge test.

Higher quality feed within the nursery The use of high-quality feeds was demonstrated in Mexico where diets included higher grade ingredients, which were more typical of a hatchery feed and were micro-extruded. The feed cost was higher. Olivier explained, “Of course, we increased the feed cost, Erwin Suwendi, PT Suri Tani Pemuka with Martha Aulia Mamora but we were able to have better growth, FCR and, more importantly, Application Manager Aquaculture, Indonesia (left) and Lintang Khrisna Mutti, PT Dian Natura Agrifarma, Indonesia. an improved cost benefit against both crumbled or extruded feed. Obviously, the approach has to be adapted to the production conditions.” Heat shock proteins to strengthen post larvae To strengthen post larvae and onwards from the hatchery to the Looking at seabream production in Europe, improved larval rearing nursery or grow-out, Olivier introduced the mechanism of heat- protocols resulted in fewer opercular deformities. The stronger shock proteins (HSP), which animals use to cope with stress and larvae, after being fed high-quality nursery diets, performed better repair. HSP can be produced by exposing the post larvae to a higher in cages. This shows the value of integrating the different steps in temperature (non-lethal heat shock). “We have been working the production. with a natural plant extract that we know can really work on the robustness of the animals. More specifically, this plant extract can Gut composition of healthy vs diseased shrimp stimulate the production of HSP. In a disease challenge situation, Xiong et al. (2018) analysed the gut composition of shrimp that studies at Ghent University show that animals treated by the HSP were either healthy or diseased. They focused on micro-eukaryotes were able to handle a Vibrio challenge more efficiently.” (protozoa and microalgae) and showed that, in diseased shrimp, there were more cyanobacteria or dinoflagellates, a direct Nursery phase consequence of poor pond soil management. This emphasizes the A nursery phase reduces risks by extending the duration of the importance of the right pond management in disease control. Chen rearing that can be carried out under controlled conditions, i.e. with et al. (2017) looked at microbiome dynamics in a shrimp grow- limited contact with pathogens. There are two main approaches in out pond with possible acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease nursery management: focus on a larger biomass and the largest (AHPND) and showed that if there was diversity in the pond number of post larvae or focus on biosecurity and consistency. microflora, and therefore in the gut, there was a stronger chance of The former is a gambling approach, risky with consequences on avoiding a Vibrio outbreak. biosecurity and on cost, but is the fastest way to stock ponds. The latter is practised by integrators who are more focused on planning In Ghent University and Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, in the hatchery, nursery and farm, and are more concerned with Barbara Hostins looked at ways to control the composition of managing risks. the gut microflora. She compared the gut microflora in shrimp that were reared in clear water and biofloc systems. Under both Olivier presented some protocols conducted in Vietnam. “By culture methods, the addition of Bacillus led to a change in the reducing water exchange with stocking density of 2PL/L, over 24 composition of the gut microflora, with an increased abundance of days and with over 20 cycles, we were able to have consistent Bacillus and a clearly reduced presence of Vibrio. “Under different growth. We reduced the investments in water treatment, energy rearing conditions, we can manipulate gut composition by applying and labour and increased the investment in quality feed. The probiotics and then see how the animals cope with the challenge.” production cost improved by 15%. The outcome is not only better said Olivier. predictability, but a cost-benefit to the producer.” The application of probiotics in the feed is carried out at the farm In another example in Thailand, the protocol included a by top dressing or by feed mills. The latter requires feed mills to combination of high-quality nutrition and high-quality health invest in equipment and to add probiotics in their feed. In Australia, booster, with the inclusion of immunostimulants and natural plant Olivier showed a different way of delivering the feed probiotics to extract. This partially replaced bulk feed. A 15% replacement of shrimp by using a carrier and without involving feed mills. This led the bulk feed by a health booster gave 38% more biomass, better to improved FCR and yield.

Olivier concluded, “To cope with feed cost, the focus should be on production efficiency and predictability, at every step in the production process. At the same time, it is imperative to have the right biosecurity and feeding approaches.”

Prapatantio Pringgodigdoyo, DSM, Indonesia; Kadi Mey Ismail, De Heus Animal Nutrition, Indonesia; Henrik Aarestrup, BioMar Group A/S, Denmark and Tran Ngoc Thien Kim, Deheus Aqua Co, Vietnam.

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Feed Technology 35 Maximising benefits with feed additives

t the World Nutrition Forum in 2018, it was reiterated that Adisease, whether bacterial, viral or parasitic have massive economic impacts on the industry. Dr Benedict Standen, BIOMIN Holding GmbH, Austria said that diseases such as the early mortality syndrome/acute hepatopancreatic disease (EMS/ AHPND) in shrimp resulted in USD 45 billion losses in the last decade. Managing diseases is a bottleneck to industry growth from diagnostics, treatment, time, labour, to loss in consumer confidence. Probiotics, organic acids, phytogenics, toxin binders and enzymes are some feed additives to improve performance and health of fish and shrimp.

With regards to probiotics, Benedict asked “How do you pick the best probiotics for gut health, bioremediation or improving the environment?” From a disease perspective, probiotics act in three main ways: exclude pathogens by competitive exclusion, produce inhibitory substances or interact with the immune system by attaching to the epithelia. “But not all probiotics are created equal. Lactic acid bacteria, in general, are very effective at attaching to the gut for gut health and also for competitive exclusion. Not all Bacillus is created equal and to maximise the benefits, choosing the right strain is key, not the genera or the species.

A study demonstrated how adjusting the feeding regime can maximise the benefits of a multi-species probiotic. Vannamei shrimp were fed diets supplemented with the probiotic at four feeding regimes: over 12 weeks, continuous feeding, or combinations of pulse feeding (weeks supplemented with probiotic feed: control feed at 1:1 or 2:2 or 2:1). Growth was not affected by the feeding regimes but after the challenge with Vibrio parahaemolyticus, the best survival, was observed in the continuous supplementation. “Again, the benefits depend on the objective; if it is performance, you can look at a pulse regime. For disease resistance and survival, a continuous supplementation may be best.”

In his discussion on organic acids which have antibacterial effect and can reduce gut pH, Benedict emphasised on the pKa value- the pH at which 50% of the acid is in its undissociated form. The higher the pKa value, the stronger the microbial effect. He added that reducing the pH in the gut is very difficult to achieve because there is a huge buffering capacity in the gut. Therefore, it is better to choose organic acids with high antibacterial activity.

Phytogenics can modulate gut microbiota; improve feed conversion and digestibility; and improve flesh quality, taste and colour. The essential oils can have anti-inflammatory properties. Replacing

Dr Nguyen Duy Hoa, Cargill Vietnam (left) and Ong Si Mon, GS Biotech, Malaysia

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific 36 Feed Technology

Benedict emphasised the criterion that the binder should bind mycotoxins, endotoxins but not the vitamins and minerals. Heat stability issues The three main challenges in the industry today are heat stability of heat-sensitive components, the cost, and the confusion with many different products available in the market and their many different modes of action. Enzymes are also heat sensitive feed additives but with enzyme engineering, the amino acid sequence can be modified, such as in one example where the melting point was increased to 66°C.

“With heat sensitive additives, encapsulation allows for slow release of the active component, such as in the tilapia, which has a long intestine. Encapsulation ensures that all of the heat-sensitive components of the additive is protected from high temperatures during pelleting and extrusion. It also allows for controlled and targeted release as well as to combine multiple products. Liquid additives can be encapsulated. Encapsulation masks unpleasant odours which is very important for some essential oils and acids.”

At the feedmill, post pellet application of heat-sensitive components with a top or vacuum coater has the advantage of ready-to-use functional feeds. Post pellet application at the “We also need to manage farm can provide a fast reaction to a disease outbreak. “But expectations of additives, the disadvantages are costs of time/labour as well as leaching requiring higher doses to compensate for this.” A negative effect is there is no silver bullet in that pellets may become quite sticky making it difficult to use with aquaculture. We just need to automatic feeders,” added Benedict. use different technologies The costs of adding a feed additive may be higher but this has to together with be considered in terms of improving survival, digestibility and synergistic effects. performance, to achieve a more efficient production. An expensive ” protein such as fishmeal can be substituted with a cheaper protein - Benedict Standen and if the additive can improve digestibility, feed costs may be the same without compromising on growth performance.

fishmeal is not just a nutritional challenge but a challenge from Benedict said, “Cost and value are two completely different an immunological perspective. In a trial with the European things; you increase your cost by using an additive, but you also seabass fed high fishmeal and low fishmeal diets with or without create value in your feeds. We also need to manage expectations a phytogenic feed additive, it was shown that when seabass was of additives; there is no silver bullet in aquaculture. We just need fed the low fishmeal diet, the feed conversion goes up and protein to use different technologies together with synergistic effects and efficiency ratio (PER) is reduced. “The phytogenic supplemented additives are part of the solution.” feed additive can bridge this performance gap, improve the feed conversion and PER. With low fishmeal diets, the microvilli become His message was, “In terms of cost, there is no running away from shorter and the fish is less able to absorb nutrients. A phytogenic the fact that an additive will probably increase the feed cost. But feed additive can alleviate this negative effect. With an anti- a feed that can improve survival, will raise sales potential for the inflammatory effect, phytogenics improve the surface area of the feed miller. Reducing costs is very different from improving cost- gut for better nutrient uptake.” effectiveness. For the farmer, even if there is a small increase in cost in the feed, cost per unit biomass can be reduced because There are four main factors when assessing the efficiency of toxin production becomes more efficient and cost-effective. And in binders. Binding is also depended on the pH. Nearly every binder a competitive market, you must be able to differentiate and feed can bind aflatoxin at pH2, but according to the EFSA guidelines, additives offer a good way of differentiating your product from your you have to be able to bind a specific amount of aflatoxin at pH5. competitors.'

Mohd Zaidy Abdul Rahman, Zaiyadal Aquaculture Sdn Bhd, Malaysia; Lelia Lim, Lim-Loges & Masters, Singapore; Nobumitsu Sato, Nagase Sanbio Co., Ltd, Japan; Ian Carr,Veramaris, Netherlands.

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Feed Technology 37 Bespoke microbiota management in fish and shrimp

he microbial community in the gut is one factor determining the Thealth status of fish and shrimp as well as its potential for growth. In “Towards bespoke microbiota management along the life cycle to improve nutrition and health of fish and shrimp,” Stéphane Ralite, Lallemand Animal Nutrition, France, improved our understanding of the microbial community in the gut of fish and shrimp and how it is possible to manipulate and tailor-make the microbial community to suit a situation.

Aligning with the aquafeed focus at TARS 2019, the discussion was on the impact of the composition of the gut microbial on the animal's health, growth, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and overall performance. Gut microbial composition also changes along the lifecycle–between a young and older animal, and is also determined by the environment in which the animal is farmed. In recent years, in aquaculture, there has been Similar to knowledge in mammals and other vertebrates, the tremendous new scientific publications and awareness “ on the importance of gut microbiota. gut microbiota of aquatic animals is increasingly recognized has a key determinant of animal health and performance. For Impact of feed on gut microbiota example it can have an impact on fish and shrimp feed intake Butt et al. (2019) gave two main factors influencing gut microbial composition: intrinsic factors such as age of and conversion. Securing a positive gut microbiota can promote the animal, genetics, immunity and nutritional status, and enzymatic activity and energy absorption and a healthy animal external factors. In the latter, diet has a major impact on metabolism. Many example also show the link between gut the microbial community. Stéphane elaborated on some microbial composition and health. links to nutrition. “The gut microbiota can have an impact ” on fish feed intake. The colonisation of gut microbiota can - Stéphane Ralite promote lipid absorption and metabolism. Modulation of microbiota impacts enzymatic activity inside the gut and on mineral absorption and metabolism.”

In general, more is known on the shrimp gut microbial composition and management. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria are dominant in shrimp gut microbiota. The microbial diversity in the hepatopancreas is lower than that in the intestine. Gut microbial composition is closer to that in the sediment rather than that in the water, due to the influence of feed and feeding behaviour. Shrimp gut microbial community changes with shrimp age and pathogens, such as the vibrios dominating during the later growing stages, according to Huang (2014).

“There are publications showing some links between the larval gut microbiota composition and the broodstock or the egg bacterial colonisation. In shrimp, although the first colonisation happens at the opening of the anal pore at the fifth nauplius stage, the real gut microbial colonisation starts with the mouth opening at the zoea stage. This stage happens to be often a period with high levels of vibrios in the water, if you don’t control it. In Litopenaeus vannamei, gut microbiota is much more homogeneous at the early stage as compared to the later stages. Similarly, in fish, the bacterial community starts with the mouth opening and the diet has a major impact on shaping the gut microbial community.”

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific 38 Feed Technology

Referring to Gatesoupe (2012), Stéphane said, “It does seem that fish can maintain a core microbial community which is only partially influenced by the water microbial diversity. Feed is one of the major external factors. There are clear differences in microbial composition in the gut of seabass fed feeds with fishmeal compared with feed with plant meals or feed treated with an antibiotic.” He stated that after 18 months post treatment, “This study is one example of the impact of an antibiotic treatment on microbial composition in the gut. You can have some efficacy, but the impact of the antibiotic treatment on the gut microbial community remains for a long time after stopping the treatment.”

Allen Wu, Adisseo, Taiwan (left) and Ezhil Subbian, Linking health and gut microbial String Bio Pvt Ltd, India composition While gut microbial composition depends on age, at a particular age, the gut microbial structure differs between the healthy with the probiotic, Bactocell, a prebiotic, and their combination as shrimp and shrimp with different diseases. But the question is, symbiotic. The researcher showed some significant improvement “Is it because the microbial composition is different that you have In terms of specific growth rate and immune parameters, with the diseased shrimp or is it because you have diseased shrimp that you probiotic treatment. have microbial composition differences?” “In carnivorous fish, you can often have some problems of AHPND, WSSV and microbial composition mineralisation and it has been demonstrated that with the use The link between animal health and microbiota composition was of the specific strain Pediococcus acidilactici MA 18/5M at a very demonstrated in samples of pond water, healthy and diseased young stage, it is possible to improve the ossification in seabass, shrimp. “There are clear differences between the microbial trout, salmon, eel and sturgeon (patented application). The mode composition of pond water and of the gut, and between the of action is linked to mineral absorption and metabolism as well as microbiota composition of the healthy shrimp and of the shrimp with to a decrease in inflammation at the very early stages which help symptoms of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND). ossification.

“In one example (Wei Yu Chen 2017), we have two groups, both In Asia, there are different Vibrio spp from different origins – positive for Vibrio parahaemolyticus, but some shrimp showed Vibrio harveyi, V. alginolyticus, V. splendidus, V. anguillarum and V. signs of disease, while some did not. This was explained by the parahaemolyticus. A very specific heat stable mixture of yeast strain specific event of heavy rain and appearance of AHPND symptoms. and fraction which can undergo the extrusion process for feeds This was an impact resulting from external factors, which stressed has the ability to bind these vibrios compared to a standard yeast. the shrimp, leading to microbial gut composition changes which In a challenge test, shrimp with white faeces syndrome (WFS) induced the appearance of the pathology.” were fed a multi-strain yeast fraction incorporated in a basal diet, which subsequently changed and reduced the impact of WFS in A clear impact of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infestation the affected shrimp. Analysing the microbiota composition, there on the microbiota composition compared to the control was also was a clear impact 48 hours after the challenge on the microbiota shown by Wang (2019). In WSSV infected shrimp, there was an composition in the hepatopancreas. The reduction was at the Vibrio increase of Proteobacterium and Fusobacteria but a decrease in family level. Looking at the score on hepatopancreatic health, Bacteroidetes and Tenericutes. Stéphanestrain and fraction said, which “The can undergo loss theof extrusiongrowth process due for to feeds WFS has the was ability reduced to bind these by 50% vibrios compared to a standard yeast. In a challenge test, shrimp with white faeces syndrome (WFS) inwere the fed group a multi-strain fed yeast the fraction multi-strain incorporated in yeasta basal diet mixture., which subsequently With changed much and better conditions,reduced the impact we of seeWFS in betterthe affected survival shrimp. Analysing by 17%, the microbiota better composition growth, there compared was Modulation of gut microbial composition a clear impact 48 hours after the challenge on the microbiota composition in the One of the compounds specifically aiming at modulating tohepatopancreas the challenge. The reduction control, was at and the Vibri 14%o family better level. Looking economical at the score onFCR. This is just gut microbial composition are probiotics– live beneficial hepatopancreatic health, Stéphane said, “The loss of growth due to WFS was reduced by 50% in the onegroup example fed the multi of-strain the yeast study mixture. we With did much on better microbiota conditions, we composition see better survival by and how microorganisms active in the gut. In terms of efficacy, there is a you17%, can better change growth compared this tomicrobiota the control, and to 14% enhance better economical the FCR. overall This is just performance one example of the study we did on microbiota composition and how you can change this microbiota to specific widely documented strain, Pediococcus acidilactici MA ofenhance the shrimp.” the overall performance of the shrimp.” 18/5M (Bactocell, Lallemand). “To demonstrate the mode of action of a probiotic, first we have to demonstrate that it is present live

in the digestive tract and that it is associated with the intestinal AmpliconAmplico nsequencing sequencing mucosa of the animal. This will have a direct impact on the animal Microbiota Microbiota composition composition changes in in the the gut gut of Lofitopenaeus Litopenaeus vannamei vannamei as well as a major impact on the gut microflora composition. The after after a WFS a WFS challenge challenge probiotic, the associated changes in the gut microflora composition 15 abundant genera relative abundance after challenge (%) 15 most abundant genera relative abundance after challenge (%) and in turn the cell-to-cell interaction between the animal’s mucosa 100 Tenacibaculum and its microbiota, will impact on the immune and antioxidant 90 Meridianimaribacter 80 Spongiimonas status of the animal. As an example, the specific strain Pediococcus 70 Xanthomarina acidilactici MA 18/5M promotes higher enzymatic activity and Algoriphagus 60 supports energy uptake with increased amylase specific activity Vibrio 50 and higher carbohydrate utilisation. As the glycogen content of the Oceanicola 40 Pseudoruegeria hepatopancreas increases, growth of the shrimp increases for each 30 Roseovarius ration size tested. 20 Paracoccus 10 Nautella 0 Donghicola In a recent publication, Ashouri et al. (2018) compared growth of Ruegeria barramundi Lates calcarifer fed three treatment diets: classical feed MsYF CONTROL Marivita D2_T1 D2_T3

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January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Feed Technology 39 Fish immunology for beginners: The five defense lines of the immune system in fish An explanation on what pathogens need to overcome before they can multiply in the fish organs and ultimately kill the fish and how feed additives can be used to stop them.

By Serge Corneillie

n our aquaculture industry, diseases are our number one 1. Microbiota Iproblem and a better understanding on how the immune system The first line of defense is the microbiota. The microbiota in animals works will help us decide on which feed additives to include in consists of bacteria, fungi, protoctista, yeast and archaea which order to reduce the intrusions of pathogens. Most pathogens live in the lumen and can be found on top of the mucus layer enter the fish through the epithelial barrier of the gut, gills and which covers the epithelial cells. The microbiota is much more reproductive canals. The epithelial surface of these organs is very concentrated in the distal part of the intestine. The intra species 2 large, for example in humans, it is around 400m . diversity of the microbiota is high. In fish, 90% of the bacteria belong to the Proteobacteria group (Vibrio, Photobacterium). There are five different levels of immune defenses which pathogens need to overcome before they can multiply in the fish organs and The microbiota produces all kinds of important substances ultimately kill the fish. They are: (vitamin B and K, enzymes, immune function support, anti- • The microbiota of the gut bacterial and anti-fungal substances, etc.). An important group • The excretions of the epithelial cells (mucus, enzymes, of the microbiota in the vertebrae group is the gram positive lactic antimicrobial proteins, etc.) acid producing bacteria group Lactobacillales (Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, etc.). Many bacteria produce lactic acid. Lactic acid in • The complement system (classical, alternative and lectin its non-dissociated form penetrates the cell wall of gram negative pathway) bacteria (many of the fish pathogenic bacteria are gram-negative • The phagocytic cells (macrophages, granulocytes especially bacteria, except Streptococcus) and destroy the bacteria. There are the neutrophils, dendritic cells) and their excretions (cytokines, two ways we can use this to help us to protect the fish. chemokines), which provoke an inflammation reaction • The T and B lymphocytes (adaptive immune system). We can add organic acids to the feed which will reduce the pH in the intestine so that more lactic acid will be in the non-dissociated form, The first four defense mechanisms of the innate immune system and therefore increasing the elimination of gram negative bacteria. happen within minutes or hours of a pathogen invasion. The fifth It is generally accepted that high amounts of organic acids are level (adaptive immune response) develops within 5-7 days which needed to have sufficient influence (1-2 %, Silva et al. 2013, 2016). is often too late to prevent the entry of pathogens into the fish organs. When a pathogen successfully breaks through one layer Or we can add these Lactobacillales directly to the diet of the fish of innate immune defense, then it will encounter the next layer of (probiotics). Given that the microbiota contains many billions of defense. bacteria (up to 109 CFU/g in fish intestine) and the turn-over is high, a daily sufficient amount of probiotics needs to be administered. There are so many kinds of pathogens (gram positive and gram Therefore, this is most effective through the feed. So far there is negative bacteria (intra and extra cellular), archaea, fungi, no scientific proof yet that administering probiotics to large ponds viruses, protozoa, micro and macro parasites (Helminths) and has any beneficial effect. Particularly in shrimp ponds as the so many different entry pathways for the pathogens (for example Vibrio reproduce 20 times faster than the probiotic bacteria. Both through the epithelial cells, through the tight junctions). This methods (certain organic acids such as propionic acid and butyrate explains why the immune system is so diverse and therefore and certain Lactobacillus species such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, complex. Moreover, over millions of years, pathogens have been Bacillus subtilis) have clearly shown to be able to improve the diversifying their cell wall structures, and the immune system survival of fish and shrimp. We can assume that this is a primordial had to find a defense response for every new way the pathogens response through the direct killing of these pathogens more than invented to enter the host. just competition for space and nutrient. 2. Epithelia The epithelia and their secretions are the second line of innate immune defense. The epithelia act as a physical barrier separating the internal and external region of the animal body. Epithelia are protected by many kinds of chemical soluble defense molecules which include mucus, antimicrobial enzymes and antimicrobial peptides.

The epithelial cells and the specialised cells of the epithelia (Paneth cells, goblet cells) release a wide range of defense molecules that can kill or reduce the invading pathogens. The goblet cells secrete mucus which contains many glycoproteins called mucins. Mucus can coat pathogens and expel them in an outward flow of

Figure 1. The intestinal villi and the four innate immune defense lines (adapted from Murphy K. and Weaver C., 2017).

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific 40 Feed Technology

(MOS) products (Agrimos, Technomos, Bio-Mos, etc.) including (Corneillie et al., 2019). Other feed additives such as β-glucans many yeast products have shown to increase the mucus production have little or short time influence on the complement expression by the goblet cells. (Amphan et al., 2019).

The Paneth cells in the crypt bases of the villi produce various 4. Phagocytic cells antimicrobial enzymes such as lysozyme, and secretory The fourth line of the immune defense system is the phagocytic

phospholipase A2 which can destroy the cell wall of pathogens. cells and the inflammation reaction. The most important part of Yeast cell wall products (MOS) have also shown to increase the the innate immune system is the phagocytic cells (macrophages, lysozyme secretion. neutrophils, dendritic cells) which constitute 75% of the innate immune response. Once a pathogen is recognised by one of the The epithelial cells also produce many antimicrobial peptides receptors on one of the phagocytes (PRR) , the pathogen will be (AMP), which are one of most ancient forms of defense against absorbed and destroyed (phagocytosis). Note there are pathogens infections (also found in invertebrates). There are several groups that manage to be absorbed and then block the phagocytes from of AMPs so far identified: defensins, cathelicidins, hepcidins, destroying them by blocking the fusion with lysosomes. piscidins (only in fish) and histatins. For example defensins act within minutes to disrupt the cell membranes of bacteria, fungi and As this is the most important defense mechanisms of the innate certain virus groups. As there are many different pathogen groups, immune system, many studies have looked at which feed additives the epithelial cells produce many kinds of defensins (in the fruit fly can increase the phagocytic activity and/or the phagocytic index. Drosophilia 15; in humans 21). Many parts of the cell wall of yeasts, fungi and bacteria such as LPS, β-glucans, peptidoglycans etc. are recognised as PAMP’s and Further, there are cathelicidins, histatins and lectins with initiate the phagocytic response. Especially β-glucans are used to different modes of action to destroy specific pathogens. In fish artificially increase the phagocytic activity so that animals are more a very important AMP group, unique to fish, is the piscidin (so ready to counter pathogens when they try to invade. However, a far nine different ones are identified). Piscidins can act intra and major problem is that these products can easily overstimulated/ extracellularly and are highly effective against Saprolegnia sp. overloaded the immune response and therefore are only effective They are also used in certain types of cancer treatment. These for 1-2 weeks. Hence it is recommended to use them on and off. piscidins even work in very high salinity environments. MOS products are very weak immune stimulators (even though The actions of antimicrobial enzymes and peptides involve binding limited responses are seen probably due to the impurities with to unique glycan/carbohydrates structure of microbes, and the other cell wall components). When phagocytes interact therefore have a double function; they recognise and destroy. This with invaders, they will release cytokines (Interleukins, TNF, is the most ancient and simplest form of innate immune defense. interferons) that mobilise the phagocytes around them to help the The use of AMP is very promising and we will hear much more invaders. The phagocytes will also release chemokines (CXCL, about the use of AMP’s in the near future. ELR, CCL) that will call for help from sources far away. Indeed, the chemokines will cause vasodilation in the close-by blood vessels 3.Complement system in order to mobilise leukocytes to the site of the infection. This This is the third line of defense. It is one of the most important positive process is referred to as inflammation and helps a lot in parts of the innate immune defense system but often the least fighting off invading pathogens. Unfortunately, many times the understood. The immune defense response has basically two immune system overreacts, calls too many phagocytes, releases steps: a first step which is the recognition of the pathogen and a too many acids (NO, peroxide) which also damage healthy tissues second step which is the destruction of the pathogen. The second (this is called over-inflammation). Often it is the over-inflammation step is very effective: once a pathogen is identified (through PAMP that cause more harm (even lethal) than the pathogen. MOS, DHA & TLRs) then the pathogen is bombarded with acids (for example (docosahexaenoic acid), fermented yeast and even 30 minutes of nitrite oxide (NO) and peroxide). The peroxide can easily destroy exercise in humans have been proven to be a very good modulator any healthy or unhealthy tissue. of the inflammation and preventing over inflammation.

The recognition of the pathogens is crucial (for example cancer cells 5. Adaptive immune system are often not recognised so they can elude the immune system). The fifth line of defense is the adaptive immune system: B and T Phagocytic cells have specific receptors (toll like receptors) that lymphocytes. recognise specific parts of the cell membranes of pathogens (pathogen associated molecular patterns or PAMP). For examples When the first four lines of the innate immune system fail, then the macrophages have a TLR-4 which recognise the lipopolysaccharide adaptive immune system will take over. This is the most efficient outer part of the cell wall of gram negative bacteria. part of the immune system but it takes about 5-7 days to develop against a specific pathogen. In many cases the fish are already However, over millions of years, pathogens have changed the killed by the pathogen. If we have no means to vaccinate the fish outer structure of their cell membranes so that phagocytic cells (shrimp have no adaptive immune system) then we need to limit no longer recognise them. Luckily there are the different proteins the amount of pathogens in the environment, feed well all fish, and of the complement system that do recognise and tag (opsonise) strengthen the innate immune system. the pathogens with C3. Phagocytic cells have a TLR for C3, and so when the pathogen is tagged with C3, they can be identified and References are available on request destroyed (classic complement system). There is also a second (alternative complement) and a third pathway (lectin pathway). The alternative complement can destroy pathogens directly. After recognition/tagging by C3, they form a membrane-attack complex which disrupt the cell membrane of the pathogen.

Although the recognition of the pathogen is crucial, very few Serge Corneillie, PhD is based in Tokyo studies have looked at the influence of different feed additives on and runs his private consultancy company the complement activity. A recent study showed that fermented (Cor-Aq consulting), providing advice and market studies for the feed and feed yeasts (XPC/DVAQUA) increased the gene expression of C3 six- additive industry. He has worked in the fold in poultry (Chou et al., 2017) and increased the alternative last 35 years in the aquaculture industry, complement four times in tilapia (Areechon et al., 2019). This same mainly in Asia. Previously, he was with Cargill, Nutreco and Alltech. fermented yeast showed good protection in Penaeus vannamei ([email protected]) against acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease or AHPND

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Feed Technology 41 DSM 2019: Committing to sustainable and profitable aquaculture

The DSM ANH APAC and global team with speakers. Dr Louise Buttle, Senior Manager, Global Technical Service - Aquaculture (3rd left), Achyuth Iyengar, Regional Marketing Director (4th left), Dr Daranee Seguin, Regional Technical Manager, Aquaculture (5th left). From the right, Nuanpa Ariyapinyo, Regional Marketing & Communications AP; Dr.Vijay Makhija, Regional Marketing & Communication Manager; Dr. David Nickell, Vice President, ANH Sustainability; Dr Rutchanee Chotikachinda, Research Scientist- Regional Technical Service-Aqua and Chiow Yen Liew, Regional Business Development Aquaculture. All pictures credit: DSM

he 2019 DSM Aquaculture Conference Dr Louise Buttle, Global Technical Manager for Asia Pacific was the 25th in the series. T DSM Aquaculture began Over the years, this annual conference the conference with her has attracted stakeholders in Asia’s presentation on aquaculture industry, mainly from the “Sustainable Aquaculture aquafeed sectors, from CEOs to sales today, the challenges and managers. This 2019 conference held in future benefits.” Bangkok on 21 November 2019, had 214 participants, an increase of 5% over that 2018. In terms of animal protein supply, key issues highlighted were the reduction Achyuth Iyengar, Regional Marketing in greenhouse gases (GHG) or carbon Director, DSM Nutritional Products Asia footprint, limiting land use change to Pacific, Singapore, since September grow food, and increasing the demand 2019 welcomed speakers and guests and for proteins with a lower environmental reiterated on DSM’s raison d’être with impact.” In terms of carbon footprint Disease and parasite issues such as white regards to sustainable aquaculture in aquaculture is leading compared to spot and sea lice limit the growth and Asia. The conference theme “Committing other forms of animal protein. However, productivity of the industry. to sustainable and profitable aquaculture” freshwater use and the reliance on marine enhanced this. resources are high. Feed is the single most Helping tackle antimicrobial resistance is important contributor to overall impact one of DSM’s sustainability pillars. “There In his introduction, Achyuth said, “At DSM, in aquaculture, and this impact depends are always factors attributed to the use of we value sustainability and profitability on the source of raw materials needed antibiotics and it is really important that we just like you do; whether it is through to ensure the nutrient requirement of the work as an industry to continue to reduce sustainable omega-3s or through enzymes species being farmed are met. their use going forward. Good nutrition and and its application in aquafeeds and farming practice are important precursors immunity solutions. Annually, we have this DSM has six platforms for sustainable to fish and shrimp health and welfare in conference to bring industry and academia animal production. These include helping any aquaculture system. In feed, health together to share their knowledge with us. to tackle antimicrobial resistance; reducing premixes from DSM are an integral part Together, we are championing (not just the reliance on marine resources; reducing of optimal farm management and help supporting), we are committed to (not just livestock emissions; efficient use of natural support disease resistance.” involved in), the success and significance resources; safe, quality nutrition with less of the aquaculture industry.” food loss and waste; and finally, lifetime “Sustainability is really a balance; on performance and welfare. “We are working raw material choices and their social and Sustainability today: at species level and country-level to make environmental impacts. External factors Challenges and future tangible, measurable impacts, and also to often impact the sustainability of feed raw work with our customers, in different parts materials, how they are then viewed and benefits of the value chain to produce solutions that their subsequent use, making the situation Aquaculture has the potential to supply the really enable transformational changes complex and dynamic,” said Buttle, as she additional 30 to 40 million tonnes of protein to more sustainable food systems,” said highlighted complexities of sustainability in needed to meet global demand by 2030 Buttle. the aquaculture space. (FAO, 2016). However, the growth of the aquaculture industry must be sustainable. Must win challenges Reporting on sustainability “The UN has 17 sustainability development The three must win challenges in Sustainability reports help to set targets goals (SDGs). These SDGs are really key Aquaculture are health and welfare, and indicators on the business and inform elements to which companies should tie omega-3 fatty acids, and preserving water stakeholders, customers and suppliers the sustainable growth of their business. use to reduce environmental pressure. on improvements. They also help to give

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific 42 Feed Technology

credibility, increase transparency and • Trimmings from wild fisheries (tuna oil processed to omega-3, which I do not benchmark against competitors. In the in Thailand) and aquaculture (mainly expect to increase much. Consumption is salmon industry, many of the feed and salmon in Norway) constituted one third mostly in Europe and America and stable, farming companies have been reporting of production. Vietnam could be a future but consumption in Asia is expected to over the last decade. In addition, contributor. Half of Europe’s fishmeal rise.” sustainability is a licence to operate and was from trimmings. White fishmeal is sustainable practices are expected across from pollack processing in Russia/Alaska Trade in fish oil is 85% of total supply. the value chain. Industry initiatives and and is used in eel farming in China. “As Peru, Denmark, Norway and Chile are key certification bodies support the industry aquaculture rises, we can expect more exporters and key importers are Norway, in its drive for sustainable growth. Best production of fishmeal and fish oil from Denmark and Chile. The fish oil reference Aquaculture Practices (BAP) works on trimmings,” said Mittaine. price has been stable at USD1,825/tonne 137 indicators, Aquaculture Stewardship • Fishmeal and fish oil supplies have been for aquaculture grade oil and omega-3 Council (ASC) works on 152 indicators quite stable since 2014 when the major grade oil has a USD200 to 400/tonne over and IFFO RS focuses on certification producers established very strict fishing aqua grade fish oil. for responsible sourcing of fishmeal. limitations under the form of fishing Retailers also have their own standards quotas, based on scientific knowledge of China: A key driver “China alone took 34% (average 2014- and different sectors of the aquaculture their resources. 2018) of the global supply of fishmeal industry are working together to improve • Fishmeal production technology has where consumption rose from 1.5 million the sustainability of the industry – a good advanced with focus on quality. Peruvian tonnes in 2016 to around 1.8 million tonnes example is the Global Salmon Initiative producers are very sensitive to the in 2018. This included 400,000 tonnes (GSI). ecological impact of fishmeal production of domestic production. Most of the on the environment. consumption is for aquaculture but usage In terms of benchmarking proteins, the • Over the last 28 years, fishmeal in piglet feed remains large. China imports FAIRR initiative report shows that seafood production declined 14.2%, soybean 50% of global fishmeal production.,” said companies perform very well compared meal production increased 229% to Mittaine. He added that when Peruvian to other protein providers. The top three 239 million tonnes in 2019. Other plant fishmeal prices rose to USD1,400/tonne companies, or the lowest risk companies, protein meals contributed 117 million in 2006, China began massive imports of are aquaculture farming companies MOWI tonnes in 2019. Peruvian fishmeal. (the largest salmon farmer in the world), • Asian markets are very large: China, Leroy Seafood and Bakkafrost, illustrating Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Insights and projection that aquaculture is leading the way in Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia taking a Mittaine summarised his insights on the improved sustainability practices total of 62% of world consumption. future. “The key driver for fishmeal and • Like all commodities, prices are set Benefits of sustainable production fish oil supplies is Peru’s annual fishing by supply/demand and therefore are quota. “In November 2019, the government “There is value in sustainable seafood. The variable: from USD1,800/tonne at the announced a new fishing quota, the highest prediction is that this will be worth USD19 end of 2017 to USD1,100/tonne in in ten years.” (Note: Actually as per early billion for 2025 which is about 8% of the October 2019 (basis standard quality). It January, the fishing season had to be current market value for seafood. Several was very high at the beginning of 2018. suspended and it is now expected that Peru surveys indicated that consumers are This evolution of the prices is temporary. may not catch more than half the quota). willing to pay extra for certified sustainable • The fishmeal/soybean meal price ratio seafood. Market growth for products with rose to a record 5 in 2014 due to high On the use of substitutes, from soybean a sustainability commitment grew by more fishmeal prices. The ratio has declined meal and rapeseed oil to insect meal and than 4% globally, while those without grew sharply recently to around 2. algae oils, he said, “Since sustainability <1%. A DSM survey in China in November is a preoccupation of stakeholders, the indicated that over 50% of the Chinese Fish oil and alternatives effect on the fishmeal and fish oil market shrimp consumers purchased products Annual world fish oil production is about 1 is a variability of supply which is difficult with a sustainability label. million tonnes. Some of the origins are high to manage and impossible to forecast the Fishmeal and fish oil: in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from South market. There is also the dominance of one America, and high in docosahexaenoic acid market for fishmeal i.e. China, and Europe Insights and projection (DHA) from capelin, herring and mackerel for fish oil. A review on the present market conditions oil from Europe. The rise in rapeseed oil helps aquafeed producers understand the for aquaculture used in salmon feed in “Researchers have the perception that this current supply and price levels, and why Chile and Norway has slowed down. “The industry is depleting wild resources. But both are so different from most other feed new oils from algae are not substitutes but this vision from outside does not match commodities, particularly those of the complementary and not market factors for the reality of an industry which, for a great vegetable oilseeds complex (meal and oil). the time being,” said Mittaine. “There is majority, is modern, quality conscious, Jean-François Mittaine, Fishmeal Expert, also the omega-3 oil market which is crude managed through strict measures to France was at the 15th DSM conference control landings through scientifically to provide his perspective for 2010 when based quotas. In the end, substitutes are fishmeal prices and supply were uncertain. needed to meet the rising aquaculture This year, he explains why fishmeal and fish demand, which, in my opinion will require oil still constitute the reference ingredients more effort on nutritional research.” in modern aquafeed production, despite sustainability concerns by stakeholders. On price variability and physical supply, A global activity Mittaine said that because the markets are small with a global spread of supply In terms of supply, Mittaine showed the and demand and long periods without following trends: production, most prices that are quoted • The average supply for 2014-2018 are reference prices, not trading prices. was 4.75 million tonnes. The traditional “Forecasting prices of fish oil is clearly, producers (Peru, Chile and Ecuador) for the time being, nearly impossible. contributed 27% of production whereas Furthermore, it is clear that fishmeal and new producers from Asia (Thailand, Jean-Francoise Mittaine fish oil cannot meet all the demand from the China, Vietnam and India) contributed aquafeed market.” 23%. India’s production is rising.

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Feed Technology 43

“Another perception that is born out of the meal diet the feed cost/kg shrimp went Subsequent to the completion of salmon nutrition, is the need for high lipid down to USD1.1/kg. “Therefore, moving this report, Mittaine added a note: diets for marine fish and that marine fish towards these alternative protein sources, "Produce, the Peruvian ministry do not use carbohydrates. Clearly a few usually are very cost-effective in terms in charge of fishing, confirmed on species such as salmon do not use high of performance,” said Davis. “We have January 14 that the fishing season in levels of carbohydrates well; however, demonstrated these feeds across a number the North/Center is closed. Therefore, this in my mind is the exception and not of trials in the laboratory as well as semi- this year's second fishing season the rule. For example, we experimented intensive production systems.” will have landed only about 1 million with the California yellowtail, a species fed tonnes fresh fish against a quota of very high protein and high lipid diets. We With feeds for high intensity culture 2.75 million tonnes. In China, prices found that fish fed the moderate level lipid systems, there is the perception that are skyrocketing. Standard quality is diet gave the best performance and best fishmeal is required. To demonstrate that now quoted at RMB 11,800/tonne and protein retention. Therefore, it is important fishmeal is not essential, in a 20% fishmeal super-prime at RMB 13,000/tonne to find out whether perceptions are right.” diet, fishmeal was systematically replaced (up respectively RMB 1300/tonne and with a high soybean meal/CPC diet in a high RMB 1600/tonne in a week. Fishmeal Replacement studies density (120 shrimp/m2) biofloc system. “As a key ingredient, fishmeal should be stocks as per 15 January were 138,450 Feed conversion was lower, but growth and used where it is needed. If aquaculture tonnes, down from 162,200 tonnes on survival were found to be very good. Davis growth is to continue, we have to utilise 2 January." said that the bottom line was that even in plant protein sources. Allergies are often high density culture, the performance was cited with the use of soybean meal, but the good on low or fishmeal free diets. salmon industry still uses soybean meal at Fishmeal and fish oil around 25% inclusion rates. “Remember, replacements do not always free aquafeed: How to work. This was shown in a trial where Options are fermented soy or soy protein overcome challenges juvenile shrimp were fed graded levels of concentrate (SPC) which works in a lot of According to Professor D. Allen Davis, CPC and SPC (replacing fishmeal) over different formulations. We need to work Auburn University, USA, the only reason 42 days. The results demonstrated that within the constraints of the animal. Key the aquaculture industry has grown to its for some reason high levels of SPC do not to replacement is the balance of nutrients, present production level is that fishmeal work well in shrimp feed.” The take home amino acids, proteins etc.,” said Davis. and fish oil as finite resources, have been message was, “Not all ingredients will This means going through all the different systematically reduced in aquafeed. Many work, so you have to understand which protein sources and possible choices, have years ago, fishmeal was taken out of ingredients and what levels work best for the amino acid requirements correct and production diets for numerus species such the species under investigation.” understand the tolerance of the animals. as tilapia and catfish, resulting in primarily This is followed by looking at attractants, plant-based diets with moderate levels of Changing ingredients enzymes, acidifying agents etc. There are lots of different ingredients where protein and high levels of carbohydrates. processing methods have changed, such There are different issues specific to as soybean meals, distillers dry grains and Presently, aquafeed production is estimated different marine fish. As an example, in the corn proteins. The traditional distiller dry at around 50 million tonnes a year and uses Florida pompano, yellowtail and white sea grain solubles (DDGS) have been modified 4.5 million tonnes of fishmeal, making bass, taurine is found as the first limiting with some fermentation to produce another the overall average of fishmeal inclusion amino acid. “Taurine is in fishmeal, when product with higher protein (49%) and at 7.5% in diets. In contrast, aquafeeds the solubles are added back to it, as taurine lower lipid (3%) and a good source of lysine. use 15 million tonnes of soybean meal is in the water-soluble portion. When Davis called it "corn protein with yeast" or (at 25% inclusion rates). This reduction fishmeal is taken out of formulated diets, distiller's dry grain with yeast. It has been is achieved by systematically defining you get taurine deficiency in some of these tested with the tilapia and shrimp as well as nutrient requirement of a given species and species because they have limited ability to with other species with small differences making appropriate substitutions of other convert cysteine into taurine. This means in performance at a higher replacement ingredients and nutrient supplementation we need to add taurine back into the amino level. ”We need to remember that both the to balance the diets. acid profile.” source material as well as processing of an ingredient changes over time so we need to “The biggest issue with replacing marine The Florida pompano and California re-evaluate ingredients on a regular basis.” proteins and oils is not linked to the yellowtail have relatively low taurine nutritional requirements of the fish. It is requirements whereas levels for white sea Replacing fish oils actually the perception of the farmer and This is the biggest challenge. “Where are bass were found to be considerably higher. consumer that inhibit our move to reduce the our essential fatty acids going to come from In studies with the Florida pompano, use of these limited and costly ingredients. in the future? Palm oil and soybean oil are fishmeal was replaced with poultry by- Hence, unless the consumer (fish farmers, the two biggest oil sources out there, but product meal combined with high levels sea food purchaser) perception is changed they lack the essential fatty acids. There of soybean meal in combination with corn the industry cannot advance,” said Davis. are other oil sources which can be used protein concentrate (CPC, 79.9% protein) as an energy source or as a partial lipid which is low in lysine (1.37%) but high in supplement. One solution is to use about methionine (1.77%). It is blended with 10% of a marine oil in the feed formulation to soybean meal (50% protein) which is low meet the essential fatty acid requirements in methionine (0.82%) and high in lysine and dilute oils down as the salmon industry (2.81%) to normalise the amino acid profile. has done. Other options are spray-dried Marine oil was included too. phytoplankton, heterotrophically grown algae and genetically modified terrestrial As an example, in one shrimp study, crops that are now coming or are presently fishmeal was replaced by CPC on a in the market. These are the only ways to protein to protein basis. The amino acid expand the production of essential fatty profile was similar. In terms of production acids. Davis reminded that fish oil and in ponds, there were no differences in fishmeal are great sources of cholesterol weight, yield and survival but the feed and removing them from shrimp diets may cost/kg of shrimp for the fishmeal diet was D. Allen Davis result in a deficiency of cholesterol. USD1.6/kg whereas the CPC and soybean

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific 44 Feed Technology

“Overall, with the use of appropriate blends are around 20 to 27g/kg diet. A recent A study by Tacon (2019) showed that by of ingredient and nutritional supplements Nofima study noted that EPA and DHA in 2025, the demand for shrimp feeds will rise our industry can move toward more cost- salmon resulted in significant reduction in to 10.48 million tonnes, marine fish feeds effective feeds to ensure its continued mortality, inflammation and improvement to 5.89 million tonnes, and salmon feeds to expansion. Please also remember, feeds in welfare. 4.37 million tonnes. must also be properly delivered and applied as feed conversion ratio drives the In shrimp, there is a lack of information. The “Using a NASA-developed technology, sustainability equations,” said Davis. EPA and DHA inclusion in commercial diets Veramaris produces oils from natural algae are 5-15g/kg of diet for both monodon and and brings 50% concentrated EPA and DHA EPA and DHA in human vannamei shrimp. Over 2014-2016, there direct into the diet of the fish and shrimp,” and animal health has been an overall reduction in omega-3 said Cervellione. He stressed that this is a oils in diets by 15% with the shift from fish more sustainable and scalable option. The Dr Fabio Cervellione, Global Marketing oils to plants oils. “We need to watch out algal oil acts as a sustainable substitute to Director AQUA, DSM Nutritional Products, and not repeat the situation with salmon restore the levels and types of omega-3 in Switzerland looked at the importance in Norway, which lowered EPA and DHA fish and shrimp. EPA and DHA claims are of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and levels from 2.1mg/100g fillet in 2006 to more powerful for consumers than total docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in human and 1.1mg/100g in 2016 with replacement of omega-3s. animal health, and on how to prepare for the fish oils with plant oils. Now the industry future demand for sustainably produced in Norway is reversing this and wants to He concluded that these are steps in seafood high in EPA and DHA. He asked bring back the high EPA and DHA levels in value creation opportunities in seafood whether aquaculture can depend on fish salmon fillet to meet consumer demand,” marketing-improving the EPA and DHA oils as the source of EPA and DHA, as he said Cervellione. contents in farmed seafood with claims that introduced the algae EPA and DHA oils from they contain the healthy omega-3 oils and Veramaris, a DSM/Evonik joint venture. Changing from fish oil to algal oils that they are sustainably farmed.” Human health benefits with There are many initiatives to push omega-3, EPA and DHA aquaculture into the next level. The In human health, omega-3 fatty acids and essential omega-3 oils are important for Emerging challenges of in particular EPA and DHA perform essential fish and shrimp but Cervellione asked, feed formulation with functions. There is a lifetime of benefits “Can we rely on fish oil as a source of EPA with consuming enough EPA and DHA, and DHA? Limited fish oil is spread thinly phosphorus from pregnancy to old age – for infant eye across increasing volumes of aquafeed.” “The concentration of inorganic and brain development to reducing risks phosphorus (P) in water is very low, so of cardiovascular diseases. Cervellione fish obtain very little of their daily needs described the Global Omega-3 index from it. Consequently, dietary sources where an average index of >8% means fulfil their needs,” said Dr Thomas lower risks of cardiovascular disease and Wilson, DSM consultant on Aqua Nutrition such a population resides in the northern in his discussion on formulating with most parts of the European and North phosphorus. “The present trend is to American continents. He said that this replace fishmeal to support sustainability reflected people consuming marine fish and alternatives such as by-products of high in EPA and DHA. “In contrast, 98% of fish, poultry and land animal processing, Americans are at risk and almost all would and terrestrial ingredients are commonly benefit from eating more fish and shrimp used. However, most animal by-product rich in omega-3,” said Cervellione. feed ingredients have high ash (bone P), while much of the P in terrestrial The target consumption is 3.5g EPA and ingredients is in the form of indigestible DHA per week (500mg/day) which means phytate-P.” two portions of 120g of salmon fillet which has 1.19g/100g fillet. “We would need to Fabio Cervellione eat 3kg of shrimp/week to reach this target as shrimp has only 0.1g EPA and DHA/100g. In the case of seabass, four portions will meet the requirement level.

This shows that seafood is an important source of the omega-3s. In recent surveys conducted by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), customers were willing to pay a premium of 11% for fish and shrimp sustainably produced and a Veramaris survey in China indicated that consumers are willing to pay premium prices for products with health claims. Requirements of EPA and DHA in fish and shrimp Under normal culture conditions, requirement levels can be low but when challenged by adverse farming conditions Participants, from left, Hathaiwan Kraisuwan, TRF Feedmill Co. Ltd; or disease outbreaks, the requirement Dr Bundit Yuangsoi, Khon Kaen University; Bunluesak Sorajjakit, Thai levels will rise. In the salmon, the EPA and Union Feedmill; Dr Wassana Prisingkorn, Khon Kaen University; Nattakul DHA requirements rise up to 35g/kg of Yaemsooksawat, CPF and Narissara Suratip, Khon Kaen University. diet In laboratory conditions requirements are 10 to 15g/kg diet. Commercial diets

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Feed Technology 45

In the environment, the amount of P emissions from aquaculture is unnecessarily high. On the basis of kg/ “My preference is to use meat meals tonnes of protein produced, P emission with low ash. With regards to plant from poultry production is 40, whereas fish meals, the concern is low available P. averages 102. “P emission from salmon In soybean meal, 70% of P is bound farming is only 71, over a cycle of 18-24 as phytate P. I recommend selection months whereas tilapia farming emits 172 of feed ingredients with high P over a short 6-month production cycle. bioavailability and the use of phytase The salmon industry is ahead, and it has enzyme with plant-based feeds to dropped marine protein meals from 65% in improve its availability. The goal is to the formulation to 36.7% with replacement maximise utilisation of P in the diet with plant meals. Of course, with plant without extra supplementation,” said meals, the worry is with phytic acid such as Thomas Wilson. in cereals, grains and oilseed meals.”

A non-renewable resource There is also the global picture on the and trace minerals Zn, Fe, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu to release myo-inositol and to increase use of phosphorus where 90% is for food as well as carbohydrates and lipids. More available phosphorus. There is also an production. Phosphorus is a non-renewable important is that phytic acid also interferes increase in protein digestion releasing 5% resource. Phosphorus demand is predicted with the activity of the digestive protease more of the protein. A DSM study showed to increase by 50–100% by 2050 with enzymes, and affects protein digestion to a how a microbial phytase supplemented increased global usage for food production degree.” into a diet at three levels improved release and changing diets. “Here in Asia, we need of P to 0.26% (P released per kg) diet at to consider how to reduce P emission into The recommended levels for digestible P in the supplementation rate of 2,000 units the environment. In fact, P availability freshwater fish feeds is around 0.7 to 0.8% phytase/kg diet in the tilapia. in the water is very low. Sugiura (2018) of total P and for shrimp, about 1% digestible estimated that rainbow trout obtained only P. Data collected in 2015 (see Figure 1) “Today, we have sufficient research results 0.14% of their daily accumulation of P from show that in general Thai fish feed millers with phytase to allow us to estimate the water and herbivorous fish obtained P from follow these recommendations and meet phosphorus released from ingredients consuming algae and plankton. the required levels. However, there is still and calculate the equivalent amount of phytate-P loading into the environment. supplementary inorganic P it can replace. In “However, Ca interferes with P availability terms of cost, in a tilapia feed, the P released and when formulating, we need to minimise When adding supplementary P, the by 2,000 units of phytase is equivalent to ash and maintain a dietary Ca:P ratio of recommendation is to use only feed grade 2.6kg of pure inorganic P. Based on 88% 1:1 to 2:1. In the stomach and duodenum, phosphates as industrial grades are not digestibility for MCP, the 2.6kg of inorganic competition occurs for non-specific carriers analysed for contaminants. Monocalcium P from MCP would require 14kg of MCP between Ca and macro and micro minerals, phosphate (MCP) and dicalcium phosphate costing USD8.40/tonne. In comparison, often leaving P behind,” added Wilson. (DCP) are highly digestible but water- adding the microbial phytase would cost soluble sodium and potassium phosphate USD2.90/tonne,” noting that this cost “Under the radar is the role of inositol salts will leach into the water. was based on prices in Thailand, which triphosphate from phosphatidyl inositol may differ in each country after taking into Maximising available P from consideration exchange rates, import and which among others is critical for the ingredients release of growth hormones, sperm motility, local taxes. Organic acids used as acidifiers maximise egg fertilisation, skin colour adaptation P uptake from ingredients. In the red (melanophore pigmentation) and salinity Wilson concluded, “The goal of feed seabream, P retention was improved and adaptation.” formulators should be to make feeds that excretion was reduced by 28.9% when using maximise utilisation of endogenous P in the 1% citric acid, and by 20.8% when using 1% feed ingredients while avoiding the need Managing dietary P lactic acid. The message here was, “We just need to use P supplements. Digestible P levels to determine the digestible dietary P should be just high enough to meet the The purpose of using phytase enzyme is to requirement and estimate the correct Ca:P nutritional requirement of the species.” break down dietary phytic acid completely balance for the particular species. It is to meet the digestible P requirement, but not more. The goal is to reduce total P levels in feeds.” Deleted: Emerging challenges of feed formulation with phosphorus ¶ “The concentration of inorganic phosphorus (P) in water is A list of requirement levels for various very low, so fish obtain very little of their daily needs from it. Consequently, dietary sources fulfil their needs,” said Dr species of freshwater and marine fish Thomas Wilson, DSM consultant on Aqua Nutrition in his and shrimp was presented. In terms of discussion on formulating with phosphorus. “The present trend is to replace fishmeal to support sustainability and ingredients, these were grouped under alternatives such as by-products of fish, poultry and land marine meals such as whole-fish fish meals animal processing, by-products and terrestrial ingredients are commonly used. However, most animal by-product feed and by-product fish meals but with high ash. ingredients have high ash (bone P), while much of the P in Land animals’ group include meat meals terrestrial ingredients is in the form of indigestible phytate- P.”¶ (>55%CP with low ash), and meat and bone In the environment, the amount of P emissions from meals (<55%CP with high ash). aquaculture is unnecessarily high. On the basis of kg/tonnes of protein produced, P emission from poultry production wasis 40, whereas fish averagesd 102. “P emissions from salmon farming wasis only 71, over a cycle of 18-24 months A comprehensive list of common ingredients whereas tilapia farming emittedemits 172 over a short 6- and their P availability in rainbow trout, month production cycle. The salmon industry is ahead, and it has dropped marine protein meals from 65% in the Atlantic salmon, catfish, tilapia, carp, grass formulation to 36.7% with replacement with plant meals. Of carp and cobia was presented. Wilson noted course, with plant meals, the worry is with phytic acid such as in cereals, grains and oilseed meals.”¶ that in feeds for the pangasius, almost A non-renewable resource ¶ 40-50% of rice bran with 1.2% phytate P is Figure 1. Data collected in 2015 showing the amount of phosphorus added into feeds. Most meetThere is also the global picture on the use of phosphorus the maximum amount of phytate P at 0.7-0.8 (blue arrow). where 90% is for food production. Phosphorus is a non- included. “Phytic acid binds phosphorus renewable resource. Phosphorus demand is predicted to increase by 50–100% by 2050 with increased global usage for food production and changing diets. “Here in Asia, we need to consider how to reduce P emission into the environment. In fact, P availability in the water is very low. Sugiura (2018) January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific estimated that rainbow trout obtained only 0.14% of their daily accumulation of P from water and herbivorous fish getobtained P from consuming algae and plankton. ¶ “However, Ca interferes with P availability and when formulating, we need to minimise ash and maintain a dietary Ca:P ratio of 1:1 to 2:1. In the stomach and duodenum, competition occurs for non-specific carriers between Ca ...and [1] Deleted: Figure 1. Data collected in 2015 showing the amount of phosphorus added into feeds. Most meet the maximum amount of phytate P at 0.7-0.8 (blue arrow).… Deleted: When adding supplementary P, the recommendation is to use only feed grade phosphates as industrial grades are not analysed for contaminants. Monocalcium phosphate (MCP) and dicalcium phosphate (DCP) are highly digestible but water-soluble sodium and potassium phosphate salts will leach into the water. ¶ Maximizsing available P from ingredients ¶ Organic acids used as acidifiers maximise P uptake from ingredients. In the red seabream, P retention was improved and excretion was reduced by 28.9% when using 1% citric acid, and by 20.8% when using 1% lactic acid. ¶ The purpose of using phytase enzyme is to break down dietary phytic acid completely to release myo-inositol and to increase available phosphorus. There is also an increase in protein digestion releasing 5% more of the protein. A DSM study showed how a microbial phytase supplemented into a diet at three levels improved release of P to 0.26% (P released per kg) diet at the supplementation rate of 2,000 units phytase/kg diet in the tilapia. ¶ ... [2] 46 Feed Technology

The colour of marine was 429mg for the red score of the head portion. Results of experiments on the shrimp interactions of astaxanthin (0 and 600mg) There are several functional properties at three levels of vitamin E (0, 200 and of carotenoids besides their role in the 1,000ppm of α-tocopherol) and of pigmentation of shrimp. Their other roles cholesterol (0, 0.6 and 2% of diet) were include growth, stress resistance, health discussed. and immunity. Special Research Professor Shunsuke Koshio, Kagoshima University, Growth performance and survivals Japan discussed carotenoid nutrition in In the white shrimp, it was determined that three species of shrimp: white shrimp optimal levels for growth ranged from 80 Litopenaeus vannamei, black tiger shrimp and 400mg with astaxanthin as the source. Penaeus monodon and kuruma shrimp In the case of the black tiger shrimp, it was Penaeus japonicus. between 25 and 100mg with astaxanthin, and astaxanthin plus cholesterol as the “The market for synthetic and natural sources, and 300mg with β-carotene. carotenoids is large at more than USD450 Similarly, for the kuruma shrimp, the Shunsuke Koshio million. As such, today, many companies optimal level was between 50 and 100mg, have invested in the carotenoid business. depending on the source. Koshio discussed As long as farming grows, this market reasons for the faster growth, in terms of responses and white spot disease (WSD). will grow too. Shrimp cannot synthesise the role of digestive enzymes (protease, In black tiger shrimp, 200 to 300 ppm was carotenoids and require dietary sources. lipase and amylase). But since astaxanthin optimal for astaxanthin from Dunaliella Determining the optimal requirement level is lipid-soluble, lipase plays a crucial role. against WSD. “Since feeding astaxanthin is not an easy task as shrimp can also can minimise the effect of WSD, we need to obtain carotenoids naturally from algae and Stress and resistance research further on this role of astaxanthin. zooplankton. We can provide a range of Research on astaxanthin level and stress Results of another study with the kuruma requirement or assess this from the shrimp (low salinity and dissolved oxygen, shrimp, gave the optimal level of 530 mg/ tissue but then storage of carotenoids in transportation, sub-optimal level of kg diet for countering total haemocytes various tissues of shrimp is affected by the antioxidants and metabolic enzymes) counts (THC).” dietary supply,” said Koshio. showed that 80-400mg astaxanthin is required to resist stressful conditions. The 25th DSM Aquaculture Conference was Shrimp pigmentation is really important, a great success providing attendees with for market acceptance and price levels. In the black tiger shrimp, it was interesting up to date and very relevant information on Carotene is converted into astaxanthin via to see astaxanthin’s role in stress from key topics of sustainable on aquaculture, different pathways, such as metabolism ammonia, osmotic capacity, salinity and while providing the ideal opportunity to of -carotene via lutein, or metabolism α low DO. meet and network with leading companies of -carotene via canthaxanthin or β and individuals in the aquaculture space., zeaxanthin. The concentration of “We did some stress tests and found that as DSM is very much looking forward to astaxanthin as a percentage of total the astaxanthin concentration increased, welcoming the Asia Pacifica Aquaculture carotenoid varies among crustaceans. mortality (LC50) increased too but then industry again in 2020! In kuruma shrimp, it is more that 90% declined. We found that between 50 and astaxanthin, in spiny lobster and blue crab, 100ppm astaxanthin would be optimal to 84%, and in red shrimp, 83% of the total minimise stress against formalin for larvae carotenoids. and 100ppm for post larvae. At the end, astaxanthin is very effective to minimise Optimum levels for pigmentation stress in shrimp, “said Koshio. Research has indicated a wide range of levels for pigmentation of the white shrimp, Health and immunity 75mg to 350mg, depending on the sources The improvement of health and immunity – algae, synthetic source, capsanthin from of the white shrimp will require 80ppm of marigold or capsicum, and from marine astaxanthin to counter haematological "With the control of dietary astaxanthin sources. In black tiger shrimp, the optimum concentrations, it is possible to manage shrimp level is 100mg to 300mg using both the colour after cooking” - Shunsuke Koshio. B-carotene, canthaxanthin or other algae and synthetic sources. “In the kuruma shrimp, we have a long history of research. Astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, β-carotene at a range of 50ppm to 200ppm from a different variety of sources (algae and natural sources) can produce the same colour pigmentation. We can manipulate the colour with astaxanthin concentration- the higher concentration results in a brighter shrimp after cooking,” explained Koshio.

Some basic studies with the kuruma shrimp showed that the requirement for colouration differs in different parts of the shrimp. Astaxanthin was supplemented at 0, 200, 400, 600, 1,000, 1,200mg and Participants from Department of Fisheries, Thailand with 1,600mg and the colour of the head and Sopit Malaiwong, Darawan Yuttayong and Pisamai Somsueb, body of the kuruma shrimp after cooking Aquatic Feed Research and Development Division. was compared. The optimum requirement

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Developments 47 Revisiting global shrimp production and trade

The plenary session was chaired by Dr Zuridah Merican, Editor, Aqua Culture Asia Pacific and had 5 speakers, from left, Robins McIntosh, CPF; Dr Somsak Paneetatyasai, Thai Shrimp Association; Dr Olivier Decamp, INVE Aquaculture and Dr Melony Sellars, Genics Pty Ltd. The fifth, speaker was Marcio Castro de Souza, FAO, who presented via skype.

fter a long hiatus, the INFOFISH World Shrimp Trade AConference and Exposition (Shrimp 2019) returned and to Bangkok, Thailand from 12-14 November. It was jointly hosted by the Department of Fisheries Thailand, Network of Aquaculture Centres (NACA) and the Thai Shrimp Association. Infofish is an intergovernmental organisation providing marketing, technical and consultancy services to the Asia-Pacific fishery industry. Currently, 13 countries are members of Infofish: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Iran, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

“Shrimp 2019 brought together more than 250 delegates and 36 speakers,” said Shirlene Maria Anthonysamy, Director, Infofish. The opening session began with a special address by H.E. Semi Koroilavessau. In his opening address, Thaworn Jirasoponrak, Deputy Director General, Department of Fisheries (DOF) Thailand said, “Thailand’s shrimp production was 300,000 tonnes in 2019 Shirlene Maria Anthonysamy, Director, Infofish and of which 95% was for export. Over the years, the industry has been Dr Coco Kokarkin Soetrisno, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Indonesia facing a few challenges – diseases, markets and investments. The aim is an industry concerned with the environment and on food safety. DOF continues to give priority on aspects of sustainability, meeting international standards and building up consumer Dr Somsak Paneetatyasai, Thai Shrimp Association presented on confidence.” some experiences in the Thai shrimp industry. Disease has always been a threat and early mortality syndrome (EMS) emerged in 2011 The two-day conference lined up a range of industry experts and now it is the Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP). The production discussing production trends and supply; demand, markets and range is 290-300,000 tonnes for 2019. Fortunately, the industry has trade; technology and culture trends with a focus on diseases; and benefited from investments in shrimp genetics, with improvement in risk assessment and certification. average daily growth from 0.2g to possibly, 0.4g now. Government and public institutions provide support, with services and research, Modelling for sustainability while farmers are united. Some recent advances in culture The plenary session revolved around the theme of the conference technology are biofloc and recirculation aquaculture systems, “modelling for sustainability”. It began with a keynote by Robins which are both complemented with good biosecurity measures. McIntosh, Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) Thailand. His take The illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing issue was a was that the shrimp industry is a relatively young industry which strain on the industry as well as the withdrawal of the Generalised is constantly trying to move towards a more sustainable model. Scheme of Preferences (GSP) status in the European Union (EU), “Disease has always been the challenge and with each new previously a major market for Thailand. Despite these hurdles, challenge, there has been a positive change.” Dividing the years of Thailand will continue to be known as a producer of antibiotic-free shrimp farming since 1962 into generations, Robins said “ In 1988, shrimp, complying to international food safety standards with full during the gen 2, it was hit by yellowhead virus and later WSSV; in traceability. Production is environmentally friendly, sustainable and gen 3, came monodon slow growth and in gen 4, the devastating with ethical business practices. EMS. In gen5, will there be a recovery? What are the systems to adopt for a sustainable industry?” asked Mcintosh. There was In his presentation on “Nutrition and Beyond: Challenges faced some light at the end of the tunnel when he suggested: less area for by global shrimp industry”, Dr Olivier Decamp, INVE Aquaculture more shrimp production using less resources; modern hatcheries Thailand, looked at the challenges with disease and low ex- with clean post larvae production using ablated broodstock; farm prices. “The worry is on production cost, market price and automation; reduction in the use of fresh feeds; selective genetics how to reduce costs. Unfortunately, this also means a reduction and controlled farming systems.

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific 48 Developments

in investments covering biosecurity and costs – for example, to be completed in early 2020. The next step is certification for by procuring cheaper post larvae and lowering feed cost. Such antibiotic- free post larvae. practices have consequences on the performance of animals and on the productivity. Feed with the correct physical and nutritional China properties give a clear advantage in the hatchery and nursery The president of China Aquatic Products Processing and Marketing phases, and the benefits will be borne out in the later stages.” Alliance (CAPPMA), Dr Cui He gave a clear insight into the 2018 shrimp production in China. Total shrimp production in China was In her presentation on “Mitigate pathogen risk during shrimp 4.07 million tonnes and this included shrimp from capture fisheries. culture”, Mellony Sellars, CEO, Genics Pty Ltd, Australia said that Freshwater farmed prawn and shrimp accounted for 65.8%, and the disease is a major constraint to the development of a sustainable marine shrimp (captured and farmed) 34.2% (1.39 million tonnes) industry. There are many approaches to mitigate the risks during of the total production. Farmed marine shrimp production was 0.8 shrimp farming. In Australia, the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) million tonnes in 2018, dominated by Penaeus vannamei at 73%, decimated the shrimp industry. Losses were not only direct at followed by Penaeus monodon at 12%. USD40 million but the loss to the economy was USD1.5 billion. Some solutions include using specific pathogen resistant/tolerant Production in 2018 of the farmed freshwater crustacean group, (SPR/SPT) broodstock. She presented a cost effective solution which totalled 2.68 million tonnes included the crayfish Procambrus which can diagnose 13 pathogens in a single assay. clarkii at 62%, P. vannamei accounting for 22%, and Macrobrachium rosenbergii and Macrobrachium nipponense at 14%. Cui He expects Country focus: Production and trends that in the future, the production of farmed shrimp in freshwater This session covered the production and market status, and areas will decrease while that in the marine environments will challenges, in India, China, Bangladesh, Ecuador, the Middle East remain. and Africa. It also included some perspectives on shrimp marketing in Indonesia and on experiences in farming vannamei the monodon There were some interesting developments in the shrimp supply way, by Dr Manoj Sharma, Mayank Aquaculture, Gujarat, India. situation. Imports totalled 0.65 million tonnes whereas exports were 0.16 million tonnes. Shrimp from aquaculture and capture India fisheries totalled 1.5 million tonnes. In the past two years, shrimp Anil Kumar P, Marine Products Export Development Authority consumption has slowed, especially when the preference switched (MPEDA), said that India’s seafood exports were just under USD7 to the crayfish in the inland provinces. The cost of production of billion and farmed shrimp was the principal export product. In farmed marine shrimp is rising in China. In the south, production is the 2018-2019 (India’s reporting system starts on Ist April to end in open ponds as in Southeast Asia but in North China, there is the of March of the following year), the total shrimp production was farming of Penaeus chinensis, Penaeus japonicus and P. monodon for 682,142 tonnes, comprising 618,678 tonnes of vannamei shrimp the domestic market. (90.7%) and 54,901 tonnes of monodon shrimp (8%). A mere 7,222 tonnes of the scampi or the giant freshwater prawn was produced In terms of imports, data up to August 2019 showed that China’s in the same period. Andhra Pradesh was the leading producer of imports increased 10 times more than the volume in 2017. Imports shrimp at 450,797 tonnes and the average productivity for the were from Ecuador, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and whole country was 8.2 tonnes/ha/year. West Bengal was where most of the monodon shrimp was farmed (87%) and the productivity Argentina. In the first quarter of 2019, China imported 80% of its averaged 0.94 tonnes/ha/year. total imports for the whole of 2018. Cui He expects that China’s shrimp imports will reach 0.7 million tonnes in 2019 and when the per capita shrimp consumption in China reached 4.4 pounds (2kg) “As a result of the increase in aquaculture production, India and equal that in the US, China will need to import more than 1 emerged as the leading producer of shrimp by overtaking Thailand, million tonnes of shrimp to meet the demand. This will make China Vietnam and China,” said Anil Kumar. The concern is the increase the largest shrimp importer. in EHP outbreaks and Anil Kumar outlined some new initiatives for shrimp farms. One is the adoption of best management practices Bangladesh and the standard operation procedures (SOP) approved by MPEDA. Bangladesh is a major producer of farmed black tiger shrimp P. This also includes keeping records, and testing at pre-harvest monodon and according to Syed Mahmudul Huq, the Bangladesh for antibiotics. EHP was reported as rampant in Indian farms and Shrimp and Fish Foundation (BSFF) wants to create a niche market MPEDA has a pilot project on the production of antibiotic- free in collaboration with other black tiger shrimp producing countries, post larvae in three hatcheries. The treatments are bacteriophage, importers and retailers. Farmed in the sundarbans, the production bacteriophage + probiotic and probiotics alone. This is expected area is over 184,820ha, using traditional extensive (84.5%),

The session on production trends and supply was chaired by Robin McIntosh (second left). From left; Anil Kumar P, Cui He and Johan Suryadarma, Seafood Service Centre, Indonesia. In the session on Demand, Markets and Trade, from left; Dr Darryl Jory, (US shrimp market); Mike Turenhout (European shrimp market); Helga Josupeit (Latin America and the Caribbean) and Fatima Ferdouse (Asia/Pacific markets). A report on this session will be in the next issue of AAP.

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Developments 49

Some of the presenters in the session covering technology and Haydar H Al Sahtout with Roy Palmer culture trends; from right, Chelsea Andrews, XpertSea, Thailand, (left) who presented on risk assessment Robins McIntosh, Oscar Henning, Benchmark Genetics; Hawaii; and certification Dr Eduardo Leano, NACA; Dr Laurence Massaut, BioMar, Ecuador and Dr M A Kabir Chowdhury, Jefo Nutrition.

Dr Cui He (right) with Tianwei Yang, CAPPMA and Johan Suryadarma (middle)

From right, Vinij Tansakul, consulant,Dr Daranee Seguin, DSM; Dr Jarin Sawanboonchun, Aquafeed consultant and Dr M A Kabir Chowdhury, Jefo Nutrition. improved extensive and semi-intensive systems. With regards to Middle East and Africa production, the total production of the black tiger and the giant An extensive overview on what is happening in the leading shrimp freshwater prawn was 122,500 tonnes. The export volume was producing countries in this region was presented by Haydar H Al 36,168 tonnes valued at USD423 million. Some of the challenges Sahtout, Adviser to the Saudi Aquaculture Society. The combined outlined in his presentation included low productivity, high risks and production for the region was given as 100,000 tonnes in 2019, prevalence of diseases in the farming segment, and in marketing – down from 120,000 tonnes in 2018. Saudi Arabia is the leading volatility in international prices. producer with the largest shrimp farm in the world. The national production estimate in 2019 was 50,000 tonnes, down from 64,000 There is a scarcity of raw materials for processing plants, which tonnes in 2018. This was followed by Iran, with 40-45,000 tonnes, together have 400,000-tonnes annual capacity. There is a draft mainly from small family farms. Haydar expects production to national action plan to increase production by converting existing continue on its upward trend because of government support. The traditional/extensive farms from the average yield of 330kg/ha to only downside is problems with disease. Most of the production is 1.2 tonnes/ha with improved extensive practices. Most hatcheries targeted for export with the exception of Egypt’s production. depend on wild black tiger shrimp broodstock, and under the road map for 2021, the plan is to expand to 20 specific pathogen free He cited some expansion plans. In Kuwait, the government will (SPF) hatcheries from the current 2. The projection is to supply 3 develop a fully integrated shrimp farming project, to produce 3,000 billion post larvae. The additional production will be 55,720 tonnes tonnes annually. Another project in Qatar is a shrimp farm with an of black tiger shrimp, leading to the export value of USD1 billion. initial 3,000 tonnes/year and expanding to 100,000 tonnes over the Funding will be by the World Bank of which USD30 million will be next five years. Egypt has a large integrated tilapia and shrimp farm incentives to set up hatcheries, brood stock multiplication centres with Chinese participation. Shrimp production is expected at 7,000 and cluster farming units. At this meeting, Syed Mahmudul called tonnes/year. upon investors to participate in this initiative.

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific 50 Developments An orbit view on shrimp farms

oung Norwegian graduates in microelectronics and space Yphysics, Hogne Andersen and Mats F. Heigre founded their Bergen based startup Dynaspace in August 2018 to simplify space mission using nano satellites. In August 2019, they found a niche demand for real time global information on shrimp farming. With the InsightSPHERE cloud-based platform, the team uses multispectral satellite image processing capabilities, computer vision, proprietary machine learning algorithms to detect shrimp farms and monitor their activity in real-time, year-round. The information on current productivity (tonnes/ha), pond activity, disease outbreaks, tracking of production cycles and production forecasts can be at the local to global scale.

Both Hogne and Mats were attending the Hatch Blue mentorship program in Singapore. As an example of the capabilities of their platform, they presented a InsightSPHERE Snapshot of ponds in Bilimora, India. The details include the hectarage, the number of ponds, active and inactive; number of extensive and intensive Dynaspace pitching at Hatch Blue’s Demo Day 2019 in Singapore. ponds and treatment ponds and via various steps, calculated the productivity of the area.

“We have just started looking into the potential of using our technology in shrimp aquaculture after attending this Hatch Blue mentor program. Here we have learnt that the shrimp aquaculture industry requires more transparency and we hope that our innovation will bring key production data for this industry. The levels of information that we can provide will also depend on frequency and on the resolution of imaging data that we need and can get,” said Hogne.

“We are still on the learning curve with shrimp farming, but we know that there are areas where we can use our expertise and provide more detail information such as on the geographical carrying capacity, changes in water quality or disease outbreaks. Such information may be useful for governments to regulate industry or for industry itself to self-regulate. In addition, there may be the need to calibrate our findings with ground information,” added Mats. Hogne Andersen and Mats F. Heigre were in Singapore attending With regards to monetisation, Hogne said, “We have a subscription- Hatch Blue’s 2019 mentor program for new start-ups – here visiting based model where clients get the snapshots on activity in specific shrimp farms in Indonesia during the program. areas of shrimp farming. Our capability is dynamic information from satellite imagery every 5 days or less if required. We have talked to many stakeholders and there is interest for such information on shrimp activity from shrimp traders, processors, feed mills, large integrators and even farmers,” said Hogne. https://dynaspace.no

A Snapshot of Bilimora in India, 14th November 2019, demonstrating the power of the InsightSPHERE platform.

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Show Review 51

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific 52 Developments Mentoring aquaculture start-ups in Singapore

Startup teams, Hatch Blue team and mentor for the day.

n this new world of aquaculture startups, a novel technology 1. Thailand-based Algaeba Company Limited wants a hassle-free Imay have been developed brilliantly but pitching the idea to shrimp hatchery business; a fully automated shrimp hatchery secure funding for the next steps of development may not be a cup to reliably produce high quality shrimp post larvae as well of tea for many. Often, developers of novel technologies are not as micro algae production technology. For a start, Dr Kunn prepared for the world of skillful venture capitalists. Established to Kangvansaichol, CEO/Founder, is using AI to develop a post bridge this gap, HATCH, the world’s first sustainable aquaculture larvae counter and devices to automate hatchery operations in accelerator, offers a tailor-made accelerator programme to mentor the shrimp farming industry. seed or pre-seed startups with innovative and scalable solutions for relevant aquaculture problems. The requirement is simple: a 2. Singapore-based Stephen O’ Sullivan and his partner, Trevor team of two willing to focus 100% on the venture, armed with an Coyne, founded the startup Catchatrade for the integrated B2B initial proof-of-concept. The scheme offers a 15-week programme online seafood marketplace. The product is a super app called of professional mentoring, access to global aquaculture, investor “Hook” which will link buyers and suppliers for the moment, but connections, team and product development support, office in future will expand to the larger community. Stephen said the space, fundraising expertise, as well as up to €100,000 in funding, seafood industry is beset with issues of fraud etc and what is to help young aquaculture companies grow and commercialise. actually needed is one which is secure with quality “know your customer” participants. In 2019, HATCH had an impressive programme for 13 startups in Hawaii, Bergen, Norway and Singapore, for the Asian leg. 3. The Dynaspace team of young Norwegians uses state-of-the- The group stationed themselves in Singapore from November art satellite remote sensing and a cloud-based platform to 4 to December 5 while visiting aquaculture farms in Sumatra, detect shrimp farms and monitor their activities in real-time, Indonesia; cage culture farms in Lake Toba as well as hatchery, year-round. They will track production cycles, and production feed mill and processing operations of Regal Springs, the world's forecasts which will be of interest to several groups including largest tilapia farming company and Global Gen’s shrimp farm and governments, feed producers and processors, said Hogne hatchery in Medan. In HATCH’s Asian centre in Singapore, Georg Andersen, Co-founder and CEO. Baunach, Managing Partner and Co-founder explained the aim of the mentorship programme, “We started the first accelerator 4. Argentina-based startup, FeedVAX is developing a platform programme in April 2018 with a cohort of 8 startups and in of oral vaccines which are feed-based and safe for the September, we had 6 startups in the second cohort. 2019’s cohort environment to protect farmed fish from disease and replace was the largest group with 13 startups. Our objective is to ensure the use of antibiotics in aquaculture. The 4-member team lead teams gain access to finance, a global network of market contacts by CEO Luis Barletta, began developing oral vaccines for the and industry expertise while they develop their businesses during tilapia 2 years ago. the programme.” 5. The start-up Gaskiya Diagnostics, based in Maryland, USA The cohort in 2019 Last years’ cohort had a diverse range of has a platform technology which uses bioengineered capture innovative technologies along the aquaculture supply chain: proteins to bind target analytes with a high degree of sensitivity automation of shrimp hatchery operation; non-GMO optimisation and specificity. The capture proteins can bind peptides, small of genetics; novel water quality monitoring; remotely determining molecules and nucleic acids, facilitating the detection of a farm activity and production; an oral vaccine platform, novel variety of disease types. Toxicologist cum nutritionist Dr Mary ingredients and integrated B2B online seafood marketplace. They Larkin who is founder and CEO, has innovated this technology are listed below: platform to become a rapid, low-cost and easy to use diagnostic tests for aquaculture.

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Developments 53

6. US-based GenetiRate has a metabolic rate test to identify at the egg, embryo and larval stages the growth potential and feed efficiency of the particular egg. The technology was developed at the University of Arizona, USA, by Dr Benjamin Renquist. Knowing this means having the ability to select the top percentile and bring the fish to market, said Jason Cleaversmith, Business Development Director in Europe. The start-up, holds the exclusive license to the first patented pending technology that allows for quantitative high-throughput measurement of metabolic rate to select individual aquatic animals with improved feed efficiency and growth rate.

7. Singapore’s Kinnva is a biotechnology start-up which uses by-product materials such as methane, methanol and ligno cellulase to develop alternative proteins for the animal feed industry. For the aquafeed industry, it has KinnfeedTM, a 65-70% crude protein ingredient and KinnfeedTM Aqua Plus with 80% protein. Brian Reddy, founder and HATCH Accelerator Demo Day . From right; Wayne Murphy, Kunn Kangvansaichol, Bernice Tay, Dr Carsten Krome and CEO said, “Kinnva started in Singapore in 2017 and Georg Baunach. has achieved series A funding. Next will be to scale up production.”

8. Of interest to aquaculture is the natural astaxanthin produced in the water. It can also cut back on aeration costs, liberating in dark fermenters by the Hawaii based biotechnology start- oxygen and reduce oxygen demand. UNIVIV has a nutrient up Kuehnle Agro Systems or KAS. NATUREKROME™ is a low- pack which needs to regrow at the pond site. Trials have shown cost natural colourant for aquafeeds produced from whole cell the Archaea to increase production effciencies, reduce feed algae. Dr Adelheid Keuhnle, Co-Founder and President said, conversion ratio (FCR) and reduce inputs. “The market for colourants in fish and shrimp is dominated by the expensive synthetic astaxanthin.” 12. Hawaii based Symbrosia’s goals are to reduce methane emissions from dairy cows by up to 90% through the addition 9. In Montana, barley is primarily grown as a rotation crop with of less than 2% of red seaweed to livestock feed. Alexia Akbay wheat and has little value. There was a need to develop an and her team are currently upscaling commercial production of alternative use for the grain crop. Clifford Bailey used his Asparagopsis taxiformis in Kona, Hawaii. expertise in biochemistry and bio processing engineering at the start-up Montana Microbial Products, to develop barley protein 13. Offshore salmon farms have been limited to near shore concentrate (BPC) through an enzymatic process for use in sheltered coastal zones and obtaining licenses for these sites aquafeed. This is a sustainable feed ingredient. remains a challenge. As a solution, Impact9 from Dublin, Ireland has developed a new cage for farmers to move operations 10. Professors Gabriela Almeida, Anjos L. Macedo and scientist further offshore. Co-founder John Fitzgerald said his patented Ana Viana founded their start-up Nitrogen Sensing Solutions cage design instantly enables farming operations in deeper, in August 2019. Their technology NSS NOxAqua is a smart rougher open ocean environments. multi-parametric sensor for water analysis measuring simultaneously three nitrogen compounds - ammonium, nitrite While in Singapore, the group also attended the 3-day Asia-Pacific and nitrate - accurately and in real-time. This is the application Agri-Food Innovation Week and benefitted from the networking into aquaculture of a technology developed 20 years ago. opportunities presented at the conference with the presence of “Basically, today, we have this technology to modify test strips several top executives in Asia Pacific. At the pre-summit Pitch to measure nitrite and using IoT, link the data via bluetooth, to Competition, which featured 14 nominated start-up companies, be immediately available,” said Macedo. Algaeba, Kinnva and Dynaspace gave 5-minutes pitches.

11. Martin Tighe, CEO of the startup UNIVIV has developed the In February, HATCH will open the call for applicants to its 2020 Anammox (anaerobic ammonium oxidation) Archaea, which accelerator programme beginning in August and plans on when added into pond water, will reduce the high ammonia accepting 10 startups to this year’s cohort.

Appointment Director of Business Development, Shrimp Asia Hendrix Genetics is pleased to announce the appointment of Ton Hovers in the role of Business Development Manager for its shrimp genetics business (Kona Bay). In this position, Ton will focus on sales and technical services for the shrimp market in Asia. He will work closely with our sales team to capture opportunity for excellence in the market. Ton studied Animal Production and Agricultural Sciences at Wageningen University and has over 30 years of industry experience in shrimp nutrition and production throughout Asia. For the past two years, Ton was Managing Director for De Heus in Indonesia, a global leader in feed nutrition. Ton will utilise his expertise in technical management and market analysis to help our customers succeed in this industry of growing opportunity.

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific 54 Developments

A PL counter starts off innovation to automate shrimp hatcheries

t is most appropriate that Thailand based startup, Algaeba Iwants to provide hassle-free hatchery operations. Thailand has a forward-looking shrimp farming industry. Algaeba is one of the 13 startups in Hatch Blue’s 2019 cohort in Singapore. CEO and founder, Dr Kunn Kangvansaichol explained the company’s vision, “In the US, there is Café-X for robotic coffee production. We want the same for shrimp, a hassle-free post larvae (PL) production in all hatcheries by just subscribing to our technology. We have a big vision on automation in shrimp hatcheries. ” Kunn started the company in 2016 with COO and co-founder Chetnuwat Danlaphon who has some 8 years’ experience in microalgae production and aquaculture, and later joined by CTO Bordyn Cheevatanakornkul, an artificial intelligence and embedded system expert. As they worked on their innovations, their inspiration came from hatcheries in Chacheongsao Province in the eastern part of Thailand.

“Firstly, we needed to start small by solving some of the simple Dr Kunn Kangvansaichol said that he wants to provide tasks within the hatchery and slowly gain the trust of customers,” hassle-free hatchery operations during the interview at said Kunn. In hatcheries, the traditional way is to manually count the Hatch Blue office in Singapore. 1,500-2,000 PL in plastic bowls. Three bowls are counted for each customer prior to sales. The innovation is the patent pending SeaThruTM counter. “We wanted an innovation which can integrate nicely into current operations. Here the PLs are still in the same bowl and placed in the counter; imaging technology counts 6 times within 30 seconds for each bowl full of PL. The customer can then exchange the information in the chat app, Line.” This counter is able to count the number of PL 30X faster than manual counting and has an accuracy rate of more than 95%. “We integrate into current operations and one extra benefit is that the customers do not need to change water before counting,” explained Kunn Kunn and his team took 6 months to develop this counter which is now utilised for counting Penaeus vannamei PL but work is ongoing to perfect the technology to count PL of the giant river prawn Macrobrachium as it is also a popular cultured species in Thailand.

Uniformity of PL is an important criterion for hatcheries. To determine PL size, the current practice is to physically measure the length of 20 PL each time and calculate the coefficient of variation. Kunn said, “Using AI, we can measure a sample of 100 PL in 3 Using the counter minutes, calculate the average size and the coefficient of variation. PL need not be sacrificed for this process. All data are transferred to the computer digitally. This is the difference.” Adoption of this technology is progressing well. Algaeba has five customers in The team is also promoting the use of instant algae mixture Thailand and will be distributing the counter in China through a rather than one species live algae commonly used in hatcheries. distributor. There are enquiries from India, Indonesia, Singapore, According to Kunn, the survival rate of nauplii to PL1 can be US and Vietnam. Multinationals involved in the hatchery supply 80% with a combination of algae (eg Chaetoceros, Isochrysis and chain as well as research institutes have also shown interest. “Soon Nannochrolopsis sp.) versus 55% when only Chaetoceros is used. we will work with Aqua Connect, a start up in India.” “Continuous monitoring and the utilisation of instant algae mixture can improve the performance of hatcheries. In fact, actual results Next steps from a commercial hatchery showed that the calculated savings The next step in this journey to automate the hatchery sector is the amount to USD36,000/year. The benefit is knowing the exact SeaThruTM BOLT-ON device placed on top of the larval rearing tank. numbers which helps the sales team and avoids waste.” “In the hatchery, every 4 hours, staff observe the development stage and size visually and plan for feeding. They observe feed With regards to innovating counters and monitoring system for performance by looking at the faecal strands. “We have introduced other crustaceans, Algaeba is working on Thailand’s blue swimming science into this activity. With our SeaThruTM BOLT-ON, our AI will crab Portunus pelagicus and at the same time, will be collaborating measure the metamorphological changes every 1-2 hours, plan with Singapore’s Aquaculture Innovation Centre on the mangrove for feeding at the right time interval, and the right feed amount to crab Scylla serrata. www.algaeba.com prevent over and under feeding,” said Kunn.

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Our Future: Growing from Water

his was the theme of Aquaculture Europe (AE) held Tin Berlin, Germany from 7-10 October 2019. AE2019, attended by around 2,700 participants from 85 countries had several new sessions. It is more aligned with industry and moved towards the new generation of aquaculture science with innovations and artificial intelligence (AI). Recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) was a major focus at this AE which reflected on the enhanced demand for controlled aquaculture system and the expertise in RAS residing in northern Europe. A workshop on Nordic RAS preceded this conference; several exhibitors at the trade show presented systems and equipment, and BioMar held a special seminar on developing early stage feeds for RAS. At the Euroshrimp forum, the focus was on the development of European shrimp farming using RAS.

AE2019 was organised by the European Aquaculture Society (EAS) and was supported by Gold Sponsor BioMar, From left, Dr Yeong Yik Sung, University Terengganu Malaysia; Ronnie Tan, Malaysia; Michael New, UK; and Nobumitsu Sato Session Sponsor Sorgal and Industry Forum sponsor Nagase Sanbio Ltd, Japan. Rentenbank. The full conference participation totalled 1,400; student participation was 328 and trade exhibitors totalled 150. The abstract submission for AE2019 broke all EAS records, with 1,039 abstracts received, resulting in way system, where the feedback from consumers to producers 798 oral (all sessions, including workshops and forums) has an influence, but where “loudly voiced opinions” published in and 443 poster presentations. the media and sometimes without “scientific due-diligence” are indicators, but not necessarily drivers for our actions. (EAS,2019) New to this AE2019 was the use of Eposters whereby 96 were presented in the sessions that were selected to pilot this Women in aquaculture presentation format. There was also the inaugural Student A first in AE was a special session dedicated to the opportunities Spotlight Award held at the opening plenary session. Three and challenges facing women in aquaculture. It was organised finalists: Hanlin Xu, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria; by EAS and The Fish Site, online portal. A strong panel from both Renata Goncalves, Technical University of Denmark (DTU); the aquaculture industry and academia, three men and three and Frank Thomas Mlingi, Norwegian University of Science and women, to demonstrate greater gender diversity, gave a range of Technology (NTNU) had 3 minutes each to present their work. The insights into how women can overcome perceived gender-related 750 participants in the presentations voted in (through menti.com) obstacles and build thriving careers across the aquaculture sector. the winner, Frank Thomas Mlingi whose research was on “Gonad The audience heard that while 70% of the aquaculture workforce is development and plasma levels of sex steroids in farmed lumpfish female, there is a chronic lack of women in executive roles, despite Cyclopterus lumpus under different photoperiod and temperature the fact that gender imbalance at a high level has been shown to be regimes.” detrimental to the economic performance of companies. Below are extracts of some statements made by some panel members in the Plenary speakers conference report (EAS 2019): The theme was the subject of the plenary speakers. On day 1, Professor Charles R. Tyler of Exeter Biosciences at the University In describing how she has reached to this level, Lara Barazi, CEO of Exeter, UK presented on “Aquaculture (finfish) and the of Greek seabass and sea bream producer Kefalonia Fisheries, Environment”. His message was while aquaculture is already a added that it is hard for women to reach high level management, let key economic contributor to many countries, fish pathogens are alone join the board of directors, and that women are often not the number one factor in limiting yield and preventing further even considered for board room investment to grow the sector. Understanding the adaptive positions. physiological mechanisms of fish is important as we seek ways to better protect our fisheries to ensure their sustainability and also Matthijs Metselaar, Senior Veterinary Specialist for Benchmark for aquaculture as we look to develop efficiencies in production, Animal Health pointed out that women often do not apply for preservation of genetic integrity and ensuring good animal welfare. jobs, unless they feel that they fit all the requirements, while men might do so even if they only fit 60% of the job specifications. He The second plenary was followed by a panel discussion with therefore encouraged women to do likewise and apply for jobs representatives from production and certification. Alexander without necessarily ‘ticking all the boxes’ listed in the job adverts. Wever, AWF Consulting, in his presentation on “Producer, This was confirmed by a seafood recruitment specialist during the Trade and Consumer” covered concerns and standpoints of key Q&A at the end of the session. players in the aquaculture value chain – and covering the global seafood market, the rising importance of aquaculture product Ole Christiansen, Vice President and member of the executive and consumption patterns that should put aquaculture in a great committee of BioMar noted how women have enriched the work place. The take home message of this second plenary was that environment in BioMar. He added that women think differently from consumer expectations do indeed have a strong influence on the men when solving problems, and they approach tasks in a different way we produce our fish and how we trade them. But it is a two- way to men, which can be very valuable.

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Show Review 57

Euroshrimp industry This was a whole day session, first an Euroshrimp industry meeting where there was strong interaction between current and potential producers and investors in this forum led by Dr Matthew Slater, Head of Aquaculture Research Group at the Alfred Wegener Institute, Germany. A total of 116 participants attended. The pull to delve into shrimp farming (mainly RAS) in Europe is consumer demand for traceability and antibiotic free shrimp production and ex-farm prices ranging from €40 to €55/kg. Demand for fresh and live shrimp is strong, the latter depending on regulations in each country. In Germany, however, sale of live fish is not permitted. At the hatchery segment, the discussions included: the constraints imposed by the EU regulations on the use of SPF broodstock only from the US, and the dilemma on the development and sourcing of broodstock, as suppliers require minimum orders. Dr Stefan Bergleitner, Naturland gave an overview of the stakeholder At Jefo Nutrition, from left, Herve Lucien-Brun, survey “RAS – positions of the organic food sector”. He noted that Caroline Mahaud and Dr M A Kabir Chowdhury. currently, the EU organic regulations do not permit RAS, but the EU regulators indicated interest to revise this position according to future findings.

Other presenters at this forum and in the scientific shrimp session Nicola said that at present, all over Europe, there are four existing gave some experiences in shrimp farming in Europe. Some hatcheries and three more planned for the future with a production information on the current status of the industry was given by capacity of 10-20 million PL/month but current take up is only 3-5 Nicola Scalise, EcoShrimp SIA, which operates the first shrimp million PL/month. There are possibly 16 farms in operation and 8 in hatchery in Europe. His presentation was on “Shrimp hatcheries the planning. The production target at 490 tonnes/year will require in Europe: Personal experience and future perspectives.” In 30 million PL/month. Italy, farming of the kuruma shrimp Penaeus japonicus began in the 1990s in extensive ponds. Since the 2000s, there are three Eric de Muylder, Crevetec presented growth data at his zero- hatcheries for this shrimp. His personal experience was farming the water-exchange RAS farm in Belgium. With a series of experiments, kuruma shrimp in 2010-2012 at 400 post larvae (PL)/m2 in biofloc he showed a reduction in Vibrio counts in the intestine of shrimp systems. In Europe, vannamei shrimp has been actively farmed and infections using commercial feed additives. Nerijus Nika since 2015. In post larvae production in 2018, using SPF vannamei described the first RAS for shrimp aquaculture in Lithuania, set up broodstock from Hawaii, Nicola was successful at 90% survival rate at the Marine Research Institute, Klaipėda University of Science as compared with only 20%-50% in previous cycles. and Technology. It uses artificial saltwater (15-16ppt), and solar energy to maintain water temperature at 28-50°C. In eight rearing tanks, the stocking density was 2.5-3 kg/m2. Growth was 0.18g/ day. The yield is 5kg/m3 after 5 months of grow-out to 24-40g shrimp. Electricity consumption was 5 kW/month. Mortality was 65% and the cost of production was €20/kg. Nerijus mentioned one issue – the high loss (50%) during transport of post larvae attributed to cannibalism.

Dr Ingrid Lupatsch, AB Agri and Sophie Lee, AB Vista, UK.

Dutch Aquaculture Experts is a cooperative consortium with unique expertise from different disciplines, from left, Hans Boon, Rene Remmerswaal, Martin Ooms and Geert Custers. The group aim is to combine expertise in the Netherlands and provide aquaculture VGE International B.V. is expanding into aquaculture, said Rob knowledge and experience to small and large companies, especially van Esch (left) and Ruud Van De Ven. The Netherlands based when a multidiscipline approach is needed. The group provides company has UV disinfection solutions for industrial uses, feasibility studies to design, realisation and project management. mainly for swimming pools. For aquaculture, it has solutions for Hans Boon set up the Aquaculture Experience, a feed consultancy RAS, fish hatcheries, intake/discharge water, research, aquaria company in 2008. www. dutch-aquaculture-experts.com etc. At the AE2019 trade show, the team promoted the cost effective UV-C systems to inactivate many types of bacteria, viruses and parasites. The equipment has a 20-year life span and the lamp- 2years. It is already marketing in 60 countries and has many projects in Asia. www.vgepro.com

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific 58 Show Review

Daniel Arana, BernAqua provided powerful insights and experience Vibrio and gregarines. He analysed the microbial populations on post larvae production in Latin American hatcheries. This in faecal strands before and after infection and identified the included standard protocols and most common problems during bacterial types. When disease level was high, so was the gram- the development of nauplii to post larvae. Each broodstock can be negative heterotrophic bacteria Alteromonas populations. used for 4-5 months, or up to 6 months but with declined fecundity. Causes of non-uniformity of post larvae are attributed to poor In shrimp farming, there is an urgent need to understand the

water temperature control; genetics; bad feed management (such toxicity mechanism of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and VPAHPND toxins, as using mysis feeds for PL1); and poor water quality management. and to develop anti-infective strategies to control AHPND. Control of cannibalism and synchronisation of moulting, temperature control and suitable feeds to maintain the standard Vikash Kumar, Laboratory of Aquaculture & Artemia Reference survival at 50-55% are critical. In quality assessment, there is zero Centre used the gnotobiotic brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana) and tolerance for presence of diseases (WSSV, EHP, IHHNV, NHP, freshwater shrimp (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) model. His study TSV, YH, BP, AHPND) or when necrosis is detected, and the stock provided substantial evidence that the pro-oxidant activity of must be discarded. The stock is discarded when deformities >10%, phloroglucinol induces Hsp70 production protecting brine shrimp

any mortality in tank and >25% CV (coefficient of variation). PL12 and freshwater shrimp, M. rosenbergii against the VPAHPND strain. should be at least 4mg. While the discussion was lively, the consensus was that the shrimp “RAS requires intensive culture but substantial loss of shrimp sector is growing rapidly and enjoying strong investment and along the culture period is a major bottleneck in developing this interest. There was great desire in learning from other nations, technology,” said Eran Hadas, Maof Hanegev Ltd. He discussed the despite differences in shrimp production systems and methods. moulting mortalities at his extremely high-density shrimp farming Warnings to avoid a “gold rush” and investment bubble was heard facility (1,000 PL/m2) in Israel. Histological and microbiome and heeded. The importance of high-quality European hatchery analysis of shrimp did not show any acute bacterial diseases and production in the near future was well recognised although many he attributed the mortality of shrimp to the moulting phase. hurdles, economic and otherwise, remain. (EAS, 2019).

White faeces disease is responsible for losses of up to 50% in Reference: EAS, 2019. Aquaculture Europe 2019. Summary Report shrimp farms in Central Java, Indonesia. Yustian Rovi Alfiansah, Berlin, Germany, October 7-1. www.aquaeas.eu Bremen University, Germany said that causative pathogens were

RAS for African catfish in Germany

n Germany, AquaKultur Abtshagen GmbH is the market leader Ifor circulation systems for catfish rearing. Since 2005, it has been building its PAL technology of warm water aquaculture circulation systems, especially for farming the African catfish Clarias gariepinus. The first system went into operation in 2006. In total, it has the technology for commercial hatchery, production and feeding systems for the African catfish. One example is a farm 230 km north of Berlin close to the Baltic coast. In large systems, it is possible to harvest one tank per day which is 1.6 tonnes/fish/day.

“RAS farming of the catfish is very profitable. The fish is very robust and can be reared at high density without any effects of stress as they are airbreathers. They are also fast growers. Boneless, the meat is rather delicate in taste like the pangasius fish. In Germany the cost of production in our RAS is around €4-5/kg and market prices can reach €7-8/kg. Direct retail prices can go to €13-18/ kg. The fish is popular as there is already a European catfish which consumers are familiar with,” said Markus Schulz, as he introduced Markus Schulz introduced the “PAL-Spezial” 40- foot plug and play his PAL system at the trade show during AE 2019. He added that the container which can produce 5 tonnes/year of African catfish. cycle will be 5 months, growing from 16g to 1.5 kg fish.

In terms of systems, there is the “PAL-Spezial” 40- foot plug was low. Catfish farming has a future in Germany. But we are also and play container which can produce 5 tonnes/year in 3+2 units looking at developing RAS for another popular freshwater fish and within the container, complete with filtration and feeding systems. perhaps for the pangasius, which is an interesting imported fish.” This can be moved anywhere. More common are larger systems between 5 to 75 m3 production volumes. The largest system The support services offered by the company usually takes over can produce 500 tonnes/year. Systems are often custom built in a year to complete, from further investigations into the biology converted old farm houses and can include slaughter, processing of the fish, setting up the systems to legal approval procedures. and sales at the farm. AquaKultur Abtshagen also has dispenser feeding technology or fully automatic chain feeders for these systems. The company “The advantages of RAS is that it can be located anywhere. Germany is also investigating into the ideal feeds for RAS. At the moment, is a cold country and often the heating system is excess heat from the catfish are fed feeds produced by Coppens, based in the biogas. The species of fish must be accepted by the consumers. Netherlands and which also supplies the African catfish feed market. There is a farm raising tilapia but it is not successful as demand www.pal-aquakultur.de

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Show Review 59 RAS in Germany

errit Quantz is committed to providing RAS systems as well locally farmed shrimp. According to Gerrit, RAS technology has Gas consultations on RAS. “I believe in RAS especially for advanced tremendously and can be applied for many species, niche markets which needs steady supplies and also production but the hurdle is the selling prices. For example, in Germany’s complaint to local laws such as German and European standards aquaculture industry, RAS has been rather quiet because prices for on animal welfare and food safety. I am also involved in developing freshwater fish have been low -such as for the pike-perch and bass. systems for commercial hatcheries and indoor farms as well as www.futurefish.de for universities for research purposes,” said Gerrit who will design intensive systems for marine and freshwater fish and then work with a construction company on the set-up from project development and feasibility to turn-key. He also re-engineers and optimizes technologies and farms and develops models for new species. Working for several years in Singapore, Gerrit has participated in the lay-out of several systems, including the vertical farms at the Apollo Aquaculture Group, farming marine fish and shrimp and the recent research facility for Adisseo on St John's Island.

In 2000, Gerrit started to develop a revolutionary RAS for the vannamei shrimp. The first prototype was in Strande in 2004 and subsequently 5 farms were set up in Germany, Switzerland and Singapore. Some of his projects included a shrimp RAS in Switzerland. Swiss Shrimp is a 60 tonnes unit for the production of fresh shrimp for the Swiss market. It was started in 2018. RAS farming of shrimp in Europe are attractive for producers, ex- farm prices are €40-50/kg in Germany and can go to as high as €100/kg in Switzerland where there is a niche market for In front of Futurefish Aquaculture GmbH, Gerrit Quantz with daughter Friederike

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January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific 60 Company News From vitamin E in grape extracts for growth to saponins from plants to reduce gregarines in shrimp

ince 2003, NOR-FEED in France has Sbeen looking for bioactive compounds from common plants. This requires looking at the extraction process, yield of bioactive molecules and the number of natural analogues. The focus is on understanding their functions and to exploit the nutritional and health potential and henceforth, document their benefits. The company works with several research institutes, universities and leading companies to drive innovations and discover potential bioactive compounds from these plants. “In the process, we may have created some surprises on how bioactivity may be derived from simple plants to help the livestock and aquaculture industry grow. Being in France, it was natural for us to look at grape juice by-products, seeds and skin, and extract the bioactive components. Included in broodstock feed for the rainbow trout, the fish grew faster,” said Dr Paul Engler, R&D Manager during a visit to Aquaculture From left, Paul Engler, Olga Tarakanova, (Market manager Europe 2019 held in Berlin in October 2019. and Guillaume Le Reste, Consultant at Halieutica, France. Nor-Feed is focused on R&D on a few plants and molecules including saponins, grape and citrus extracts.

“Grapes contain antioxidant compounds by nature and our “We are working not only on the shrimp but on multiple species to extracts have been shown to reduce oxidative stress in fish. better understand the mode of action of the product. For us at Nor- Standardised citroflavonoids and pectic oligosaccharides from Feed it is very important to know exactly how the extracts work and citrus fruits positively modulate the microbiota. Most interestingly provide more concise data to our clients.” In the rainbow trout, the we have saponins from plants. Characterisation of activity in dry grape extract protected the fish from osmotic stress, according joint laboratories have resulted in different combinations to to a joint research with an agricultural school in France. Osmotic address different parasites in fish and shrimp. Activity includes stress arises when fish is exposed to fluctuations in temperature, management of coccidial risks, reduction of ammonia emissions oxygen and salinity. and enhancement of palatability and digestibility ,” said Engler. In Ecuador, Nor-Feed conducted a collaborative study to Working with the National Taiwan Ocean University, Nor-Feed has determine the effects of a standardised saponin-rich plant extract demonstrated the replacement of vitamin E with their Nor-Grape in reducing the infestation of the gregarines Nematopsis sp. 80 in an 8-week feed trial with 20mg shrimp. “At the starter stage, and Cephalolobus sp., commonly found in the shrimp gut. These it would appear that the shrimp performed better with 150-200mg endoparasites reduce feed absorption. The saponin-rich plant of the grape extract instead of vitamin E, but we will need more extract was supplemented at 2g/kg of feed and fed to shrimp in studies on requirements throughout the whole cycle,” said Engler two ponds over three days. Dietary inclusion reduced the gregarine in an article published in Feed Navigator. He added that the results population by 64% and 73%, respectively. www.norfeed.net indicate an option to diversify sources of vitamin E in aquaculture.

NEXT ISSUES March/April May/June Issue Focus: Health & Disease Management Issue Focus: Hatchery Industry Review: Marine Fish Industry Review: Aquafeed Production Feed/Production Technology: Feed Additives / Omega 3 oils Feed/Production Technology: Lipid Nutrition Deadlines: Articles - January 13/Adverts January 24, 2020 Deadlines: Articles - March 16/Adverts March 27, 2020

Email: [email protected]; [email protected] for details

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Company News 61 Digitalisation of data on hungry fish and more

ith its Innovation Forum, AE2019 also attracted some start- Wups and innovations at the trade show. Singapore/Japan- based deeptech start-up UMITRON Pte. Ltd., which aims to drive the growth of aquaculture with computerised technology; providing solutions to difficult problems and accelerating its sustainable development.

On display in Berlin was its UMITRON CELL, a portable smart automated feeder with an underwater camera. But there is more to the its technology than images, as the team showed in videos at their booth. The underwater camera takes videos of fish in cages and the cage operator sees these in real time on the smart phone; images of fish eating, swimming patterns and general behavior in the cage. Usually such underwater images are only possible using a remote operated vehicle or divers.

Umitron then uses its proprietary algorithms to analyse such images. Data is drawn up on histograms of fish lengths and weights, index on fish behavior, optimisation of feeding frequency etc. How hungry the fish are in a particular cage is detected and the farm operator monitors and determines the amount of feed dispensed service to provide reliable data for aquaculture insurance. Its from the smart feeder using a smart phone onsite or remotely. In patent-pending technology enables users to quantify the asset cases where the water turbidity is high, the camera can be located value of fish stocks and provides environmental data for risk further down. assessment. Moving into assessment of data for shrimp farming, in October, Umitron started a joint project with Charoen Pokphand This is a change from current practices and does not require onsite Foods (CPF) to install a future sustainable model for shrimp presence of workers especially during inclement weather. This is the aquaculture business. aim of Umitron; using internet of things (IoT) to improve operational costs by optimising fish feeding and enabling work style reforms. With an aim to expand its services, Umitron currently invites The first initial units have already been installed and tested in overseas business partners such as enterprising aquafarms and Ainan City in Ehime Prefecture, Japan. Production of new devices insurance providers in sustainable aquaculture. www.umitron.com is underway and deliveries to other clients in Japan and abroad will continue in the coming months. Recently, CELL was installed in Lake Titicaca, Peru for a project in cooperation with the Inter- American Development Bank (IDB) to improve the sustainability of trout farming.

Since 2016, co-founders Ken Fujiwara, Masahiko Yamada and Takuma Okamoto have worked very closely with the farms in Ehime Prefecture in Japan in developing the technology and today, a major user of their technology are these farmers. “What we do is detect hungry fish and convert the data through our algorithms. IoT allows farms to automate feeding and artificial intelligence (AI) optimises feeding. We are reducing the environmental impact of aquaculture. Today, our data analysis is specific for the seabream, trout, salmon, tuna, grouper and striped jack. By detecting activity levels and fish movements with our algorithms, we can develop an index of fish appetite which the farmer can use,” said Masahiko, who is also the UMITRON App2 managing director. Aside from this presence at the show in Berlin, Umitron has been making waves recently. In September 2019, it announced it has raised SGD 3.7 million in funding from Mirai Creation Fund operated by SPARX Group. Co., Ltd. as the additional closing fund of its first enterprise equity finance. The total investment in this round became SGD 15.2 million and would be the largest amount of fundraising in an early stage start-up in aquatech. Umitron has also announced that it has started demonstrating a new

Masahiko Yamada (right) with Bjørn Myrseth, CEO Vitamar.

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific 62 Company News Opening innovative solution centre in Soc Trang province

n December, Skretting Vietnam Iheld a grand opening event for its new AQUAmart Centre in Soc Trang province. Almost 200 guests attended the event, including government officers, wholesalers, partners and farm owners. The centre will provide farmers with solutions, knowledge and services to optimise their practices and ensure best performance and the sustainability of the local aquaculture industry.

The AQUAmart Centre is purpose-designed for farmers in the region, providing solutions that best support sustainable aquaculture, from feed to technical services. The aim is to support farmers to solve challenges throughout the farming process, optimise profit and improve sustainability.

Marc Le Poul, General Manager, Skretting South Asia (second left) cutting the ribbon for the opening of the new AQUAmart Centre with fro Rob Kiers, Managing Director Asia & Africa; Doan Van Be, Director of Soc Trang Agriculture Extension Center and Tu Van Thanh, Sales Director Skretting Vietnam

trusted address for farmers to choose the best products. We would like to coordinate with Skretting in setting up new models to apply high technology in shrimp and fish farming in order to help farmers with knowledge on farming to ensure high efficiency and sustainability.”

Tu Van Thanh, Sales Director of Skretting Vietnam, hopes that AQUAmart will become a connection point, and that the product offering will increase. “We have carefully selected the right partners to provide high During the opening ceremony, Marc Le Services and products offered by quality products to the region, with a focus Poul, General Manager of Skretting South AQUAmart include feed, analytical on service and correct protocol. We will Asia said, “Soc Trang is a very important services, health management products continue to select more trusted partners farming province of Vietnam. We set and farm equipment. The local team will that will bring even more values to farmers.” up AQUAmart with the aim of creating a also support customers with consultations In Vietnam, Skretting is well recognised for hub where customers can come to share and protocols, as well as deliver feed and producing superior-quality shrimp and fish and learn. For Skretting, it has always equipment to their farms. feeds for several species, with factories in been essential to provide the best feed Long An province. Skretting employs 400 and nutrition for fish and shrimp farming At this grand opening, Doan Van Be, collaborators in Vietnam. As well as being a and now with AQUAmart Centre, we are Director of Soc Trang Agriculture Extension leading feed supplier in Vietnam, Skretting extending this further, bringing better Center, said “I am so happy that Skretting Vietnam also supplies specialty feeds farming equipment and practices, together has opened AQUAmart in Soc Trang for major aquaculture operations around with more responsible farming knowledge province. I believe this centre will be a South Asia. www.skretting.com to our customers.”

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Company News 63

Hawai’i Aquaculture: A Tradition of Navigating with Innovation, Technology and Culture

FebruaryFebruary 9-12,9-12, 20202020 HawaiiHawaii ConventionConvention CenterCenter Honolulu,Honolulu, Hawaii,Hawaii, USAUSA

THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE & EXPOSITION OF

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Associate Sponsors: AFIA, Aquaculture Committee • American Tilapia Association • American Veterinary Medical Association Aquacultural Engineering Society • Aquaculture Association of Canada • Catfish Farmers of America Global Aquaculture Alliance • International Association of Aquaculture Economics and Management

Hosted By: Hawaii Aquaculture & Aquaponics Association

For More Information Contact: Conference Manager P.O. Box 2302 | Valley Center, CA 92082 USA Tel: +1.760.751.5005 | Fax: +1.760.751.5003

Email: [email protected] | www.was.orgJanuary/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific

AA20 A4 ad CMYK.indd 1 10/13/19 9:06 PM 64 Company News Joining forces to add value in aquaculture

mechanisms of gut modulation and immunostimulation of SanacoreTMGM against franciselosis and streptococcosis in tilapia. Within digestive performance, emulsifiers have proved to be an effective solution to optimize growth performance of high lipid feeds in sea bream. Proteomics has been used to further understand mode of action of lysophospholipid-based emulsifiers, proving the enhanced functionality of highly metabolic tissues such as intestine and liver and their enhanced ability to deal with plant-based feeds. Finally, Nuez-Ortín discussed recent work on the use of hydroxymethionine (Rhodimet ADry+) and organic selenium based on hydroxyselenomethionine (Selisseo) in seabream feeds. At supplementation levels targeted by commercial feed mills, the former showed the same bioefficacy as DL-methionine, while the latter improved the sensory quality of the fillet.

An alternative to fishmeal is insect proteins and Adriana Casillas, Vice President, International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed (IPIFF) presented some information on the Dr Waldo Nuez Ortin (right) with Adriana Casillas and Amin Mansouri. status and outlook on its production in Europe. Since 2013, Casillas is the CEO and Co-Founder of MealFood Europe, a uring AE2019, the Adisseo Aquaculture team held a customer Spanish company commercially producing insects and products SAVE Dseminar to update clients on some new developments. In for various industry applications, including feed, food and non- his introduction to the session, Dr Peter Coutteau, Business food. IPIFF, an EU non-profit organisation represents the interests Unit Director Aquaculture, Adisseo updated the audience on of the insect production sector within the European Union. Created the business aspects of the transition from Nutriad to Adisseo in 2012, the association has 54 European small and medium- THE DATE Aquaculture while Dr Waldo Nuez Ortin gave an update on the sized enterprises who produce insects for the European market as running research projects to evaluate the impact of specialty members. In her presentation, she said that every 15 days, there additives to improve health, digestive performance and palatability will be a new startup in insect meal production. Globally, European in aquaculture. Coutteau said that as part of the larger Adisseo, a companies are leading because of innovations and technology €1.46 billion company, the aquaculture group will continue to keep advancements. In the EU, the investment has reached €500 million a strong focus on aspects of aquaculture health, nutrition and the and is projected to reach €2 billion by 2025. environment. “Species-specific additives demand specialized support, strong innovation and research. The team of experts, Status and trends of aquaculture and the aquafeed industry in Iran global and regional, will continue to work with farmers and feed was presented by Amin Mansouri, Technical Marketing Manager, producers working with that ‘have been in your shoes’ perspective. Arona P.J.S. Co., Iran, Adisseo’s exclusive distributor for Iran In 2020, the 20-member aqua business unit will integrate Adisseo’s since 1985. According to Mansouri, aquaculture production in amino acids, vitamins and enzymes into its feed additive portfolio.” Iran amounted to 400,000 tonnes in 2016, including freshwater fish (mainly the carps at 201,000 tonnes, trout at 166,000 tonnes) JOIN US IN BANGKOK YOUR TOTAL SOLUTION The strong emphasis on innovation was recently confirmed at the and shrimp at 21,000 tonnes. Some 90% of aquafeed is produced opening of the Aquaculture Station by Adisseo (ASA), an in-house in approximately 17 active domestic feedmills but there are many

R&D innovations facility in St Johns Island, Singapore (see next farms producing their own feed. Some shrimp feed is imported 400 17.800Trends 9.000+All the latest in the feed and issue). from Southeast Asia. The main bottlenecks for the industry are 400400400 17.80017.800exhibitors17.800 9.000+m2 exhibition space9.000+ visitors exhibitors exhibitors m2 exhibition space2 2 visitors animal health industries scarcity of freshwater and diseases (trout), lack of technical exhibitors mm exhibition exhibition space visitors Lead Scientist at Adisseo’s BU Aquaculture, Dr Waldo Nuez-Ortin knowledge (carp) and white spot disease (shrimp). presented some research updates within the two major programs, Conferences Key topics in line with your health and digestive performance. Adisseo is using different Dr Panos Varvarigos from Vetcare, Greece400 closed the session with 17.800 4009.000+ 17.800 interests screening platforms to optimize the efficacy of antiparasitic a review of the current health challenges in marine fish farming in 2 9.000+ exhibitors m exhibition space exhibitorsvisitors m2 exhibition space visitors solutions. Among these, the guppy model, an ectoparasite-host the Mediterranean region. www.adisseo.com 400 17.800 9.000+9.000+ 100+100+ 70+ 100+ exhibitors m2 exhibition space 100+visitors 70+speakers 100+countries media model that allows to control and monitor infection rates and speakersvisitors100+ countriesspeakers70+ media Network 100+ The largest network in Asia in speakers countries media work with a high number of replicates, therefore overcoming feed and animal health the limitations of cohabitation studies. Recent results have further demonstrated the preventive action and the underlying 100+ 70+ 100+100+ Matchmaking Opportunities to grow your speakers100+ countries70+ 100+media100+ 70+70+ 100+ business speakers countries mediamediaspeakers countriescountries media Exhibition Free access to the most complete event in Asia, with suppliers Supported by: covering all animal species Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau

Dhanunjaya Goud (right), Regional Manager Aquaculture-ISC, Adisseo and the team from Avanti Feeds,India VICTAM AND ANIMAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION ASIA 2020

Seminar participants with Amin Mansouri and Eric de Muylder, Crevetec, Belgium. OFFICIAL SHOW WEBSITES: VICTAMASIA.COM & VIVHEALTHANDNUTRITION.NL

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific SAVE THE DATE

JOIN US IN BANGKOK YOUR TOTAL SOLUTION

400 17.800Trends 9.000+All the latest in the feed and 400400400 17.80017.800exhibitors17.800 9.000+m2 exhibition space9.000+ visitors exhibitorsexhibitorsexhibitors m2 exhibition spacemm2 exhibition2 exhibition space visitors visitors animal health industries Conferences Key topics in line with your 400 17.800 4009.000+ 17.800 interests 2 9.000+ exhibitors400 m 17.800 exhibition space 9.000+9.000+exhibitorsvisitors m2 exhibition100+100+ space 70+visitors 100+ exhibitors m2 exhibition space 100+visitors 70+speakers 100+countries media speakersvisitors100+ countriesspeakers70+ media Network 100+ The largest network in Asia in speakers countries media feed and animal health 100+ 70+ 100+100+ Matchmaking Opportunities to grow your speakers100+ countries70+ 100+media100+ 70+70+ 100+ business speakers countries mediamediaspeakers countriescountries media Exhibition Free access to the most complete event in Asia, with suppliers Supported by: covering all animal species Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau

VICTAM AND ANIMAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION ASIA 2020

OFFICIAL SHOW WEBSITES: VICTAMASIA.COM & VIVHEALTHANDNUTRITION.NL 66 Company News China Aquafeed Summit 2020 9-10 March, Macau, China hina, Southeast Asia and South Asia have encountered low - Liuying Liu, China Regional Marketing Expert, Hema Fresh, Cprices for fish and shrimp amidst frequent outbreaks of Alibaba diseases in recent years. Meanwhile, the competitive pressure - Professor Qiang Hu, Microalgae Biotechnology Center of SDIC brought by the price war and long-term credit is increasing. Many Biotechnology Investment Company aquafeed enterprises have met with bottlenecks. At the same - Stella Qi, Deputy Director, Center of CSR & PR Development, time, China’s economy keeps growing steadily and consumption JOYY Inc. continues to increase. Demand is not only increasing but is for - Dr Victor Suresh, Managing Director, United Research higher quality products. In addition, the continued pressure from (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. environmental policies and the unexpected African swine fever - Xiangrong Zhu, Chairman, Xiamen Yongwa Catering Co., Ltd have greatly affected the supply and consumption pattern of animal protein in China and neighbouring countries. As a result, - Dingwang Wang, Vice Chairman, Guangdong Heshi Aquatic China’s aquafeed industry is facing unprecedented challenges and Products Co., Ltd opportunities. - Otavio Castro, Director of Global Aquaculture Division, Phileo- Lesaffre Animal Care The Nutriera Group is organising the “China Aquafeed Summit - Dr Shude Xu, Key Account General Manager, Guangdong VTR 2020”, to promote information exchange among stakeholders both Bio-Tech Co., Ltd in China and abroad and to push forward the progress of the global - Dr Sergi Carne, Technical Director, ITPSA. aquaculture industry. The theme is “Value Chain Enhancement: - Guiyang Zhang, Head of Puffing System, Research Institute of Reform Direction of Aquafeed Enterprises.” The list of invited FAMSUN Co., Ltd speakers will include the following: - Dr Yong Yang, Chairman, Guangdong Nutriera Group Co., Ltd - Professor Jianfang Gui, Academician, Institute of Hydrobiology, - Dr. Song Zhang, Vice Chairman, Guangdong Nutriera Group Co., Chinese Academy of Sciences Ltd - Professor Shaojun Liu, Academician, Hunan Normal University - Xin Wang, CEO, Guangzhou MVPro Biotechnology Co., Ltd - Professor Shouqi Xie, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences The special guest at the opening ceremony will be Professor Wei - Professor Margareth Øverland, Norwegian University of Life Ge, Vice Chairman, University of Macau. The conference host will Sciences be Dr Gangfeng Yi, Chairman, DBN Fantastic Aquaculture Science - Zhong Li, Chairman, Zhanjiang Guolian Aquatic Products Group & Technology Group. www.nutriera.com Co., Ltd AQUA CULTURE Asia Pacific in 2020 Volume 16 2020

Number & Month 1 - Jan/Feb 2 - Mar/Apr 3 - May/Jun 4 - Jul/Aug 5 - Sep/Oct 6 - Nov/Dec Aqua Business Feature articles and Experiences from industry and opinion articles covering role models, benchmarking, contributions from health management, SOPs, social investments, CSR, ancillary services, self-regulation etc industry players Issue focus Nursery Phase Health & Disease Hatchery Sustainable & Demand & Supply Aquaculture Recent developments/ Developments Management Responsible Equilibrium Education spotlight on emerging Aquaculture challenges Industry Review Marine Shrimp Marine Fish Aquafeed Tilapia Aquaculture Start- Catfish & Developments, outlook, Production ups Freshwater Fish demand & supply Feeds & Processing Fish meal Feed Additives/ Lipid Nutrition Health Nutrition Larval & Nursery Processing Technology Replacements/ Omega 3 oils Feeds Technology/Feed Technical contributions Feed Enzymes Safety from industry Production Technology Controlled Systems Offshore and Hatchery IOT/Innovations Post-Harvest Organic Technical information (hybrid/RAS) Industrialisation Technology Technology/ Aquaculture along the value chain Processing Marketing activities Market and product development, market access, certifications, branding, food safety etc NEW Post Harvest Technical contributions from industry players on assuring quality at pond site to processing technology Quality & Processing Company/Product news News on activities at international, regional and local conferences and trade shows Deadlines Technical articles 16 Nov 2019 13 Jan 16 Mar 11 May 13 Jul 14 Sep Advert booking 22 Nov 2019 24 Jan 27 Mar 22 May 24 Jul 25 Sep Show Issue & AquaIndia 2020 VICTAM Asia and *World TARS 2020: Taiwan Distribution at these Kochi, India Animal Health Aquaculture 2020 Shrimp International events as well as local Jan 31-February 1 & Nutrition Asia Singapore Aquaculture Fisheries and and regional meetings 2020 June 8-12 TBA, Seafood Show *Show preview Bangkok, Thailand August 19-20 (TIFSS 2020) March 24-26 Kaohsiung, September 24-26

January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific WELCOME Company News 67 Singapore - June 8 -12, 2020 Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre

Hosted by WA Singapore Food Agency Organized by Next generation Aquaculture World Aquaculture Society Innovation and sustainability will feed the world Someformofhuman

For more info on the CONFERENCE: www.was.org - [email protected] For more info on the TRADESHOW: [email protected] January/February 2020 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific 68 Events

11th Symposium on Diseases in Asian Aquaculture (DAA11) Kuching, Malaysia 29 September – 2 October 2020

he 11th Symposium on Diseases in Asian Aquaculture (DAA11) Sustainable Aquaculture”, the main topics will cover biosecurity Twill be held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) in aquaculture, epidemiology, detection method/diagnostic, in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia from 29 September - 2 October prevention & control measures and cutting-edge research in fish 2020. The triennial symposium is a hub that covers core aspects and shrimp health management. of aquatic animal health including current research developments, trends, the future of the aquatic animal health industry. DAA11 is There will be ample time scheduled for networking, field trips, a forum for interaction among professionals, academicians, and and social functions during the Symposium. Trade displays will be experts in the fields of aquatic animal health. exhibited throughout the symposium.

The Diseases in Asian Aquaculture (DAA) series is held once in The National Organizing Committee of DAA11 is proud to announce every three years by The Fish Health Section of the Asian Fisheries the introduction of the 3-Minute Pitch (3MP), at the end of each Society (AFS-FHS). Since then, DAA symposia have been held in Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Australia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, session. This session is an extended form of an elevator pitch India Vietnam. DAA10 was held in Bali, Indonesia in 2017. After 30 that was introduced in DAA10 (2017). The 3MP session aims to years of AFS-FHS establishment, DAA11 will be held in Malaysia encourage more oral presentations and serves as a platform for for the first time. researchers to highlight the impact of their research to a wider audience. More information: www.daa11.org email: daa11@dof. DAA11 anticipates the attendance of 400-500 delegates from 20- gov.my 30 countries which will be held over four days. With the chosen theme: “Land of Adventure: Exploring Aquatic Animal Health for Abstract deadline is June 15th, 2020

Details on the events below are available online at http://www.aquaasiapac.com/news.php 2020 To have your event included in this section, email details to [email protected]

January 31- February 1 March 25-27 August 19-20 AquaIndia 2020 VietShrimp 2020 TARS 2020: Shrimp Aquaculture Kochi, India Cantho City, Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam www.aquaprofessional.org www.vietshrimp.net www.tarsaquaculture.com

February 7- 9 April 7-9 August 26-28 22nd India International Seafood Livestock Malaysia 2020 Vietfish 2020 Show 2020 Melaka, Malaysia Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Kochi, India www.livestockmalaysia.com/ www.vietfish.com.vn www.mpeda.gov.in April 21-23 September 24-26 Taiwan International Fisheries and March 9-11 Seafood Expo Global 2020 VIV MEA 2020 Seafood Show (TIFSS 2020) Brussels, Belgium Abu Dhabi, U.A.E Kaohsiung, Taiwan www.seafoodexpo.com www.viv.net www.taiwanfishery.com May 28-30 March 24 Livestock Philippines 2020 September 29-October 2 Aquafeed Horizons Asia 2020 Aquaculture Europe 2020 Pasay City, Philippines Bangkok, Thailand Cork, Ireland September www.livestockphilippines.com http://feedconferences.com/ https://aquaeas.eu/ June 8-12 March 24-26 World Aquaculture 2020 September 29-October 2 11th Symposium on Diseases in VICTAM Asia and Animal Health & Singapore Asian Aquaculture (DAA11 2020) Nutrition Asia 2020 www.was.org Bangkok, Thailand Kuching, Malaysia www.victamasia.com www.daa11.org www.vivhealthandnutrition.nl

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