Benchmark Insights

SHRIMP 2019 ISSUE 1

Technologies shaping the future of production Foreword Shrimp production is one of the fastest growing protein sources, worth around US$ 39 billion worldwide in 20171. Growth, however, is impacted by disease outbreaks which have been reported to result in losses of up to 40%, amounting to billions of dollars annually. We are seeing increasing awareness amongst all stakeholders around the environmental, ethical and economic impacts of . A recent report published by FAIRR2 highlighted 10 key risk factors in aquaculture including animal welfare, disease, effluents, habitat destruction, antibiotic use, and fish feed supply (see below).

Key risk factors in aquaculture2

Transparency Antibiotic use and food fraud

Habitat destruction Disease and biodiversity loss

Greenhouse gas Effluents emissions

Animal welfare Working conditions

Feed supply Community resistance

1 Future Market Insights (2017) Shrimp Market. 2 FAIRR Report (2019). Demonstrating social responsibility In a recent participatory poll is now an essential part of proactive conducted by Benchmark, reputation management, as well as Now is the time to bring affecting a company’s ability to attract ‘citizens’ came out on top top talent, community partners and all of our considerable as the stakeholder group consumers. Research published by the London Business School found that expertise to the table for which will be the biggest companies that genuinely adopted ESG force for positive change in (Environmental, Social, Governance) the benefit of all policies beat their peers who did not the next five years. Public by 4.8 per cent a year over 18 years1. Brands that establish a reputation for awareness around how our environmental stewardship among food is produced is no new today’s youngest consumers have an opportunity to not only grow market thing – farmers, producers, share but build loyalty among the power retailers and consumers are spending generations of tomorrow2. all citizens and we can and We know that none of us need to drive change. are as good as all of us

Through this report we would like to create insight into the key challenges in the shrimp industry, highlight experts’ perspectives from multiple disciplines and showcase the opportunity for this healthy and nutritious protein source. There is huge potential in co-ordinating the biological drivers behind the efficiency of production. Sustainability cannot be owned by one company alone. Collaboration is key in order to share expertise and develop effective solutions to positively impact people, animals and the environment.

1 Edmans, A. (2012) The Link Between Job Satisfaction and Firm Value, With Implications for Corporate Responsibility. 2 Nielsen (2015) The Sustainability Imperative. Putting the right tools in the 08 Introduction farmers hands will give them 08 History of shrimp farming the greatest control they have 10 Production overview ever had over their stocks. 16 Sustainability

16 Sustainability challenges 20 Disease is one of the industry’s most limiting factors 24 Setting a new benchmark for fish welfare

30 Expert insights

32 A sea of opportunity — Philippe Léger, Benchmark 36 Pioneering genetics — Marcela Salazar, Benchmark 42 Adopting new technologies — Nonglak ‘Anne’ Thaisin, Quality Farms 50 Insight into disease challenges — Andy Shinn, Fish Vet Group 60 Better data management — Ralf Onken, Benchmark 66 Data-driven decisions — Liris Madungtyas, Jala Tech 72 Raising the bar in sustainable aquaculture — Christoph Mathiesen, former WWF 76 Antibiotic-free shrimp production — Loc Tran, ShrimpVet 80 Aquaculture advocate — George Chamberlain, Global Aquaculture Alliance

84 Benchmark at a glance

86 Benchmark’s offering Dedicated shrimp farming began Major milestones on a global scale in the 1970’s with Shrimp farming in its earliest production of 9,022 tonnes1, escalating form began centuries ago in Asia History where wild shrimp juveniles to over 1 million tonnes in 2000 to migrated into tidal impoundments intended primarily for milk fish, over 4 million tonnes in 2017, making mullet and other coastal finfish. it one of the fastest growing food This resulted in incidental crops of shrimp 2 of 100-200kg/ha/year of shrimp commodities in the world . with no additional input aside from trapping/harvesting. The history of shrimp farming On the West coast of India, Bangladesh, and the Mekong farming is comparable to that of terrestrial Delta of Vietnam, extensive animal husbandry where traditional production techniques performed well due to abundance of wild culture of wild animals at low density juveniles and tidal ranges in a natural setting progressed to of up to 7m. Farmers would harvest by trapping shrimp as intensive culture of domesticated they migrated out with the tide. These systems would produce animals in a controlled setting. The as much as 400kg/ha/year difference is that domestication of with selective harvesting, water management, and fertilisation, terrestrial animals began thousands but harvests of 200kg/a/year of years ago, but that of penaeid were more common. shrimp began in the last few decades. Little advancement in technology occurred until the twentieth century. The primary obstacle to development was the poorly understood life cycle of penaeid shrimp, which involves an oceanic reproductive phase, a complex series of larval stages, and an estuarine juvenile phase.

Reproduced by kind permission of 5m Publishing from the Shrimp Book.

1 Ashton, E. (2010) The impact of shrimp farming on mangrove ecosystems. 2 Global Aquaculture Alliance (GOAL) (2018) Global shrimp production review and forecast.

08 09 Production overview

Despite making up 6 per cent of global production, shrimp is responsible for 16 per cent of the production value of traded seafood1. The shrimp market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.7 per cent between 2017 and 20202.

1 SOFIA (2018). 2 California Environmental Associates (CEA) (2018) Shrimp Aquaculture Landscape report prepared for Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation’s (Moore) Ocean and Markets Initiative (OSMI).

10 11 Shrimp aquaculture production Producers and exporters by world region: 2010-2020 The market is segmented into 0100 The majority of shrimp production three species. The two main farmed 5.5 P CA originates in Southeast Asia with Penaeus vannamei species are Penaeus vannamei 5.0 the three largest exporters being India, Ecuador and Vietnam. (or whiteleg shrimp) 4.5 6 ( 80% in 2018), the Pacific white 08 China is the leading producer, ~ 4.0 contributing ~60% of farmed shrimp (or whiteleg) native from the 3.5 shrimp to world production. The west coast of South America and 3.0 highest demand for shrimp comes from Europe, the United States Penaeus monodon P. monodon ( 15% in 2018), the giant 2.5 and Japan. ~ (or black tiger shrimp) 2.0 or black tiger shrimp native from Asia. P T P 1.5 Intensification of whiteleg shrimp 1.0 is responsible for most of the growth 0.5 of shrimp production, while tiger 0.0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Macrobrachium 1 rosenbergii (or giant shrimp production remains stable . S A A EN A freshwater river ) C

Sources: FAO (2018) and GOAL surveys (2011-2017) for 2010-2016; GOAL survey (2018) for 2017-2020. Southeast Asia includes Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Philippines, Myanmar and Taiwan. Macrobrachium rosenbergii is not included.

Systems Table 1: Characteristics of shrimp farming systems2

Shrimp farming systems are very Parameter Traditional Extensive Semi- Intensive Super- diverse in their management, size intensive intensive and the people involved. Shrimp Stocking <1 <5 5-25 >25 115-130 density farms can be classified according (no./m2) remains the to the stocking characteristics, Stocking Wild post- Wild post- Wild caught Farm raised No1 world’s largest yield and management. characteristics larvae larvae some broodstock wild caught broodstock producer (See table 1) caught and wild or or farm and hatchery China EU shrimp importer hatchery raised and post-larvae post-larvae hatchery post-larvae

Labour inputs Family <0.1 0.1-0.5 1-3 5 (workers/ha)

Annual yield 0.1-0.5 <1 1-5 >5 8-28 (tonnes/ha)

Environmental Low Uses wide Mangrove Salinization, Low apart impact mangrove conversion, water from high areas salinization, pollution energy use No1 water exporter India pollution

1 California Environmental Associates (CEA) (2018) Shrimp Aquaculture Landscape report prepared for Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation’s (Moore) Ocean and Seafood Markets Initiative (OSMI). 2 Ashton, E. (2010) The impact of shrimp farming on mangrove ecosystems.

12 13 Supply chains

The export-oriented farmed shrimp supply chain always consists of four major segments: inputs (feed and PLs), farm, processor, and importer. The consolidation, vertical integration, and inter-segment interactions differ considerably across regions, but can be broadly grouped by geography into Latin America and Asia. Latin American farms tend towards vertical integration model. Most farms in Southeast Asia, India and China are highly disaggregated, family-operated production units that feed into a large, opportunistic, and informal network of traders and brokers who in turn supply hundreds of processors1.

Certification

Certifications and rating agencies include Best Practices in Aquaculture (BAP), Global G.A.P., Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), Naturland, and Seafood Watch. To date, certifications only cover a small fraction of production in each of the top producing countries2.

1 California Environmental Associates (CEA) (2018) Shrimp Aquaculture Landscape report prepared for Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation’s (Moore) Ocean and Seafood Markets Initiative (OSMI). 2 Global Aquaculture Alliance (GOAL) (2018) Global shrimp production review and forecast.

14 15 Top business critical risks in shrimp production — key environmental, economic Sustainability and ethical concerns and challenges challenges Disease Biodiversity loss There are significant mortalities resulting There has been extensive mangrove from episodes of current and emerging deforestation in the past for growing disease challenges. On average 40% shrimp. In some countries mangrove of shrimp production is lost to disease. clearances are now banned.

Genetics Employment opportunities There is a need for quality seedstock and livelihoods and access to disease free broodstock. Local poor communities sometimes Faced with a growing global population may not benefit from the profits of shrimp but finite natural resources to call upon Food safety/antibiotic use farming bringing social imbalance. there is an urgent need to increase There is a need to ensure that products There are a number of groups promoting are antibiotic free. Hotspots of antibiotic socially-responsible farming. the productivity and efficiency of use in shrimp production can accelerate development of antimicrobial resistance Welfare aquaculture, creating a healthy and (AMR) and increase export risks. sustainable source of protein. Eyestalk ablation remains the major Pollution welfare concern. Ablation in shrimp production is the removal of one (unilateral) Major environmental issues include of a broodstock females eyestalks. the pollution of waterways with pond Stocking density in intensive production effluents, chemicals and medicines, is often overly high. High stocking densities soil and groundwater salinization. contribute to disease problems.

Shrimp feed Education Wild fish is often processed into There is a need for technological fishmeal and incorporated into shrimp improvement of farming methods which feed. There is a requirement to replace requires considerable efforts in education the high volume of needed in and technology transfer to farmers. diets in a cost effective way. There are also issues related with feed quality. The long-term expansion of aquaculture requires sustainable and scalable supplies of alternative feed ingredients.

16 17 Aquaculture plays a big and increasing Sustainable food role in meeting the global protein demand. production is one of the biggest World production of shrimp: A good FCR capture & aquaculture Aquaculture has a lower feed conversion rate challenges today Aquaculture accounted for 54% of world (FCR) than that of terrestrial animals. shrimp supplies in 2016.

10 26%

% 016 54 1kg Beef 1kg Salmon

A C 3.5–9.0kg 1.1–1.3kg

Sources: FA O(2018) and GOAL (2011-2018). China includes freshwater production of P. vannamei.

1kg Sheep 1kg Shrimp

4.0–6.0kg 1.1–1.9kg

1kg Pork 1kg Bass

2.6–4.4kg 1.3–1.6kg

1kg Poultry 1kg Tilapia

1.4–1.8kg 1.2–1.6kg

Source: Rabobank 2018.

18 19 Top three disease WSSV* AHPND† Disease is one of challenges in shrimp White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) A pathogenic isolate of Vibrio is a large DNA virus that only parahaemolyticus, a rod-shaped infects crustaceans; it is an OIE bacterium, that carries a plasmid the industry’s most (the World Organisation for Animal encoding two toxins that results Health) listed notifiable disease. in AHPND. This disease is commonly called ‘early mortality Signs/symptoms: In culture syndrome’ or ‘EMS’ by farmers. limiting factors systems, the shrimp may not Infection resulting in AHPND is show any distinctive signs but * White spot syndrome virus — also an OIE listed disease. the top viral agent. may be lethargic, stop feeding † Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis or begin aggregating at the Signs/symptoms: Infection disease — caused by pathogenic isolates edge of ponds. Clinical signs results in significant shrinkage of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (and other species) bearing a Pir toxin releasing can include the presence of of the hepatopancreas and plasmid — the top bacterium. white calcium deposits up the shrimp frequently have ‡ Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei to 3 mm in diameters which soft shells and guts with — a fungal microsporidian causing hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis can link to form larger plates, discontinuous contents or Disease constrains growth — top parasite. shrimp can appear dark with no content. Early signs of an a red/pink colour to the body and infection include slow growth, a The graph below shows the percentage year-on-year appendages, may have heavily shrunken, pale hepatopancreas. change in the growth of Asian and global shrimp production. fouled gills and external shell, Losses: Infections can result Episodes of disease have been a key factor in shaping growth. and, heavily infected shrimp may in entire loss within 30 days. have a white midgut. Infection resulting in AHPND Losses: Infections can result is currently the number one HHNV TSV WSSV YHV AHPNDEHP in a typical 40% loss of stock bacterial pathogen problem 60 over the first two years of infection within the global shrimp industry. on site; historically, this is the 50 most significant pathogen EHP‡ impacting on commercial EHP infects the hepatopancreas 40 crustacean production. of shrimp which can result in severe growth retardation, 30 morbidity and, in heavy chronic infections, mortality. 20 Signs/symptoms: Although shrimp continue to feed, there 10 is arrested growth; a drop in food conversion ratios (FCR) may 0 provide the first indication of a potential EHP infection. -10 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2005 2010 2015 Losses: While mortality rates may be low, the farmer’s HHNV Infectious Hypodermal AHPND Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease World Asia decision to prematurely and Haematopoietic Necrosis Virus previously known as Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) harvest may be based on TSV Taura Syndrome Virus EHP Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei WSSV White Spot Syndrome Virus YHV Yellow-head Virus farm production economics.

Source: Shinn et al. (2018) Asian , S31, 210-255. Image: WSSV infection in shrimp carapace.

20 21 Scale of AHPND hit Asia hard in 2009, The industry responded well the problem firstly in China, then Thailand and have done well to manage At least US$ 45 billion and Vietnam. In Thailand as an AHPND but outbreaks and losses example, production of whiteleg still occur. This bacterial disease shrimp in 2010 was close to is now causing major problems 600,000 tons which subsequently elsewhere in Asia for example, was lost to shrimp crashed to 189,000 tons. Losses in India. up to 2017 were in the region of In Thailand, the main concern US$ 7 billion but closer to US$ is now EHP — which causes 11 billion if you take into account diseases in whiteleg shrimp growth to arrest. Mortalities for losses in feed sales and value result from chronic infection; added product through export. calculating precise losses is shrimp (P. vannamei) Across Asia the losses due to difficult but for Thailand these this one disease were approx. are estimated to be in the order US$ 45 billion (assuming the of US$ 180 million per annum. production alone over same levels of production could the past decade and is have been sustained). the biggest barrier to

1 Figure 1: Geographical distribution sustainable production. of (EMS/AHPND) in the world

2009

2013 2012 2010 2011

1 Shinn et al. (2018) Asian Fisheries Science, S31, 210-255.

22 23 CASE STUDY Growing consumer demand WELFARE Eyestalk ablation, or removal Setting a new of the eyestalk, to manipulate for higher welfare products The idea that the welfare of shrimp and hormone synthesis making egg would one day receive similar benchmark for production more predictable and recognition to other farmed species was once considered unlikely, but influential efficient is common practice in organisations like the FAIRR Foundation shrimp welfare shrimp hatcheries worldwide. and the Business Benchmark for Farm Animal Welfare (BBFAW) are leaving no stone unturned in the drive for greater With global aquaculture transparency and action on sustainability under increasing pressure throughout the food chain — reviewing and ranking FTSE companies right through to improve animal welfare to upstream suppliers and producers. While the power-spending customers standards. Sourcing commercial of tomorrow (millennials and generation strains of non-ablated shrimp X & Z) are seeking out products that give solid assurances across a range of is high on the list of priorities sustainability factors, including animal for producers and retailers as welfare and are quick to reject brands that consumer demand for higher fall short on their sustainability pledges. welfare seafood grows. Leading challenge for EU retailers

Retailers are taking note and, when it comes to shrimp and prawn products, the quest for non-ablated shrimp is a top priority. The practice of eyestalk ablation has been used in global shrimp production since the 1970s to offset the effects of captive conditions which can prevent 79% females from developing mature ovaries, and cause unpredictable egg production. of EU citizens want Removal, or the ablation of, one of a 1 eyestalks reduces the levels of a hormone that prevents reproduction, higher fish welfare ensuring shrimp mature on a regular basis, making egg production more predictable and efficient. It is now common practice in shrimp hatcheries worldwide to ablate one eyestalk (unilateral ablation) of the female broodstock.

1 ComRes (2018) EU citizens and leading fish stakeholders demand better welfare for fish.

24 25 A welfare concern Public concern about the practice led to the European Commission introducing A number of studies indicate it is highly organic standards in 2009 that prohibit likely that ablation causes pain and stress. ablation. Some food retailers have also Studies noted behaviours associated started to report the percentage of their with pain such as flicking, non-sheltering, shrimp supply coming from non-ablated recoil and disorientation1,2. Moreover, broodstock in efforts to improve transparency. experiments using local anaesthetics prior Someone with first-hand knowledge to the ablation process show an inhibition of the demand for non-ablated shrimp is of various responses associated with the Ruth Layton, co-founder of Benchmark, presence of noxious stimuli akin to those who has been working with blue-chip observed in vertebrates, suggesting that companies to drive improvements in the crustaceans can indeed experience pain food chain for over three decades. during the ablation process1.

Ablation in the shrimp industry has been on the agenda of retailers in the UK and Europe since the 90’s. It’s encouraging to see several high-profile retailers now include information about ablation in their public reporting and others looking to source non-ablated shrimp.

RUTH LAYTON CO-FOUNDER OF BENCHMARK

1 Barr et al. (2008). 2 Diarte-Plata et al. (2012).

26 27 Meeting growing demand Oscar Hennig, Operations Director, Benchmark Genetics, commented: Geneticists at Benchmark first started “Our trials comparing ablated and non- trialing rearing non-ablated females in ablated shrimp allowed us to quantify 2008 and this is now standard practice the production parameters, including across several of their sites. At Benchmark’s understanding how much nauplii to multiplication site in Florida, the team expect from a non-ablated female. receive the grandparent stock from the hatchery in Colombia and produce crosses Whilst we have seen a consistent 30% which are then sent to Benchmark sites reduction in nauplii production, this is overseas and direct to farmers. offset somewhat by a higher survival during larval rearing in offspring of The team have conducted commercial- non-ablated stock. We have found that scale trials assessing the production non-ablated females tend to have a parameters of their non-ablated stock. longer life reducing the total number of breeders needed and require a lower female-to-male ratio.” Hennig explained there is no need to change any protocol at the hatchery but that additional training may be required for technicians to navigate new husbandry requirements. For example, non-ablated females are quicker to respond which can make them slightly harder to catch. The Benchmark team are further refining their non-ablated lines to Business case for an alternative Spawning and hatching rate per enhance productivity and improve day were similar between non-ablated I saw the dedication of the team nauplii, while maintaining health and While ablation may raise ethical and ablated females. Mating success, and the care they have for the welfare. Feeding also has an impact. concerns over crustacean welfare, mortality of female and number of eggs High-quality supplementary moist feeds, there is also a strong economic argument and nauplii per tank per day of non-ablated shrimp. Speaking to them and particularly in the pre-maturation stage, for commercial producers to look for group were significantly lower than ablated watching them work, it was improves condition and performance and alternatives to a process that can increase female. The number of eggs and nauplii is highly correlated with egg production. energetic demands and result in a loss in per female per day, however, was higher clear they were relieved they Layton visited the facility in Colombia egg quality and larval mortality. Although in non-ablated than ablated females. no longer had to carry out the to see the work first-hand. eyestalk ablation is still the most effective In addition, the off-spring of non-ablated means of ensuring a steady supply of females had significantly higher survival ablation process. “I saw the dedication of the team and the juvenile decapods for the crustacean to salinity stress test than larvae from care they have for the shrimp. Speaking aquaculture industry, it appears that ablated females. Identical survival, final RUTH LAYTON to them and watching them work, it was some species can be effectively produced weight, weekly growth, feed conversion CO-FOUNDER OF BENCHMARK clear they were relieved they no longer in captivity without resorting to ablation. rate and yield were observed in nursery had to carry out the ablation process.” and grow-out stages. Overall, the study A collaborative study between the Layton concluded, “The next step for the demonstrated that non-ablated females University of Stirling (UK), Lyons team is to verify the quality parameters can have comparable level of productivity (UK) and Seajoy (Honduras)1 evaluated the such as egg lipid content, survivability etc. to ablated females in intensive commercial reproductive performance of non-ablated in order to help further strengthen the hatchery conditions. Paneus Vannamei and the quality of their case for non-ablation.” offspring under commercial conditions.

28 1 Zacarias et al. (2019). 29 Expert insights

Hear from professionals working across the industry on how their work is driving sustainability in shrimp production.

30 31 Can you start by explaining your background, and how you started working in the aquaculture industry?

I graduated in 1978 with an MD in A sea of Pharmaceutical Sciences and was invited to study further for a PhD in virology, toxicology and organic pharmaceutic synthesis. I did, however, choose to do something ‘different’. I enrolled for opportunity an MD in Environmental Science and Management. In classes on — where I first learned about aquaculture — I met Patrick Sorgeloos as a captivating teacher who is now referred to as the ‘father of Artemia’. He invited me to undertake a PhD on the application of Artemia as a food source in aquaculture. Aquaculture at that time was a very small and emerging industry that really fascinated me for its potential of radically Philippe Léger, former CEO changing the way seafood could be of INVE Aquaculture (INVE)*, produced in a sustainable way. Already at that time and pollution of the pioneer of advanced nutrition oceans was in the news. products, explains how he entered During my PhD there were a number of the aquaculture industry in the interesting things we discovered as a team of young bioengineers and biologists. Our 80’s. The mission to produce findings motivated us to set up a spin off from the University of Ghent and in 1983 protein that will support a growing the company was incorporated as Artemia INTERVIEW WITH population is what inspired Systems (now INVE). PHILIPPE LÉGER Philippe at the outset, and still Our pioneering work stemmed from our scientific findings and ideas. Translating does today. them into technical products that were of interest to solving some biological hurdles faced by the aquaculture industry under development. At that time hatchery production of shrimp and fish fry was the bottleneck for the growth of the industry. Alongside this we worked to specify and improve the quality parameters of artemia as a hatchery feed and developed a number of products that we still sell today as artemia and live food enrichment diets.

32 * INVE Aquaculture is part of Benchmark Holdings plc. 33 What drives you What are the challenges on a daily basis? you see for the industry in the next few years? What drives me today is the same as what drove me at the outset. I was thrilled The aquaculture industry is still very young that there was a new industry emerging and faces multiple challenges. One of the and one that was holding a big promise biggest I would say is the consistency in feeding the world with healthy seafood. and predictability of outputs and volatility I believed that I could make a bigger in the industry due to disease, along with impact in aquaculture rather than in the antibiotic use, use of water resources, crowded pharmaceutical business. Today cost of raw materials, animal welfare and the seafood challenge has not diminished climate change. with the population growing faster than was predicted 40 years ago. Volatility in market prices is a big challenge we are facing today and the lack of It was thrilling and truly inspiring to equilibrium and distribution of profits in work closely with the pioneers of shrimp the value chain is an issue. and marine fish aquaculture. We learnt and understood the challenges they I believe that all of these challenges can were facing, and developed products be addressed through research efforts like and technologies that could help to Benchmark is doing and other partners solve them. in the industry — working together is the answer to all of these. The industry still faces many challenges so the same aspect of working closely Not being discouraged when ‘the going together with customers, forging strong gets tough’ …only then ‘the tough gets partnerships and product development going’! I’m a strong believer of this is a stimulating driver for us. Contributing attitude. Never give up. to the success of this promising industry has driven me for nearly 40 years now.

Not being discouraged when ‘the going gets tough’ …only then ‘the tough gets going’! I’m a strong believer of this attitude. Never give up.

PHILIPPE LÉGER

34 35 INTERVIEW WITH Can you tell us a little What impact did experience in plant breeding, MARCELA SALAZAR bit about yourself and becoming part of veterinary and human medicine, biology and genetics, which is what inspired you to Benchmark have on important when dealing with become involved in your shrimp breeding shrimp — they always like to have shrimp genetics? programmes? the last word and the last laugh.

I’m a medical doctor by training, Becoming part of a big company What facilities do you but I’ve always preferred research that, from the beginning, believed have at your disposal? Pioneering over clinical practice. I was trained in the potential of our shrimp was in immunogenetics in Boston, exciting. As CENIACUA we were Our main laboratory is where I worked on projects that mainly focused on achieving the located on the Atlantic coast included designing new methods breeding goals but did not have of Colombia, near Cartagena, for histocompatibility testing in the resources to commercialise and is isolated from all other genetics bone marrow transplantation. the product. As part of Benchmark aquaculture facilities in Colombia. When I got back to Colombia, we are focused on producing The climate is optimal for the I joined CorpoGen, a biotechnology the best animals for the market growth of P. vannamei, and we company that was pioneering conditions, using state-of-the-art have plenty of space to expand molecular biology research technology and facilities, and on and produce the number of in Colombia. selling them to our customers, all broodstock required by the within the scope of sustainability. Getting into the world of shrimp market. We also have access was an accident — inspired by Being part of Benchmark to a laboratory on the Pacific the appearance of white spot also means we can count on coast of Colombia where we can syndrome virus (WSSV) on the the support and collaboration work with a white spot resistant Pacific coast of Colombia in of other parts of the group, strain without compromising 1999. At the time CENIACUA such as Morten Rye and his the biosecurity of the breeding (The Center for Aquaculture team at Benchmark Genetics; nucleus. Meanwhile our challenge Research in Colombia) asked Oscar Hennig, Bruno Decock test facilities are located in Bogotá, Corpogen to implement the PCR and the team in Asia, who more than a 1000 km from the diagnostic test for the pathogen are doing an incredible job breeding nucleus, allowing us to Marcela Salazar, Benchmark’s shrimp and to help in the prevention and of showing the potential of safely work with pathogens that production manager and one of the control of this virus. our animals under trials and are exotic to Colombia. commercial conditions; and I was involved from the working with INVE (Benchmark pioneers of shrimp genetics, explains beginning and found a new, What areas are you Advanced Nutrition) to create exciting field with an excellent currently focusing your how shrimp breeding programmes a synergy between genetics team of young researchers. research on? and nutrition that will help both have evolved and outlines future I was hired as scientific director companies. Learning from the of CENIACUA in 2000 and since We are currently introducing opportunities with the introduction experience of other breeding then I have been researching genomic selection for programmes has enriched ours of new technology. shrimp diseases and genetics. resistance to WSSV and acute enormously too. hepatopancreatic necrosis I’m also proud to be working disease (AHPND) in our with one of the best teams you populations. Our priority is to can find — we’ve been working produce clean, safe, specific together for many years and pathogen-free (SPF) animals have people with experience in with high growth potential, but all fields of shrimp breeding. We these must also be resistant are a multi-disciplinary team with to pathogens and adapted to environmental conditions.

36 37 What achievements are What are the key specific pathogens for at least a misconception that resistance you most proud of in the traits sought by shrimp 24 months and must be raised is a qualitative trait and animals in highly biosecure facilities, are either resistant or susceptible, shrimp field to date? producers — both in following biosecure management while tolerance is a quantitative your region and globally? We’re very proud of having been measures, with a suitable trait with different degrees of surveillance programme in place tolerance that can be affected able to keep the breeding programme The main trait targeted by that uses both molecular and by the environment. In reality going during very hard times. In terms shrimp producers in all regions histopathological tools. The key both traits are qualitative, and of academic achievements, we described is growth — we all need an term here is ‘specific’ — SPF both can be affected by the the effect of hyperthermia in WSSV animal that grows fast. In Latin does not mean they are free from environment. It is very difficult infection, we showed that apoptosis America, the widespread use all pathogens, so the relevant therefore to say if a given line is part of the antiviral shrimp response, of large earthen ponds means pathogens should always be is resistant or tolerant and the we identified the negative correlation that robustness is also a priority. listed. On the other hand, APE market is using the term SPR/ between growth and WSSV resistance In recent years, after several (all pathogens exposed) is a SPT. As for SPFs, if a line is in P. vannamei and we have been able outbreaks of disease, Asia has term used to describe animals marketed as SPR or SPT it should to produce robust shrimp with high also been looking for animals that have been raised in ponds list the pathogen(s), they are growth potential. with high survival, making it a or tanks where they have been resistant or tolerant against. very interesting market for our exposed to one or more pathogens SPF/SPR animals. The key lesson Is the commercial shrimp — either via challenge tests or here is that one size does not fit What are the main sector increasingly interested under culture conditions. The all. We are developing different challenges the shrimp in the power of genetics? term is misleading because the lines — for example, early growth, animals will never be exposed sector needs to overcome low salinity and WSSV-resistant Yes, although selective shrimp breeding is to all pathogens, but is the term and which of these — that can be distributed to relatively recent compared to other species used at the moment. Those would you most like to different environments and such as salmon, the market for broodstock animals can be carriers of the culture conditions. have a role in solving? has been steadily growing. The most pathogens and are a risk for reliable data on the export of genetically transboundary movements. The main challenge for us improved P. vannamei broodstock comes Can you explain the is to produce a fast-growing The second group of terms, from Hawaii, home to the some of the main difference between shrimp that is not only resistant specific pathogen resistant breeding programmes in the US. It shows to pathogens but is also resilient SPR, SPF, SPT and (SPR) and specific pathogen that, from 2003 to 2015, the numbers of under commercial culture APE shrimp? tolerant (SPT), refer to way the broodstock increased from nearly 100,000 conditions. Growth in shrimp shrimp deals with the pathogens. in 2003 to 800,000 in 2015. In 2017, the has a very good heritability Let’s start by classifying the Resistance is defined as the export value was nearly US$ 30 million. and is very easy to select for. four terms into two different ability to limit parasite burden, There are also several breeding programmes However, the negative correlation groups: a) SPF and APE and b) in other words to fight the enemy. in Asia that are growing year by year. of these traits with resistance SPR and SPT. The first group is Tolerance, on the other hand, to some pathogens, such as based on the sanitary status is the ability to limit the damage WSSV, and with environmental of the breeders. Specific caused by a given parasite conditions, such as low oxygen pathogen-free (SPF) animals burden — in other words, to live levels, makes our work more i are those that have been tested with the enemy. There are two interesting and challenging. It’s What is specific pathogen and determined to be free of different types of defence against a question of how to increase resistant (SPR)? designated pathogens. Under pathogens present in plants, growth rates without increasing the guidelines established by invertebrates and vertebrates mortality levels. SPR shrimp refers to genetic characteristics USMFSP, SPF shrimp stocks and both mechanisms can that allow them to be resistant to infection must come from a population even be negatively correlated. from a particular pathogen or tolerant to that has tested negative for In shrimp literature there is the development of the disease caused by a particular pathogen.

38 39 The numbers of broodstock increased from nearly 100,000 in 2003 to 800,000 in 2015

40 41 Adopting new technologies

Nonglak ‘Anne’ Thaisin, founder What inspired you to What have been your hardest and CEO of Quality Farm, has been start producing shrimp? challenges to overcome so far? Before starting my own shrimp business, Shrimp farming is a never-ending learning producing vannamei shrimp in I worked at the government’s revenue path. Challenges such as disease and Thailand for 27 years. Here she department. One day, while on the bus shrimp prices are a farmer’s daily concern to work, I heard people talking about and evolve and change frequently. This explains how adaptability and the how successful a shrimp farmer was in makes us need to constantly monitor and development of new production Kanchanadit District. After a good harvest analyse situations, think about solutions and this farmer had made 400,000 THB profit quickly adapt to these evolving challenges. systems as well as new feeds and per pond, which, at that time, was very Compared to when I first started, shrimp INTERVIEW WITH impressive. This made me want to try health products is essential to farming is getting more and more difficult, NONGLAK ‘ANNE’ growing shrimp and I started by renting due to the increased frequency of new THAISIN maintaining sustainable production. a small six pond farm with help of a bank diseases and combination of diseases, loan. After a successful harvest I was such as, acute hepatopancreatic able to use the profit to open a store necrosis disease (AHPND), enterocytozoon distributing aquaculture-related products. hepatopenaei (EHP), white faeces syndrome Three years later I resigned from my (WFS) and shrimp hemocyte iridescent government job in order to focus full time virus (SHIV), as well as challenges related on the shrimp industry as an aquaculture to environmental pollution. product distributor and shrimp farmer. I’m now producing about 280-330 tonnes of shrimp per year.

42 43 Which ones do bacteria, viruses and microsporidia), conduct you use and why? intestinal checks and histopathology and check the water chemistry. In terms of feeds I use the Sano S-PAK Once we have the analysis reports from both range as well as FRiPPAK , as the lab and our on-site visual observations, I don’t have a nursery at my farm but stock we will take actions accordingly and fine- the post-larvae directly from the hatchery tune our production protocols if necessary. to the grow-out farm. This means the shrimp are small when first stocked into For example, if we see a rise in vibriosis the grow-out ponds and would otherwise count in the environment over time, we will struggle to find feed due the strength of use INVE’s Sanocare PUR to disinfect the the currents from the paddle wheels as water, in order to reduce the concentration well as the size of my ponds. The S-PAK of vibriosis in the environment. Six hours range is therefore very important at the later we will apply Sanolife PRO-W, INVE’s early stages, as its high quality protein Bacillus-based probiotic, which is designed content makes it very enticing as well as to improve rearing conditions in the pond giving it good water stability. This product (degrade waste and control algal bloom). is very complete in terms of nutritional As a consequence of improved rearing value but will also boost their health conditions, the abundance of harmful since it contains immune-enhancer bacteria is reduced. (not provided in regular starter diets). How do you choose FRiPPAK Raceway has very suitable pellet sizes for the early stages of shrimp which products to be used culture. It has the most complete nutritional in each pond? What has been your Good feed also helps keep our workers profile for good shrimp growth, particularly There are countless health products in proudest moment as a motivated, as they recognise particular at the early stages when the growth rate brands for quality that brings them success is the highest. the market, for a wide range of prices and shrimp producer to date? in production. At the end of a production I choose them based on their value and returns. Some might appear expensive My proudest moment was when I produced cycle it is the workers who request to use How do you help to ensure a particular brand for the next crop. but are actually helping improve farm 330 tonnes of premium quality shrimp in the health of your shrimp condition, performance and profitability. a single year. These shrimp were large, and maintain suitable water Why did you decide to Another important point is their ease attractively coloured and met both GAP quality in the pond? 2011 and BAP 2019 production standards. start using INVE’s advanced of use. For instance, Sanolife PRO-W I’m proud that our shrimp are attracting nutrition products? Firstly analysis is done, based on environmental probiotics are highly buyers from the European market. visual observation compared to optimum concentrated (5x10e10 CFU/g) and do First of all, INVE is a trustworthy company health standards and experience in not require fermentation. As the product How important are diets in and known to be reliable. Since starting to shrimp production. This analysis is done can be directly applied to the water there’s ensuring the consistency and work with them I’ve been producing shrimp on the feed tray, by observing shrimp no risk of cross-contamination, unlike successfully, and their products have helped those that require fermentation. When quality of shrimp production? behaviour, their colour, the content of me to prevent and solve the main production the gut, their shape, the faeces and the applying it in the pond we are sure about what is going into the environment The quality of the feed is extremely challenges, such as white faeces syndrome leftover feed in the tray. and get the results expected: control important and many factors affect the (WFS), early mortality syndrome (EMS), Additionally, we sample the water and the of harmful bacteria, a reduction of pH quality, such as the size of the feed environmental pollution and vibriosis. Being shrimp once or twice a week and these fluctuations and the creation of an particles, palatability and smell, stability a distributor of aquaculture products, samples are then analysed in a lab. These optimum environment for the shrimp in the water, the protein content and I’ve wanted to share my experience and tests will help to check the water quality throughout the culture period. nutritional profiles. If the feed is correct it recommend and encourage my customers to use INVE products in order to be as as well as the shrimps’ biological condition helps us reduce the feed conversion rate and we screen for pathogens (such as (FCR) and thus maximise profitability and successful as me. the consistency of a diet is vital too.

44 45 How has optimising your How do you think INVE can feed and health strategies help you achieve your goals? affected the performance By continuing to supply top quality Shrimp farming must constantly of your shrimp ponds? products following good standard evolve and new farming and manufacturing processes. Continuous Optimising our feed management development of such products and and health protocols have helped us production methods should be services to answer farmers’ needs in achieve a consistent and sustainable a sustainable way will definitely help studied and evaluated to overcome level of production, which helps us our shrimp business too. manage our cash flow. It has also future challenges. reduced the risks of challenges such as disease outbreaks and our shrimp How do you see the shrimp now have a consistent growth rate. sector as a whole developing In our farm area in Surat Thani, for over the next decade? example, white spot syndrome virus Shrimp farming will become more difficult (WSSV) outbreaks are very common, every year. Problems and challenges such but our farm has managed to avoid as diseases, shrimp prices and regulations infections from WSSV by using smart will affect production. Added to that, global disinfectants and probiotics to increase competition is getting tougher, which also biosecurity. Besides WSSV, WFS has been has an impact on the business. adversely affecting the zoo-technical performance of the farms in the area The environment is deteriorating and for about two years. We have also seen water and soil are getting more and more this syndrome but only 10-15 per cent of polluted. Shrimp farming must therefore our shrimp are affected and we can still constantly evolve and new farming and control production until the shrimp reach production methods (such as indoor our target harvest size, which tends to be farms, nurseries and zero-water exchange between 15-25g, depending on market systems) should be studied and evaluated demand. Other farms in the area have had to overcome future challenges. to harvest prematurely when hit by WFS. Another key factor for the successful future of the shrimp industry is the ongoing How would you like to see genetics work: improvements in disease your own farm develop? resistance, growth rates and the adaptability of shrimp to changing environmental Shrimp farming relies on the surrounding parameters will be another factor needed environment. Using products that are not for the sustainable development of environmentally friendly and safe can our industry. reduce the sustainability of the whole shrimp industry. Our farm will therefore develop in an environmental friendly way to ensure the sustainability of the industry. Our farm only uses registered products that are safe for the environment and our production methods have to be sustainable — for example, minimising the release of waste water and treating it before release. Safety for the workers must also be considered.

46 47 Penaeus vannamei is the leading farm-raised species, representing ~80% of production1

1 California Environmental Associates (CEA). (2018) Shrimp Aquaculture Landscape report prepared for Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation’s (Moore) Ocean and Seafood Markets Initiative (OSMI).

48 49 Insight into disease challenges

Can you describe your career I also play a role in the development and experience to date? of cPCR diagnostic kits for shrimp, which is a piece of technology that we have I have 30 years’ experience of working been using in the salmon industry for with aquatic parasites and hold a PhD some time to provide quick real-time in Veterinary Aquaculture. Before joining analysis of disease outbreaks. We are Benchmark, I was the former head of trialing these cPCR kits as part of a project Aquatic Parasitology and senior lecturer aiming to improve health management in Andy Shinn is Director of Fish Vet at Stirling University. shrimp farms in Thailand in collaboration with IDH — the Sustainable Trade Initiative, Group Asia, and a world renowned I joined Fish Vet Group (FVG) in Asia the Walmart Foundation and the Sustainable aquatic parasites expert. Here Andy five years ago, where I set up a research Fisheries Partnership (SFP). aquarium and challenge facility in Chonburi explains why disease challenges to conduct disease challenge work. As well as testing new products and in shrimp production is one of the identifying disease, another area of my What activities are you work is to understand some of the factors industry’s most limiting factors. that contribute to episodes of disease. currently involved in, and how We have, for example, through a series does your work contribute to of published trials looked at biofloc and INTERVIEW WITH the sustainability of the sector? tilapia-conditioned greenwater on AHPND ANDY SHINN related mortalities in whiteleg shrimp. We now have three labs in Chonburi, Thailand and I assume the management Disease and chemical use is a huge of these. Our core activities include challenge not only for the shrimp industry disease challenge work on whiteleg but for global aquaculture and if we are and tiger shrimp, Nile tilapia, Asian able to develop preventative solutions to sea bass and grouper where we create mitigate disease and reduce chemical and environments for different bacterial antibiotic use this is a good step forward and viral pathogens to trial our health for the industry. and nutrition products and vaccines. 50 51 Can you describe the In a cultural context, this can be current major disease complicated and while it perhaps unfair to overgeneralise, the following We stand on the edge of a great challenges in production? factors may contribute to increased sea of possibilities, with the right The top three disease challenges rates of certain diseases: tools we can glide across it or in shrimp are white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), acute hepatopancreatic Farm management without them remain on the shore necrosis disease (AHPND) and The vast majority (ca. 80%) of Asian wondering what opportunities Enterocytozoon Hepatopenaei (EHP). shrimp farms are of a small size which may have been missed. The main threat of disease challenge means that farm budgets are limited. is man — the Asian shrimp industry has In many states there is no mandatory ANDY SHINN a mindset that must change. This includes disease testing of shrimp leaving taking responsibility for the health and hatcheries or being added to ponds. welfare of the stocks in their care. Biosecurity The scale of culture systems are such that the implementation of biosecurity measures are either physically difficult or expensive. i Biofloc Water management There is a vast range of farm systems Biofloc in intensive closed culture systems is in operation from open, extensive through favoured, as organic material can be recycled to intensive, closed systems — for those by microorganisms to help break down waste sharing common water sources (e.g. rivers and hazardous products (i.e. waste feed, faeces, and lakes), the challenges of maintaining nitrogenous compounds) into non-toxic substances biosecurity are greater as good site health and into aggregates of a protein-rich organic is in part also dictated by the level of material consisting of bacterial biomass, biosecurity practiced by a farm’s neighbours. microalgae, faecal material, protozoa etc., that can be consumed back as additional protein Health surveillance and feed by the shrimp. The general rate of health surveillance Interestingly, research showed significantly of stocked populations is low — many lower levels of mortality when we challenged governments offer a free diagnostic whiteleg shrimp with a pathogenic isolate of service which somewhat arguably shifts Vibrio parahaemolyticus causing AHPND held some of the responsibilities of health in biofloc or in greenwater taken from systems management; in many states there are in which tilapia had been cultured. Such trials low, or in some states there are no stock give us greater insight into the culture conditions movement records. There is also no facilitating to disease outbreaks but, more compulsory destruction of diseased stocks importantly, how we might manage and which means the probability for pathogens control them. to persist and to spread is higher.

Image: Fish Vet Group team in action on shrimp farm in Thailand.

52 53 How is the industry working to Unfortunately farm production economics tackle the disease challenges? all too frequently overrides health and biosecurity management. There are a number of preventative In another study we have been involved management initiatives that have in, we looked at a number of factors, helped to reduce the challenge of including the probability of a disease disease such as: outbreak, the intensity of production and • Lining of ponds with polyethylene liners the investment in biosecurity measures. Perhaps not surprisingly, in systems with • Installation of shrimp toilets to collect a low intensity of production with no or low and remove faecal waste uneaten feed, biosecurity, there are high probabilities moults etc of disease outbreaks, but these losses • Better pond bottom management are generally low when outbreaks occur. through the use of toilets and by observing the distribution of sludge By comparison, for systems with high following the draining of ponds and intensity production and with high levels then redeploying aerators to ensure of investment in biosecurity, there are proper pond bottom cleaning low probabilities of disease outbreaks, however, the losses can be extremely high • Cleaning and maintenance of liners when disease events do occur. • Water treatment • Installation of crab and bird Do you think we will ever predator nets eradicate any of the major • Stocking with shrimp that have been disease challenges? genetically selected to be more resistant to disease No, a vision of eradication I think There is, however, much to do such as: is unrealistic. • Greater awareness of the routes In most cases, the key will be in the of shrimp diseases development of better management and control to minimise the magnitude and • Disease testing prior to stocking frequency of disease episodes and loss. and throughout the production cycles • Increased biosecurity Some of the bacterial and viral agents i are so ubiquitous in their infection, • Use of functional feeds that include What is a shrimp that their eradication is unlikely. The ingredients that help promote general potential for viruses to mutate and pond toilet? gut and shrimp health for bacteria to acquire transposable • Breeding of specific pathogen disease elements which may change A shrimp pond toilet is essentially exactly resistant shrimp lines their current pathogenecities are also what it sounds like. A drain in the middle of a circular or square shrimp pond that is used • Closed system farms that are less a concern. susceptible to contamination and have to carry away excess solids and sludge. effective on-site management. As shrimp toilets are more expensive to install and maintain, they only really make sense in intensive, super-intensive and hyper-intensive systems where the capacity for a rapid build-up of shrimp waste (or uneaten feed) can prove toxic and dangerous to stock. This is why tracking ammonia is critical.

54 55 What diseases Where do you are on the horizon? see the future?

Predicting the unpredictable I see more sophisticated is a difficult question to answer whiteleg shrimp farms and but perhaps not impossible management in the future. as history can help inform There will always be challenges our future. in any biological system, however the implementation We can learn from our past of new technologies and better experiences and, perhaps, where management can help to certain threats may arise and reduce risks and create more loosely in what form. There is, sustainable systems. therefore, a need to be prepared and to have in place the tools There are a number of disciplines for surveillance and for the early that I see as important in moving detection of new threats. this forward. As global aquaculture operations • Data and the continued continue to intensify, greater development of farm analytics environmental pressures placed which increases farm efficiency; on viral and bacterial communities • Genetic technologies to may consequentially lead to the breed stronger shrimp that are emergence of new isolates with more robust and have a higher increased virulence. level of resistance to disease; With that said, we are aware • Diagnostic methods of some more immediate threats with increased sensitivity, such as shrimp hemocyte specifically detection of iridescent virus (SHIV) which is pathogens at lower levels causing losses in China. Again we which would thereby detect need to be vigilant and to ensure the initial stages of infection our programmes of surveillance and simultaneous diagnosis include the necessary tests to of multiple diseases; detect this pathogen in any • In-pond sensing — the given population. use of eDNA approaches to monitor the health of cultured populations and in the early detection of potentially pathogenic agents; The implementation of new • Improved welfare standards technologies and better management in commercial production without the need to ablate can help to reduce risks and create an eyestalk of broodstock to more sustainable systems. stimulate maturation, and in humane methods of slaughter. ANDY SHINN

56 57 Greater transparency allows consumers to make more informed buying decisions

58 59 Better data management

How did you first get involved area where the data can be analysed with data management? and put to use easily. This presents a major opportunity for us to help standardise, Ralf Onken, Head of Software I began my career writing software in record, analyse, and share data in a Development at Benchmark, the human healthcare industry to measure way that will both drive well-informed pain and infections and recognised the action, create best practice and generate explains the power of data to value that this created in assessing transparency and trust between different drive and demonstrate progress progress of treatment plans for patients. actors in the food chain. I moved into the food production industry I like to think that data provides a in the food chain. five years ago, where I started to work with platform for more proactive thinking. major forward-thinking food producers to By introducing data management tools Ralf’s most recent project standardise their data capture and results to a food production system we remove for their key production measurements. the guess work out of farming, it becomes INTERVIEW WITH involves working with producers much more predictable over time and RALF ONKEN What are the key opportunities farmers can follow their data in ‘real time’ to manage key performance and and act quickly. sustainability metrics with the aim and benefits of using data tools in the food chain? Data offers the opportunity for producers, of creating more transparency retailers and regulators to compare I believe data tools can serve two related themselves to others, and to stand up and and accountability in the shrimp goals: increase transparency and trust present evidence-based statements and farming sector. across the food chain, and help producers stories about their results and outcomes, drive improvements on their farms. thus increasing transparency. Data and technology are empowering in this way, Producers often use manual data sheets giving producers a level of control that to record information for their farms by they may not have had previously. countries and regions. This means that information is often not stored in a single

60 61 You mentioned changing In some food production systems behaviour, standardisation and prophylactic treatment of antibiotics is often common practice. This means sharing, can you explain a little that medicines are used before there is more about this framework? a disease outbreak. This can increase the risk of antibiotic resistance developing. Changing behaviour is linked to the Through better recording and use of discipline of self-declared data. It is often screening data, producers can begin to a cultural change to train people to collect predict and prevent diseases, and thereby data and see the benefits it provides in reduce their prophylactic antibiotic use. improving production. Finally, and by far the hardest element A practical example of this is the use is sharing. People are naturally cautious of screening for particular diseases. In about sharing their data but once we show the shrimp industry we are working with them the insights they can gain from producers using mobile diagnostic tools to recording and tracking it, they are able identify diseases. This information together to see the benefits. with environmental and production data such as temperature, salinity, dissolved For me, the most important element is oxygen, mortality, feed information, and building trust with our clients, protecting growth data helps to build a picture of their data and ensuring the outcome allows them to better manage and grow factors that could lead up to a particular Image: Shrimp portal online application. disease outbreak. their business. Standardisation allows farmers to be measured and benchmarked against each other to help identify where key challenges as well as best practice may exist. Can you explain a little more and industry managers to reduce disease about your work in the shrimp outbreaks at individual farms and at the area-level through improved farm industry in Asia? management and coordinated action. The project that I am currently Within the mobile shrimp diagnostic working on is a collaboration with programme running in Thailand, we now shrimp producers in the Chumphon, have increasing farmer engagement and Surat Thani and Rayong provinces in accelerating momentum. The efficient use Thailand. Together with the Sustainable of the right tools in analysing samples and Fisheries Partnership (SFP), IDH — the data reduces the time factor in making Putting the right tools in the Sustainable Trade Initiative and the critical decisions that otherwise cripple farm Walmart Foundation. We are developing operations. These are user-friendly and farmers hands will give them management advice and tools that help simple in input but powerful in their output. the greatest control they have farmers and the industry as a whole to reduce the potential impact of disease Putting the right tools in the farmers ever had over their stocks. outbreaks through early warning systems. hands will give them the greatest control they have ever had over their stocks. RALF ONKEN The database that we have built The aligned use of mobile analytical tools collates information from multiple now will help us all achieve the strategic sources and builds related user velocity and efficiency needed in farm interfaces for data input and data use management and production. /provision of advice to enable farmers

62 63 It seems that there are If money was no object, a lot of benefits to using what would the best data in food systems, system and solution be what are the challenges for the industry? stopping it being used There are two things I’d like to more widely? see and they’re both focussed on transparency. Firstly, open Trust and transparency. It’s hard dialogues with the farmers on to put your trust into something market prices. Secondly, sharing that is intangible. Once you’ve information about the value provided your data it is stored chain across the whole supply, in a cloud, away from you, and from farm to citizens. sometimes this is hard for people to grasp. When I sit back and look at the food supply chain from afar, But the data doesn’t need to I see a huge issue in that citizens be shared with everyone and don’t know where their products we give data owners the come from and farmers don’t possibility to withdraw their data know where their products go. when they wish to — it is always By bridging these two ends of the within their control. It’s important supply through better data and to develop a strategy about who information flow, we can allow to share the information with, complete transparency in terms highlighting the producers and of demands from the citizens and organisations that are going to tailored and fair production for provide mutual benefits. the farmers. Benchmark’s systems are based It would allow you to see what on transparency and we work kind of impact the farmers have alongside experts from Deloitte on the whole value chain. For to independently check and example, antibiotic use is an validate the level of security. issue of importance for citizens. Consumers and farmers and Better data management enables retailers are demanding more greater transparency, which in transparent systems and we turn allows consumers to make work with visionary retailers more informed buying decisions that will drive forward best — that’s a win-win in my eyes. practices and will have a real positive impact on the industry. Image: Fish Vet Group analysing shrimp samples. We work with visionary retailers that will drive forward best practices and will have a real positive impact on the industry.

RALF ONKEN

64 65 INTERVIEW WITH LIRIS MADUNINGTYAS Liris Maduningtyas, CEO of Jala Tech, offers a fresh perspective on the sector she joined in 2016 and has since helped to revolutionise – both Data-driven in her native Indonesia and beyond.

What inspired you Although shrimp is one of the to join a business world’s most lucrative seafood decisions commodities, and Indonesia focusing on the shrimp was the largest shrimp producer farming sector? in South East Asia back then, farmers — only 25 per cent of I was working as a field whom were under 40 years old — engineer for Schlumberger, were still using instinct to make but a downturn in the oil and their decisions. I felt that a data- gas sector in 2015 made me driven basis to make decisions think about other options. I’d was more important, especially never considered working in for those less experienced in aquaculture before, but at that the sector, and my trip confirmed time some friends from my home the need for new technology to town were researching the sector help improve shrimp production. — and this group, then called Atnic Ekotekno, formed the core of what was to become Jala. Was it a daunting task given that you I was initially taken on as an intern, then moved to a were relatively new marketing role after three to the sector? months. In order to carry out Absolutely. I was new to market research I decided to the sector and had to try to start visiting shrimp farmers in understand both aquaculture person. I only had one farming production and Jala’s technology contact initially when I set out in order to explain the rationale touring Java by car, but built up for the two to be combined. contacts as I went. And, after a This was the main reason why month, I had managed to visit I spend most of my first year 50 farmers, travelling all around with the company visiting shrimp the island in the process. farmers, but I think it helped that I was able to speak a number of local languages when I was travelling around.

Image: Liris Maduningtyas, CEO and co-founder of Jala, visiting a shrimp farm.

66 67 How did you rise from Can you tell us a little about the intern to CEO so swiftly? scale of Indonesia’s shrimp sector, the scale of the average My engineering background, combined with my experience of marketing when I farm there and the typical started with the company; my understanding challenges facing the sector? of the farmers gained from my tour of Java; my understanding of the product and Indonesia has roughly 30,000 hectares the experience gained during the growth of active shrimp farms, producing around of Jala in its first year — this led to Aryo 300,000 tonnes of shrimp a year. Small- Wiryawan, the chairman of the company, scale producers harvest between seven asking me to take over as CEO after my and 10 tonnes per cycle, while medium predecessor had returned to academia. and large-scale producers can reach up to 25 tonnes per cycle. What does Jala Tech offer The main challenges for producers in its clients and do you feel Indonesia are diseases — in particular you’ve made a difference white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), white faeces disease (WFD) and infectious to the sector, both nationally myonecrosis virus (IMMV). Climate change and internationally? is also a problem — as it’s increasingly hard to predict the weather and the Jala offers farmers a product that seasons, it’s hard for farmers to make Image: Liris Maduningtyas, combines data entered manually decisions about when to stock their CEO and co-founder of Jala, visiting a shrimp farm. by the farmers with data uploaded ponds or when to harvest. automatically by IoT (internet-of-things) technology. We’ve shown that those using The sector is also suffering from a our product increase their productivity reduction in prices, which started in by an average of 20 per cent. Using an August 2018 — and prices keep declining. SaaS [software-as-a-service] business We’re not really sure why this is — some Our systems are now used model, we offer farmers a real-time people blame the increased competition farm-management system that can predict from India, others point to changes in the shrimp growth, give early warnings of US market, which in 2017 accounted for in 3,000 ponds — up from possible disease outbreaks and support 70 per cent of our shrimp sales. farmers with recommendations based on I also feel that too many people in only 300 a year ago data analysis — in particular data relating the sector are not sufficiently open to to water quality. new knowledge or adaptable to new farming techniques. Where are your clients based? How do you see the company, overcoming problems in the industry What are your proudest and the shrimp sector, evolving and assisting millions of farmers. As for Our main focus is on Indonesia, but the shrimp sector in general, my main hope we have also done some pilot projects moments in the sector to date? over the next decade? is that it becomes increasingly sustainable in Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia. — by adopting more eco-friendly farming Successfully raising seed-round funding I would like to see Jala become a Over the past two years, more and practices, the use of more sustainable feed for my company and, since then, growing decacorn (a tech company worth over more farmers are open to data-driven ingredients and ensuring that hatcheries Jala to a company that employs 22 people US$ 10 billion), serving aquaculture with production and our systems are now are producing consistently high-quality and helps 1,000 shrimp farmers. data-related solutions, IoT, innovation, used in 3,000 ponds — up from only seed stock. 300 a year ago. What would you most like to achieve?

To reach a point where we’re able to help a million farmers. 68 69 Indonesia has roughly 30,000 hectares of active shrimp farms, producing around 300,000 tonnes of p. vannamei a year*

* Approximate 2018 figure.

70 71 Tell us about your history working in the shrimp industry?

My first introduction to the industry was in 2004 when I was working as an independent consultant in Vietnam on Raising the bar sustainable aquaculture development and later on for WWF to develop new standards for better managed for shrimp production. My background is in Geography and in sustainable International Development Studies.

Can you explain how aquaculture the standards for the ASC were developed?

The work began in the mid 2000’s as a global development project. It was co-ordinated and funded by WWF with additional private funding. The first phase was the establishment of ‘aquaculture dialogues’ which involved setting up individual meetings and roundtables with all interested parties to discuss where the bar should be set for responsible Part of the World Wildlife Fund aquaculture — this covered seven species, (WWF) team that established the including shrimp. Aquaculture Stewardship Council WWF began a sustainable farming project for shrimp across three provinces (ASC) standard for salmonids and in southern Vietnam. This involved sitting shrimp, Christoph Mathiesen has down with farmers, local governments, experts and consultants to establish how extensive experience in the industry. to improve management practices at farm level and how to align requirements for quality and sustainability from international INTERVIEW WITH Here, he explains how the ASC seafood traders. CHRISTOPH standards were developed and the MATHIESEN The outcomes of WWF’s project in southern impact they have had in reducing Vietnam allowed us to provide input to the global steering committee in the Shrimp the environmental and social impact Aquaculture Dialogue. The main input of the industry. was to secure standards that were also applicable to small holder farming. We spent some time benchmarking standards against different sized farms to ensure they would be effective at each level. The draft standards were reported back to the steering committee for review ahead of the establishment of the official Aquaculture Stewardship Council standards.

72 73 In your view, what are the In your view, what What would you do to top three most pressing issues impact has ASC had improve the sustainability in shrimp aquaculture? on the shrimp industry? of shrimp production?

In my experience of working with shrimp Working with small-scale farmers in If I had unlimited funds, one of the farmers in Vietnam and elsewhere, there the launch phase of ASC, the impact areas that needs improvement is water are a number of socio-economic and was huge. The anticipation that the infrastructure. This would considerably environmental challenges. The top three standard was coming and the opportunity reduce the risk of disease spread but that I would pick out are — the organisation for all farmers to be part of that helped requires heavy investment. Alongside this of small holder farmers, management to accelerate and facilitate better you would need to have consistent training practices and environmental degradation. local community management. For of farmers and cooperatives in better example, organising small-scale farmers, management practices to ensure the Many small-scale farmers often do not working more closely with international economic risks are reduced while looking have access to the same infrastructure, seafood traders, local governments after the environment. markets and knowledge as larger-scale and importantly, sharing knowledge. producers. This can lead to issues such as uncoordinated water intake and outlets There has definitely been a paradigm Where do you see the future — often resulting in higher risks of disease shift in the market as a result of the ASC of shrimp production? outbreaks and economic losses. Getting standards. It is now more commonly farmers organised into co-operatives expected that producers must verify their I think we’ll continue to see what we was a significant challenge but also an environmental impact and what they are have seen in other areas of production opportunity in Vietnam. doing to make improvements. — greater consolidation and bigger, more industrial farms. I think we’ll also The improvement of management What are consumers’ see continued demand for responsible practices was also an issue that needs production and standards such as ASC. to be addressed. Farmers need to be biggest concerns around more informed about the risks and shrimp production? I believe there will also be more opportunities, achieving the best price collaboration across the whole supply for their crops and the benefits of using The use of antibiotics and pesticides chain from producers to traders to the most effective additives and feeds. are the two main concerns I think, retailers. Retailers can have a huge Many small-scale farmers used to be followed by wider environmental impact and drive a positive shift rice farmers. They moved into shrimp issues and labour conditions. when they get more directly involved on the ground. This also creates a farming — hoping to make good profits For consumers, having a ‘healthy, clean in a bit of a gold rush movement. great opportunity to share stories product’ is a major concern but this differs with consumers about how their food Environmental degradation and the from country to country. There has been a is produced. overall environmental impact of shrimp lot of campaigning and awareness raising industry was the primary reason WWF got in several European markets about the involved. Major issues include the loss environmental impact of shrimp farming. of mangroves, pollution of water streams On a global scale I think the growing with chemicals and medicinal residues, concern is around the purity of products — which ASC is helping with. and the loss of biodiversity and habitats. Retailers can have a huge impact and drive a positive shift when they get more directly involved on the ground.

CHRISTOPH MATHIESEN

74 75 INTERVIEW WITH LOC TRAN Antibiotic-free shrimp production

Image: Dr Loc Tran, founder of ShrimpVet.

Reproduced by kind What are most important We also need to keep the aquatic animal’s permission of 5m Publishing Producing shrimp without the from the FishSite. means to negate the gut microbiota healthy by applying active use of antibiotics is a realistic probiotics for microbiome moderation. By need to use antibiotics doing that, vibrios cannot produce enough goal for all shrimp producers, in shrimp production? toxins to cause damage to the animals.

according to Loc Tran, founder The key place to start is the need to In the feed itself we can apply feed additives, of ShrimpVet. apply biosecurity in your production prophylactics and quorum-quenching unit, and that can be done by better products to minimise the impact of water treatment, biosecurity measures, bacterial infection. Particular ingredients Given that he is putting this diagnostics and being sure that the include acidifiers, monoglycerides and theory into practice on his own facility is pathogen free. phytogenics, which provide a good substrate to replace the use of antibiotics because Bearing in mind that we have to deal shrimp nursery and grow-out they can suppress the growth of harmful with the ubiquity of Vibrios and other types bacteria and promote a healthy microbiome of bacteria, the second step is to keep the farm in Vietnam it is hard to in the animal gut. environment clean — through better pond argue with his logic. management and also water treatment All of these methods are only effective, and removing sludge and effluent during however, if farmers are well educated and culture. It’s also crucial to use probiotics well informed about new developments in to take care of the waste — organic waste farming technology so that they’re able to and also other kinds of effluents like see the broader picture. They also must have ammonia, nitrite and hydrogen sulphide. a very clear farming protocol from day one. By keeping the environment clean you will have clean stock and clean water, and the animal will be very healthy.

76 77 Image: Dr Loc Tran, How has applying these How many cycles have you founder of ShrimpVet. techniques affected your gone without using antibiotics? own production? We’ve operated the hatchery for three The ShrimpVet lab was founded about years — we stock with new nauplii every six years ago and our main activities were day in each production unit and each initially in R&D and diagnostics. However, production cycle will last for about three we soon began to realise that in order weeks, so we have done at least 30 cycles to better assist farmers we had to apply already. After several cycles we began to those concepts into shrimp production. master the skill. This is why we founded a hatchery — On the grow-out farm we have completed it gave us the chance to start applying several cycles too now and have advocated these concepts of biosecurity, probiotic similar practices in other farms in Vietnam maturation in the water, probiotics in and across Asia. We’ve also persuaded feed and better management of the farmers in Latin America to follow suit environment. This allowed us, eventually, — in late 2017, for example, there was a to produce very high-quality shrimp big issue with mortalities in hatcheries in post-larvae and we can now apply the Salinas in Ecuador. We did our diagnostics same concept to our grow-out farm too so we knew what was going on; we advised — we now have a pretty decent sized farm, the hatchery operator to follow the all our ponds now plastic-lined and we protocol and now we don’t hear much apply probiotic activation from the nursery about the problems in the hatchery. We’ve phase, as well as all the disease-control also educated farmers across India and concept lines mentioned earlier. in many other countries in Asia to follow these procedures. How has this worked out for you? Would you like to see your methods become the standard Everything has become very consistent — the survival rate at our hatchery is always operating procedure (SOP) for about 50 per cent, we don’t have any the shrimp sector globally? issues with luminescent disease or early mortality syndrome (EMS) or other bacterial It might be too much to come up with diseases in the hatchery. At the grow-out an SOP for farming because the shrimp farm level we don’t encounter either EMS business is very dynamic and we keep or white faeces when we apply a clear facing new challenges every day. farming protocol with proactive disease- But I would say that sharing ideas is control measures. important so we can all deal with the i situation as it evolves and can plan for Loc has found that any emerging threats. antibiotic-free production has made his results much more consistent.

78 79 Can you provide a brief introduction to the role that the Global Aquaculture Alliance plays in supporting a sustainable aquaculture industry?

Aquaculture GAA advocates, educates, and demonstrates to keep aquaculture on the path toward sustainability. We advocate by relying on sound science to advocate defend aquaculture from misinformation and exaggerations. For example, when GAA was being formed in 1997, shrimp farming was accused of converting 50 per cent of the world’s mangrove area to ponds. One of GAA’s first projects was to engage leading mangrove experts from around the world to gather the facts. It turned out that the actual mangrove conversion loss was less than 5 per cent. We have dispelled similar exaggerations about over harvesting of fishmeal, dioxins in fish and antimicrobial resistance, to name a few. President of the Global We educate through our annual Aquaculture Alliance, George GOAL meeting, online magazine, online community, online courses, Chamberlain, here explains white papers, films, and social media. the work of GAA in promoting Our objective is to provide information to help drive change and continuous responsible aquaculture improvement. The GOAL meeting does this by bringing together a cross section practices through education, of stakeholders from the entire value advocacy and demonstration. chain to discuss issues and solutions. INTERVIEW WITH We demonstrate by developing GEORGE certification standards to provide third CHAMBERLAIN party assurances to seafood buyers and consumers. The Best Aquaculture Practices programme now certifies about 1.7 million tonnes of farmed seafood, and the programme is growing at about 30 per cent per year.

80 81 How closely do you engage At the GOAL meeting last year in with the shrimp sector? Guayaquil, an organising committee was formed to develop a US shrimp marketing Image: Chamberlain hopes GAA’s vision has always included the initiative. Similar initiatives are needed that GAA helps our children in each of the other major markets. and grandchildren face the entire aquaculture industry. However, challenges of sustainably the practicalities of beginning as a Producers are also being driven to intensifying aquaculture. start-up in 1997 forced it to initially continually drive down the cost of focus on a single sector — shrimp. The production by implementing more organisation quickly expanded to include efficient technologies at each step of tilapia, catfish, pangasius, salmonids, the production chain. This is one of the marine fish and molluscs. Although the most fascinating areas of aquaculture. BAP programme started with shrimp farming standards, today it certifies a What does a sustainable shrimp much higher volume of salmon (956,000 tonnes) than shrimp (386,000 tonnes). industry look like to you? This is a reflection of the more consolidated In order to meet the needs of a rapidly nature of salmon farming. growing population with increasingly limited resources, the shrimp farming What are the major challenges industry needs to sustainably intensify. you see in shrimp aquaculture? The biggest driver of improvements is genetic selection, which is rapidly The major issue continues to be disease, improving growth rate, disease resistance, but the type of disease challenges is reproductive performance and other changing. Originally, the main concerns traits. Now emerging in multiple locations were viral diseases, which can be around the world are small well-controlled managed with specific pathogen-free intensive systems stocked with fast (SPF) broodstock and proper biosecurity growing genetic lines that efficiently and at the hatchery and farm. Now, we are consistently produce high yields. Such facing more bacterial diseases such systems are adaptable to automation as early mortality syndrome, running and mechanisation in a manner similar mortality syndrome and white faeces. to standardised barns used in the poultry A microsporidean parasite disease called sector. Examples of groups developing Enterocytozoon Hepatopenaei (EHP) is such systems include CP Group in Thailand, also spreading. These are diseases that Marinasol in Peru and Camanor in Brasil. are not easily eliminated from a facility Producers are also being What is the outlook by disinfection and dryout. Management If you had unlimited funding, includes use of SPF broodstock and for the shrimp industry? what would you do to improve driven to continually drive biosecurity, but also use of genetic lines When solutions to white spot syndrome that have been bred for disease tolerance the sustainability and profitability down the cost of production virus were developed at the end of the and use of probiotics to inhibit the growth of the sector? by implementing more efficient 1990’s, shrimp farming quadrupled in of bacterial pathogens. volume. Now we are on the brink of a Aquaculture has a very bright future if it As shrimp farmers around the world technologies at each step of the similar transformation, and I believe a continues on the path toward sustainability. are getting more proficient at managing similar leap in volume is again possible. The key is work closely together to help production chain. these diseases and global production the whole sector remain aware of the continues to rise, prices are falling. GEORGE CHAMBERLAIN opportunities to continually improve and This is leading to a recognition of the to identify challenges and proactively deal importance of unified shrimp marketing with them. programmes to increase consumption.

82 83 Driving sustainability in food production. Benchmark We bring together technology and fundamental biology to at a glance deliver products and solutions that support farmers throughout the growth cycle. We do this by improving the genetic make-up, health and nutrition of their stock — from broodstock and hatchery through to nursery and grow out. By optimising the genetics, health and nutrition of our customers’ stock, as well providing them with the knowledge to determine livestock performance and understand disease threats, we can increase the productivity and sustainability of their business.

84 85 Benchmark’s offering

Larvae quality is one of the Our technology Broodstock Hatchery Nursery Grow-out main drivers for successful shrimp farming which is why Breeding Hatchery (parent stock) animals stage shrimp Benchmark’s products help Genetics Improved genetics are the best Genetic improvement early-stage shrimp develop to services their full potential throughout start for disease resistance. the production chain. Probiotics

Investment in our products Advanced Nutrition Broodstock diets Hatchery diets and services has a high return Specialist feed promotes Enrichment diets relative to the substantial costs growth and immunity. resulting from major disease challenges. Our offering Disease monitoring Data management tools — Health Portal drives consistency in supply Animal Health and supports the long-term New vaccines prevent disease and targeted treatments growth and sustainability manage disease outbreaks. of our customers’ business – improving yield, quality and animal health and welfare. Our brands

86 87 INVE IS TAKING Breeding for a ARTEMIA TO THE sustainable future NEXT LEVEL with genomic precision Three innovative and groundbreaking technologies are now available in our prime Artemia portfolio. Benchmark’s SPR/SPF certified P. Vannamei strains are designed to be robust. Using the latest genomic SEP-Art tools, we offer shrimp broodstock The reference technology adapted to local environmental for easy separation conditions with improved disease resistance, yield, health and welfare. SMArt For more information visit A new technology that allows cysts to hatch in the dark bmkgenetics.com or email [email protected] D-FENSE

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Copyright ©️ 2019, Benchmark Holdings plc. This material and its contents are the property of Benchmark Holdings plc and should not be copied, reproduced or modified except with the explicit permission of Benchmark Holdings plc. All rights reserved. Benchmark Insights Shrimp Publication V1/ 7 October 2019/BMK-EN-10035