Name:
Application of microbiota-based approaches to improve the sustainability and profitability of whiteleg shrimp Penaeus vannamei farming in RAS systems

Developed by:
ARTHROPOTECH, S.L.

Countrie(s) involved:
SPAIN

Funding sources:
National (ministries, agencies, regions); Own funding

Specific organism(s) focused:
Penaeus vannamei aquaculture has grown significantly in recent years to become one of the most farmed crustacean species in the world. In fact, P. vannamei aquaculture generates profits of over USD 50 billion per year worldwide. The main producers are South American and Asian countries, and in 2021 Penaeus shrimp imports to Europe reached 284,270 tonnes with a total value of EUR 1.98 billion.
Recently, there has been a lot of interest in Europe in growing this species in super-intensive systems such as RAS, which offer very high yields per unit area. In addition, this production system allows shrimp production to be biosecure and closer to consumption areas, reducing its environmental footprint, while contributing to the expansion and diversification of the aquaculture market in European countries.
Nevertheless, the practice of shrimp farming in RAS systems continues to encounter obstacles, including elevated energy consumption, a dearth of adequately trained personnel, and the necessity for tailored adaptations to fulfill the environmental requirements of whiteleg shrimp. Consequently, a primary challenge lies in the development of strategies to enhance production efficiency and curtail operational expenses.
Like in RAS for finfish, also in intensive shrimp aquaculture, disease outbreaks might occur due to viral, parasitic or bacterial infections. Conventional approaches to mitigate or cure bacterial diseases, such as antibiotics and disinfectants, have had limited success and are more often associated with the development of multiple antibiotic resistance phenotypes. In addition, the use of antimicrobials can cause an imbalance in the gut microbiota. The latter can lead to a negative impact on the host’s immune response and growth performance.
The microbiota plays a pivotal role in host development. In recent years, the study of the host-associated microbiota in cultured animals, including the white shrimp, P. vannamei, has become a significant area of research. This microbiota has been demonstrated to markedly enhance the digestion and absorption of essential nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. This is achieved by the production of digestive enzymes and the facilitation of food breakdown, resulting in increased feed efficiency and growth. Additionally, the gut microbiota has the capacity to stimulate and modulate the shrimp’s immune system, enhancing its ability to combat diseases and reducing its susceptibility to infection.
Thus, the microbiota may help shrimp to better adapt to the specific conditions of RAS systems, such as water quality, metabolite accumulation and the presence of biofilms, which may improve their tolerance to culture conditions and promote more consistent growth. Understanding and manipulating the microbiota through strategies such as the use of probiotics, prebiotics and improvements in water quality can be a valuable tool to optimise shrimp production in these intensive systems.

Specific organism(s) focused:
Yes

Specific organism(s) focused:
Archaea, bacteria, cyanobacteria; Fungi and Traustochytrids; Metazoa (tunicates, molluscs, sponges, Cnidaria, etc.)

Serctor(s) involved:
Yes

Serctor(s) involved:
Aquaculture and fisheries technologies; Food and feed

TRL:
TRL 1-3

Helix sector/involvement:
Research performing organizations and academia; SMENo