A series of studies was conducted focused on establishing the basic production parameters of a marine shrimp and halophytic plant aquaponic scenario. Shrimp species was Pacific whiteleg, Litopenaeus vannamei and three halophytic plant crops familiar in Asian cuisines (red orache, okahijiki, and minutina) were evaluated. In the first study, optimal environmental salinity was evaluated. Salinities of 10, 15 and 20 ppt were established in replicated systems using a flocponic approach. Results indicated 15 ppt was the best compromise salinity for maximum growth of the shrimp and plants. In the second study, three ratios of shrimp to plants (2:1, 3:1 and 5:1) and two C/N ratios were evaluated. A ratio of 3:1 with a C/N ratio of 15 was recommended for maximum production. In the third study, dietary crude protein concentrations of 30, 35 and 40% were evaluated. Shrimp growth was not significantly affected by dietary crude protein concentrations. Results indicated higher dietary crude protein concentrations should be offered in the early stages of production, but the lower dietary crude protein concentration could be used after initial harvest of plants. Longer term studies are underway as well as evaluation of three additional halophytic plant crops. These data provide the framework for establishing a marine/brackish water aquaponic system using shrimp and halophytic plants.
Literature
Chu, Y.-T. and P.B. Brown. 2021. Evaluation of Pacific whiteleg shrimp and three
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Chu, Y.-T. and P.B. Brown. 2021. Sustainable marine aquaponics: effects of
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Chu, Y.-T. and P.B. Brown. 2022. Optimal dietary crude protein for shrimp and
halophytes in marine aquaponic biofloc systems. Frontiers in Marine Science 9:824973. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2022.824973