The biofloc system is characterized by low water exchange and high productivity, made possible by the complex microbial community that maintains stable water quality parameters. However, aiming to increase system efficiency, the Marine Shrimp Laboratory (LCM) began studies 12 years ago on integrating shrimp farming (Penaeus vannamei ) with other species. This story began in 2011 when the first seedling of Salicornia neei was collected from the mangrove at Daniela Beach (Florianópolis) and brought to LCM. The first aquaponics experiment demonstrated that it was possible to produce double the shrimp biomass in plants. The second species to be integrated was tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), where it was shown that integration with fish increased both productivity and nutrient retention in the system (nitrogen and phosphorus). Subsequently, all three species were integrated, further increasing productivity. A later study showed that integrating shrimp, mullets (Mugil liza), and macroalgae ( Ulva lactuca) also increased productivity and nutrient retention. Additionally, the inclusion of microalgae ( Scenedesmus obliquos) in the integrated shrimp and tilapia system also promoted increased productivity. In a recent study, it was observed that integrating shrimp, tilapia, and Ulva ohnoi macroalgae cultivation also increased productivity and nutrient retention. Another halophyte plant used in aquaponics is sea rosemary (Batis maritima ), which also shows good productivity. Based on the experimental results, LCM has just completed a cultivation unit to validate the results on a commercial pilot scale. The unit consists of a 900m2 greenhouse with 8 50,000L tanks for shrimp farming, 8 5,000L tanks for fish farming, two 4,000L tanks for macroalgae farming, and beds with halophyte plants (salicornia and sea rosemary) that receive solids removed from the system. The greenhouse also has a rainwater collection system for evaporation replacement and a photovoltaic system for energy generation. The products from the pilot system, such as shrimp, halophyte plants, and macroalgae, are already being used in local cuisine and are sought after by various chefs in Santa Catarina. This project aims to demonstrate the technical, financial, and environmental feasibility of using integrated AMTI technology with bioflocs, contributing to sustainable food production.
Financial support:
Aquavitae project (Horizon 2020, grant number 818173).