Biofloc Technology in Shrimp Farming: Past and Present Shaping the Future

After ~20 years of evolution, Biofloc Technology (BFT) has come a long way. It has been adapted and adjusted to different regions, locations, salinities, applied to one single-phase (nursery) or multiple phases, outdoor and indoor conditions, and according to different farm infrastructure, operational and resources limitations.

The accumulated BFT knowledge has provided a baseline for the development of other related microbial-based. However, regardless of the system chosen and adopted, it is crucial to consider the local specificities (e.g., technological, social, financial, and environmental), tailoring day-to-day management practices and ongoing production strategies accordingly. In addition, considering the higher production costs compared to traditional low-input systems, the commercialisation and post-harvest aspects are crucial to guarantee the resilience and competitiveness of BFT-based shrimp farms.

CSIRO, in collaboration with academia and industry colleagues from Mexico, Brazil and Ecuador wrote this opinion article in Frontiers. It brings together key BFT characteristics regarding its past and present, while highlighting future challenges and opportunities aiming to contribute to the sustainability of intensive shrimp farming.

Link to the article: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.813091/full

CSIRO Aquaculture contact
Dr Mauricio-Emerenciano– Research Scientist