Speaker Category: Speaker

Abstract

Indonesia’s shrimp sector, while economically significant, is increasingly affected by climate variability,
environmental degradation, and inconsistent yields. A critical environmental legacy is the large-scale conversion of mangrove forests (approximately 250,000 hectares), into shrimp ponds, leading to biodiversity loss, weakened coastal protection, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.

JALA is an aquaculture technology and supply chain company with over 3,000 active shrimp farms across Indonesia using its digital platform and services. The JALA App and Baruni provides farmers with real-time data monitoring, water quality analysis, and cultivation-related prediction and analytics, empowering them to make informed decisions on-farm. Beyond supporting farm management through data-driven tools, the company operates more than 25 hectares of shrimp farms and has recently expanded into shrimp exports to various Asian markets. It is committed to improving farm productivity, environmental responsibility, and access to sustainable markets.

To address these intertwined challenges, JALA, together with Conservation International, launched the Climate-Smart Shrimp Farming (CSSF) project. This initiative blends digital aquaculture tools, responsible farming practices, and regenerative environmental strategies. At the core of CSSF is the reintroduction of mangroves in and around ponds to restore biodiversity, sequester carbon, and strengthen farm resilience to climate impacts. It also enables the production of traceable, high-quality shrimp that meets global sustainability standards.

Piloted in Lalombi, Central Sulawesi, CSSF achieved a tenfold increase in productivity during its first harvest. This early success illustrates the potential for shrimp aquaculture to become a regenerative, climate-smart solution that supports both livelihoods and ecosystem recovery; contributing meaningfully to Indonesia’s broader environmental goals.

Abstract

Shrimp pathogens can move from invisible to crop-threatening in days, yet many farms still test only after problems appear. Embedding routine molecular checks—before, during and after each critical production phase—shifts disease management from reaction to prevention. Weekly screens flag subclinical infections while loads are still low, giving managers time to adjust biosecurity, isolate affected units or harvest early.

Longitudinal test logs also feed predictive models that optimise stocking densities and feed schedules, cutting antibiotic use and boosting survival rates. Making pond-side diagnostics a standing practice transforms uncertainty into actionable insight—turning precision into tangible gains in both productivity and profitability.

Abstract

The strategic transformation in shrimp farming practices implemented at Krabi Kieang Seng – Kitcharoen Farm, Thailand addressed four key challenges commonly faced in shrimp aquaculture: high operational risk, prolonged grow-out periods, elevated production costs, and inconsistent yields. By transitioning from conventional approaches to a structured, data-driven methodology, the farms adopted a new model built around risk mitigation, cost efficiency, productivity enhancement, and reduced days of culture.

The pre-stocking phase incorporated rigorous water quality testing (e.g., NTU, alkalinity, minerals), post larvae (PL) quality screening using a microscope, and stress test, as well as vibrio detection through selective agar media. During culture, continuous monitoring of shrimp health, water parameters, probiotic usage, and sediment control was standardized to ensure optimal conditions. Weekly sampling was introduced to monitor average daily gain (ADG) and period growth rate (PDG) and size progression.

Outcomes from the new approach showed an improvement in key performance indicators: reduction in grow-out cycle from 120-140 days to 90-110 days, an increase in average shrimp weight from 35g – 55g, and yield enhancement from 2- 3 tonnes/rai to 5-8 tonnes/rai (one rai=0.16ha).

These results demonstrate the potential for the scalable and sustainable intensification of shrimp production under a modern aquaculture system in Thailand.

*Joint presentation with Yanisa Klomsuwan

Abstract

The shrimp farming industry continues to face significant threats from infectious diseases such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus, white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP), and gregarines like Nematopsis spp. All these contribute to substantial economic losses in Asia and Latin America.

This presentation will outline the regional economic impacts of these pathogens and explore their infection mechanisms, including bacterial virulence systems, viral replication pathways, and intracellular parasitism. Particular attention will be given to host immune responses, oxidative stress, and gut epithelial integrity.

Drawing on published trials and shrimp gut models, the focus will be on functional nutrition, specifically blends of organic acids and phytogenic compounds, as a strategic tool to enhance disease resilience and sustainability in shrimp production. Data will include both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrating reduced pathogen colonization, inflammation, and mortality. A field case study from Thailand where AuraAqua application led to a dramatic drop in WSSV prevalence will be presented.

Abstract

Shrimp are slow and selective feeders, typically reared in turbid aquatic environments rich in dissolved chemicals. These conditions increase the risk of feed wastage and nutrient leaching, reducing feed quality and contributing to environmental degradation. Together, these factors impair feeding efficiency and decrease farm profitability.

However, shrimp possess highly sensitive sensory receptors distributed across their bodies, enabling them to detect chemical cues and locate food from considerable distances. Extensive research into chemostimulants and their role in chemosensory-driven feeding behavior have opened opportunities to develop practical applications that target the activation of the shrimp’s chemosensory systems. Such strategies can accelerate feed detection and ingestion, leading to improved feed utilization and overall intake.

Asia’s shrimp aquaculture industry faces pressing challenges in optimizing feed utilization, production efficiency, environmental sustainability, and shrimp health. Palatability enhancers are emerging as essential tools, not only for stimulating feed intake and promoting growth but also for supporting the use of alternative ingredients, with positive impacts on the industry’s sustainability and profitability. Moreover, these strategies contribute to improved water quality, resulting in more robust and healthier shrimp.

This presentation will explore practical case studies illustrating how improvements in feed palatability can address these challenges. By leveraging advances in chemosensory science, producers can enhance the productivity, profitability, and resilience of shrimp farming systems.

*Joint presentation with Sofia Morais

Abstract

The global shrimp aquaculture industry is undergoing significant turbulence, driven by a continuous rise in production, stagnation in key markets such as the European Union (EU) and the United States (US), and a noticeable downturn in demand from China. These disruptions are further intensified by recent changes in the U.S. trade policy.

First and foremost, it is essential to avoid an oversupply of farmed shrimp relative to market demand. In the long run, as with agricultural products, such an imbalance can only be corrected by a reduction in supply – survival of the fittest and most adapted.

This means offering high-quality products that are precisely aligned with consumer expectations.

To overcome current challenges, it is essential to improve shrimp marketing by addressing the specific requirements of customers, particularly in terms of quality. It is important to understand that quality is not a one-size-fits-all concept; it varies by market, depending on local consumption habits, cultural preferences, and how the product is ultimately used. Tailoring production and presentation to these factors can create a real competitive advantage.

Currently, shrimp importers perceive Asian and Latin American products differently. In general, Western importers (EU and US) consider Latin American shrimp to be of higher quality. This perception is mainly based on two factors:

• A better understanding by Latin American producers of what consumers consider to be high-quality shrimp.
• A faster and more efficient post-harvest processing — which is often less consistent in Asia.

This understanding of what the term ‘’quality” means goes far beyond compliance with the standards set by certification bodies, which usually only focus on environmental and social factors. While these aspects are important — even essential — for consumers, many want more. Depending on their culture, they often expect shrimp with distinctive taste, produced under animal welfare guidelines, fed with healthy ingredients, etc.

Finally, price remains a key factor. Latin America, and Ecuador, in particular, can offer shrimp at a lower price than products from Asia. There are several reasons for this:

• Facilities that have long since been amortized;
• A semi-intensive farming method that is less energy-intensive than most Asian farms;
• Lower feed costs achieved by better feed efficiency: use of additives to improve digestibility (enzymes, essential oils, organic acids, etc.), improved methods for evaluating daily feed rations and efficient feeding echniques;
• No intermediaries between farmers and processors/exporters.

The competitive advantages currently associated with Latin American shrimp can also be achieved by Asian producersl.

However, this requires a thorough effort to better understand the expectations of Western markets — not only in terms of final product quality, but also in production methods and cost control, particularly by optimizing the supply chain between producers and exporters.

The presentation will cover the value chain for quality shrimp from harvest to processing, and identify the right products for various markets. It will also explore how Asian producers can enhance the market perception of their shrimp and become more competitive through strategic marketing and branding.