The intensification of shrimp culture in many regions of the global shrimp farming industry has been predominately driven by consecutive incidences of global disease outbreaks, which have caused enormous economic loss, and steered a growing segment of the shrimp farming industry towards production systems with higher biosecurity and operating control to mitigate disease risks. Super_intensive systems provide a means to achieve a high level of control over the inputs and outputs of shrimp culture and thus can minimise the entry and spread of diseases. However, successful super-intensive shrimp production is reliant on an advanced understanding of many important biological and economic parameters in the farming system, coupled with effective monitoring, to maintain optimal production.
Compared to traditional extensive or semi-intensive systems, super-intensive systems require higher inputs of feed, energy, labour, and supplements. These systems are highly sensitive to the interactions between these different inputs and require that the biological and economical parameters of farming are carefully balanced to ensure success. More than 12 different super_intensive farming systems have now developed to accommodate local conditions and farming preferences, ranging from clearwater, RAS, semi-biofloc and biofloc systems.
In this presentation we discuss the innovations, opportunities and challenges relating to intensification of Penaeid culture, working from a recent review article covering this topic involving the presenting authors. Fundamental principles that enable super-intensive systems to operate effectively are presented, with a focus on achieving a balance in the system. We review the role of water quality management to ensure the health and stability of the system itself and the growth and immunocompetence of the shrimp. The importance of advancing nutritional knowledge and tools to support consistent and efficient production of shrimp in these high-cost super-intensive systems is discussed. The paper also outlines the role of breeding for developing lines suited for these challenging production systems. Keys issues of animal welfare and social license pertinent to super-intensive shrimp farming are also discussed. Understanding synergies between the keys areas of production systems, nutrition, breeding, and welfare are crucial for super-intensive farming as all areas coalesce to influence the health of shrimp and commercial farming success.