Biofloc technology (BFT) has grown and evolved quickly in the last few years, especially as a means to increase biosecurity, prevent disease outbreaks and mass mortalities, and increase farm productivity. However, during the evolution of BFT, the expected results were not always achieved, and commercial adoption around the world fluctuated vastly. From euphoria to disbelief, several fish and shrimp farmers who adopted BFT switched back to traditional production systems, with several factors influencing their decision-making. For those farmers who adapted and evolved, BFT provided and still promotes several farming and competitive advantages. However, for those who are struggling or have already switched back to conventional systems, challenges may include higher running costs, pathogen and waste ( i.e. effluent, suspended solids, and sludge) management issues, lack of understanding of operational/aquatic/microbial dynamics, among others.
This paper discusses what goes right and what goes wrong in the recent biofloc-based context and highlights that, with further education, training, innovation adoption, and R&D, these challenges can often be overcome, and BFT could become a more widely understood and adopted technique. With a balanced approach, BFT can offset investments with improved yield, FCR, survival, and product quality, and de-risk farming operations, especially in areas prone to disease outbreaks.