A Natural Solution for Shrimp Farming Waste
The global appetite for shrimp is immense and continues to grow. However, this popular seafood comes with a significant environmental challenge that demands innovative solutions.
The intensification of shrimp farming has led to the generation of vast amounts of nutrient-rich wastewater2 . When released into the environment, this wastewater can cause eutrophication—a process that depletes oxygen in water bodies and can lead to ecosystem collapse2 7 .
Excess feed, shrimp waste products, and chemical residues accumulate in pond water2 , creating a complex effluent containing high levels of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus.
When released untreated, this nutrient-rich wastewater pollutes coastal waters7 , harming marine ecosystems and reducing biodiversity in surrounding areas.
Seaweeds, the macroalgae found in marine and brackish waters, are remarkably efficient at absorbing dissolved nutrients from their environment. In the context of shrimp farming, they act as natural biofilters.
The process is a form of bioremediation, where living organisms are used to remove or neutralize pollutants from a contaminated area. In Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) systems, species from different trophic levels are combined7 8 .
Shrimp release ammonia and other nutrients as metabolic byproducts
Waste compounds dissolve in water, creating nutrient-rich effluent
Seaweeds absorb dissolved nutrients through their tissues
Water is purified while seaweeds grow, creating valuable biomass
A toxic waste product from shrimp
Intermediate in nitrogen cycle
Final oxidation product of nitrogen
Key contributor to eutrophication
A comprehensive 2025 study led by researchers at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education in Mumbai, India, set out to identify the best seaweed species for co-culture with Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)7 .
To find a seaweed species that was not only highly efficient at nutrient removal but also robust and fast-growing in the conditions of a shrimp farm.
The study yielded compelling data, pointing to one species as a standout performer.
| Seaweed Species | TAN Removal (%) | Phosphate (PO₄) Removal (%) | Nitrate (NO₃) Removal (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gracilaria foliifera | 95.2 | 84.8 | 87.5 |
| Gracilaria corticata | 89.5 | 80.1 | 82.3 |
| Gracilaria verrucosa | 84.6 | 78.9 | 80.5 |
| Sarconema filiforme | 80.2 | 75.4 | 78.1 |
| Parameter | Gracilaria foliifera | Gracilaria corticata |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Growth Rate (% per day) | 4.52 ± 0.09 | 3.85 ± 0.12 |
| Protein Content (% Dry Weight) | 17.65 ± 0.85 | 15.23 ± 0.92 |
| Carbohydrate Content (% Dry Weight) | 48.92 ± 1.12 | 51.45 ± 1.05 |
| Lipid Content (% Dry Weight) | 1.58 ± 0.09 | 1.42 ± 0.11 |
Gracilaria foliifera consistently outperformed the other species, removing over 95% of toxic ammonia and 84% of phosphate from the water7 . Furthermore, it also displayed the highest growth rate, thriving on the nutrient-rich "diet" provided by the shrimp waste.
The benefits of integrating seaweeds like Gracilaria into shrimp farms extend far beyond water purification. This co-culture system creates a cascade of positive effects for the shrimp, the farmer, and the environment.
Shrimp show better serum profiles and higher levels of protective enzymes, making them more resistant to diseases7 .
Histological examinations show healthier tissues with less damage, indicating lower environmental stress7 .
A 2025 field study in Java, Indonesia, demonstrated that co-culturing Gracilaria with shrimp resulted in significant improvements:
| Production Metric | Shrimp Monoculture | Seaweed Monoculture | Shrimp-Seaweed Co-culture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrimp Production (kg per hectare) | 171.7 ± 10.4 | Not Applicable | 264.4 ± 47.6 |
| Seaweed Production (kg per hectare) | Not Applicable | 1860.0 ± 127.3 | 2361.0 ± 127.3 |
| Relative Profitability | 100% | 100% | 156% (vs. seaweed) & 318% (vs. shrimp) |
The evidence is clear: integrating seaweeds into shrimp aquaculture is a powerful, natural, and economically viable strategy for managing waste. This approach moves the industry away from a linear "take-make-dispose" model and towards a circular economy where waste is valorized, and resources are used efficiently.
Transforming waste into valuable resources through integrated systems.
Exploring optimal stocking densities and new extractive species.
Enjoying shrimp without environmental costs—a win-win for our plates and planet.
Ongoing research continues to refine these systems, exploring optimal stocking densities, new seaweed species, and the integration of other extractive species like polychaete worms and halophytes (salt-tolerant plants) to handle different types of waste8 .