Eco-shrimps protect mangroves and social standards

King prawns are growing in popularity worldwide. They are delicious and a high-protein alternative on our menu. For environmental and health reasons, however, they are to be treated with caution, as the breeding process can pose problems. Environmental degradation and the use of antibiotics are often associated with the production of shrimp, although the situation has improved somewhat in conventional shrimp farming. Certified "organic prawns" are more expensive, but environmentally friendly, free of drugs and taste much better.

The research project BioHatch, coordinated by the research service provider ttz Bremerhaven, is working to improve the competitiveness of the better product. The aim of the project co-financed by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology is the technical development, planning and construction of a pilot plant for the efficient ecological breeding of giant shrimps in Bangladesh.

The focus of BioHatch is on the elaborate larval rearing. The problem here: the larvae do not grow up in brackish water like their older siblings, but they need pure sea water during the first phase of life. However, the two are usually far apart. To find solutions for this complex, ttz Bremerhaven, WAB Trading International GmbH and the Gesellschaft für Marine Aquakultur (GMA) mbH work closely together in BioHatch. In three sub-projects, individual components for a larvae hatchery are developed: the adapted supply of salt water by electrodialysis and photovoltaics (ttz Bremerhaven), water treatment by biofiltration (WAB) as well as sustainable spawning induction and egg maturation using light and temperature protocols (GMA). After the integration of these three individual components in the target region of Kaliganj, Bangladesh, the new technology for production size is to be further developed and marketed.

The strictest organic and social standards, for example from "Naturland", are to be combined with the greatest possible profitability in BioHatch. Because the weak point of the organic shrimp is its significantly higher retail price. However, if you included the damage to the environment and people in conventional production, the sustainably produced goods would be much cheaper. Greenpeace and the WWF also point out the clearing of ecologically valuable mangrove forests and water pollution through the use of antibiotics, as well as chemical residues in many conventionally produced shrimps. “Enjoyment without remorse” is becoming increasingly important for consumers, which is why this criticism is taken very seriously by industry and politics.

The BioHatch partner WAB Trading International GmbH is already running the “Organic Shrimp Project” in Bangladesh, in which Naturland produces organically certified giant prawns, which are expressly recommended in Greenpeace's fish guide. With the new EU organic regulation 834/2007, larvae must be produced in accordance with EU organic criteria from 2011. There is currently no technology worldwide with which the larvae can be produced ecologically. An innovative procedure for complying with the new regulations must therefore be developed at costs that are comparable to those of conventional technology. The ZIM project BioHatch, which started in February, is funded by the BMWi and has a duration of 2 years.

The ttz

The ttz Bremerhaven is an innovative research service provider and carries out application-related research and development. An international team of experts in the fields of food, environment, health and advice works under the roof of ttz Bremerhaven.

Source: Bremerhaven [TTZ]