August 6, 2010

 

US research develops macroalgae to feed organic shrimp

 

 

Scientists at the Institute of Oceanological Investigation (IIO) from the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) and members of the productive sector are undertaking the production of macroalgae for organic shrimp farming.

 

According to IIO director Isaí Pacheco Ruiz, the algae produced in the Laboratory of Biotechnology is sent to Los Mochis in the state of Sinaloa, which is used to feed the crustaceans.

 

"The organic material is used to feed the shrimp, since on the algae grow a large number of invertebrates, which provide the fatty acids that the algae does not contain," said Pacheco Ruiz.

 

Shrimp, being omnivorous, eat the organisms that grow on the algae without having to artificially feed.

 

The IIO director added that this natural fattening process gives organic shrimp its name, which on the market fetches three times the value of a shrimp caught at sea.

 

He explained that the juice of the plant produced, once harvested, will be extracted and used as organic agricultural fertiliser for corn to increase productivity. Moreover, what is left over from the juice is used as sediment for the growth of earthworms and generation of humus, which is integrated into the organic fertiliser.