Industry Events
THE AQUATIC ASIA CONFERENCE
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by Rebecca Sherratt, Features Editor, International Aquafeed
he biannual Aquatic Asia Conference, organised in conjunction with VIV Asia, International Aquafeed and Progressus, proved to once again be a brilliant event for all who attended. The conference took place on March 14th for one full day, and had a record number of 264 attendees, as well as international expert speakers from companies such as Phileo Lesaffre, Aker BioMarine, Singao, Bühler, Tanin Sevnica and Nutriad becomes Adisseo, to name a few. The theme for the 2019 conference was ‘Shrimp Farming and Farm Tech’ and companies from all walks of the earth were invited to speak about the intricacies of shrimp nutrition and the latest innovations in farming technology. Keynote speaker and moderator for the event, Professor Simon Davies of Harper Adams University, stated that, “The shrimp farming sector warrants special considerations, given the expansion of the industry with expectations that aquaculture will need to produce over 65 percent of seafood production in the next two decades to meet global demand. “It is imperative that the vigour of stock be improved to raise hatchery production, survival and growth performance. Shrimp production has been constrained in recent times by various pathogens such as white spot and EMS, causing serious economic losses. In this regard, nutrition and feed will play an ever-increasing role.”
Building tomorrow’s resilient shrimp: Nutritional strategies for a stronger, resilient shrimp for the 21st century
by Dr Simon Davies, Harper Adams University Following Mr Roger Gilbert, Publisher of International Aquafeed, giving the introduction to the conference and welcoming everyone aboard, Dr Simon Davies began his keynote speech on shrimp nutrition and how to provide for shrimp to ensure they remain increasingly more resilient and stronger. Dr Davies referred to many intriguing studies on shrimp diets and how they serve as the primary influencers for the growth and development of shrimp, discussing the different amino acid
requirements needed, as well as ideal complimentary protein sources gathered from by-products to help make the ideal shrimp feed. Disease prevention was also covered, through ensuring the balancing of intestinal microbes within the shrimp via probiotics and various other methods.
The importance of training
by Mr Yiannis Christodoulou, Progressus Director of Progressus, Mr Christodoulou, then went on to discuss the important of training for employees in aquaculture- a crucial topic in an industry that requires such precise knowledge. As new skills are continually needed in this ever-evolving industry, Mr Christodoulou noted that employees must be kept up-to-date with all the necessary and latest requirements in order to effectively carry out their jobs to the best of their ability. Mr Christodoulou also discussed the emerging factor of automation and the threat of machinery taking away people’s jobs, a further point that training is even more crucial so employees can ensure they are fully indispensable. The best method for how to approach your bosses for training were also clearly outlined.
Yeast paraprobiotics as a tool to increase shrimp health and profitability
by Dr Otavio Serino Castro, Phileo Lesaffre Phileo Lesaffre’s Global Species Manager for Aqua, Dr Castro, began session two of the conference with the various health challenges that are currently facing the shrimp industry. Sustainability was also a key issue he discussed, and sustainable tools for aquaculture were mentioned such as biosecurity protocols, vaccines, genetic improvements, BAP standards and new production technology such as RAS systems. Phileo’s various yeast probiotics have been scientifically proven to help provide shrimp with everything they need, and examples were given of their various benefits, such as their product Safmannan®, which can bind virulent Vibrio sp. bacteria in shrimp.
Krill meal, the alternative and sustainable aquafeed ingredient
by Dr Panukorn Totubtim, Aker BioMarine Dr Totubtim gave an engaging presentation on the use of Antarctic
58 | May 2019 - International Aquafeed