FISH FARMING TECHNOLOGY and elimination of disease, infection and The world’s population is projected to mortality, as well as increased yields increase from the current seven billion to of larger and healthier crops comes 9.7 billion people by 2050. Both agriculture from plant extracts/essential oils. These and aquaculture will need to double yields to botanical products are currently being used feed this fast-growing world population. For as natural antibiotics and tranquilisers, as agriculture, there is now megatrend growth well as antiparasitics. of biological products, like biopesticides, One of these botanical-based solutions biostimulants, microbial and ‘hybrid’ is currently working for the prevention products at an average annual rate of Yaki Keinan, of bacterial diseases in shrimp. When a 15 percent – 20 percent versus chemical Business Development for Aquamor marine organism (shrimp) is attacked by pesticides, whose annual growth rate is microbes it is unable to protect itself due to the nature of the averaging only three percent. Biological products have now been accepted as an integral part of conventional agricultural, microbes’ growth within an organism. A “bio-shield” is often formed which protects the diseased not just for organic farming. microbes from the shrimps’ immune system. A new botanical extract is preventing the creation of this microbial “bio-shield”, Beyond population growth, the drivers of biological product leaving the microbes exposed to the shrimp’s immune system, growth in agriculture include the delisting of many if not and to antibacterial products such as organic acids. most chemical pesticides by the EU, EPA and other regulatory Farmed fish are typically crowded together in net pens or agencies around the world, the resulting need to manage cages anchored to the sea floor in the ocean near the coasts. resistance, and consumer demands for higher quality foods Subsequently, these fish are exposed to high stress, which can which are free of chemical residues. foster disease and parasites, as well as excessive movement Similarly in aquaculture, world population growth is creating which can cause damage to the fish crop. increased demand for larger and higher quality yields of fish The chemical solutions traditionally used to address these and crustacean products, as well. While regulatory agencies do challenges leave poisonous residue which harm fish raised not seem to have become quite as aggressive in delisting most for human consumption. Moreover, they pollute aquafarming chemicals for use in aquaculture as they have in agriculture, this environments and surrounding waters. Again, plant extracts is likely to happen as consumer demands for chemical-free fish solutions can protect farmed fish from the stress of crowding, and crustaceans grow. Public pressure for non-chemical solutions will drive increased and even tranquilising them so they will not damage themselves in transportation and handling. regulation. But where are the non-chemical solutions to issues The innovation, distribution, education and use of these of disease and damage to fish and crustaceans in handling, non-chemical solutions is growing at double-digit rates in transportation and other challenges within aquaculture? aquaculture worldwide, just as it is in conventional agriculture. How can we achieve the complete replacement of chemical STK Aqua is committed to innovating and developing treatment with natural solutions that effectively reduce disease, botanical-based technologies to meet the needs of a growing infection and mortality, while safeguarding natural habitats? world population and the demands from consumers and From vaccination, transportation and stress reduction through regulatory agencies for safe, clean and effective approaches to staving off the onslaught of parasites and bacterial diseases, aquaculture. chemical-free solutions are now available and being used For more information visit: www.stk-ag.com increasingly around the world. or email: yaki.keinan@stk-ag.com One natural and highly effective solution for the prevention
Aquaculture Without Frontiers (AwF) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) that promotes and supports responsible and sustainable aquaculture and the alleviation of poverty by improving livelihoods in developing countries.
Registered charity No. 1165727
aquaculturewithoutfrontiers.org.uk