The shrimp farming industry faces several challenges, particularly in terms of water quality management, waste accumulation and management, and sustainability in shrimp farming. Photosynthesis is one crucial topic that we need to comprehend to improve shrimp farming sustainability.

Photosynthesis in Shrimp Farming

Photosynthesis refers to the process by which living organisms, which have chlorophyll, use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and organic compounds, found in algae, phytoplankton, and other aquatic plants.

Organisms that undergo photosynthesis in water use up dissolved carbon dioxide and release oxygen to the water, which helps balance the underwater ecosystem by increasing the dissolved oxygen (DO) levels. When phytoplankton thrive due to photosynthesis, they contribute to an increase in the plankton population, resulting in darker water.

Benefits of Plankton in Shrimp Farming

• Water Quality: Photosynthesis by plankton in shrimp farms helps maintain water quality by removing excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, that are released as waste by the shrimp. These excess nutrients can lead to eutrophication, the rapid growth of phytoplankton known as “algal blooms,” and a decrease in dissolved oxygen levels, all of which are harmful to shrimp health.

• Natural Food Source: Many shrimp species consume algae and phytoplankton as part of their diet, especially young shrimp that may not yet efficiently consume pelletized feed. Photosynthesis provides a source of nutrition for shrimp by producing organic matter.

• Dissolved Oxygen (DO): Photosynthesis plays a role in replenishing dissolved oxygen in water. Shrimp require oxygen for respiration, and an environment with adequate oxygen levels promotes their growth and overall health. Photosynthesis helps reduce the risk of oxygen depletion (also known as an oxygen drop) and other adverse effects associated with shrimp farming.

A Warning from an Aquaculture Expert

Dr. Chalor Limsuwan, a leading expert in aquaculture from Thailand, issued a warning to Thai farmers, stating, “We have grown accustomed to the idea that when the sunlight is strong, the water turns dark in the afternoon. We assume that the dark color indicates abundant plankton, which produces oxygen for us, and we don’t activate the aerators much.”

“However, as it turns out at night, the shrimp come up to the water’s surface because there isn’t enough oxygen, and many ponds face this problem. This issue is not unique to Thailand; many countries are facing it too.”

“The reason for the low dissolved oxygen levels in the water may be attributed to water temperatures exceeding 32 degrees Celsius, which is higher than the optimal temperature for plankton’s photosynthesis. Achieving efficient photosynthesis is challenging, and these plankton also require oxygen for respiration. Unfortunately, they produce minimal oxygen, leading to a drop in oxygen levels.”

“A ‘surviving pond’ is one equipped with a smart water monitoring system that warns us when oxygen levels fall below a certain threshold. For example, if we set the oxygen level threshold to below 4 ppm, the water pumps will activate automatically, and we will receive notifications on our mobile devices indicating that the oxygen levels are low. In such cases, we can investigate the situation in the pond.”

Essential Role of Photosynthesis in Aquaculture

Understanding photosynthesis and its role in shrimp farming is crucial for maintaining water quality, providing a natural food source, and ensuring adequate dissolved oxygen levels, all of which contribute to the overall success of shrimp farming operations.

The best way to achieve this is by using smart water monitoring with 24/7 real-time monitoring of dissolved oxygen. Additionally, integrating automated aeration can help maintain dissolved oxygen levels in your pond, ensuring your shrimp thrive in optimal environmental conditions, and maximizing their growth and survival rate.

HydroNeo’s Smarter Farm Management System

HydroNeo’s Smart Farm Management System offers more than just water monitoring. It includes:

• Risk Reduction: Shrimp farmers can monitor real-time parameters such as dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, pH, and temperature in the shrimp pond, among others. With 24-hour data access, they receive instant alerts when these parameters fall below specified thresholds, enabling prompt corrective actions.

• เพิ่มผลผลิต: Farmers can use the recorded data to make informed decisions about managing their farms, such as adjusting shrimp feeding schedules or adjusting aeration. This data-driven approach helps in planning for the next shrimp cycle.

• Cost Savings: Farmers can adjust dissolved oxygen levels to suit specific aquaculture types, such as shrimp or fish. Automating aerators based on oxygen levels conserves electricity by minimizing unnecessary aeration, which reduces labor costs. Farm owners can access water quality data 24/7 through the mobile application.

• Convenience: Farmers can easily control their shrimp farm operations via a user-friendly app, regardless of their location. The app provides 24/7 notifications and allows them to manage aerators, feeders, and water pumps.

Feel free to CONTACT US and join our Smarter Farmer community, where we promote sustainable farming practices together.