Tropical Shrimp Biofloc Aquaculture within Greenhouses in the Mediterranean: Preconditions, Perspectives, and a Prototype Description

Abstract

Biofloc technology (BFT) offers an innovative eco-friendly approach that is particularly applicable in shrimp farming. Penaeus vannamei is the most important seafood species in terms of global economic value. Nevertheless, its increasing global demand highlights the necessity for sustainable production of P. vannamei shrimps outside their native range, assuring the avoidance of genetic pollution risk. Towards this direction, the present study focuses on the feasibility of tropical shrimp species aquaculture in indoor systems evaluating BFT application in temperate zones. The achievability of P. vannamei cultivation inside greenhouses in temperate latitudes is thoroughly examined and a representative experimental biofloc setup for P. vannamei within a greenhouse in Northern Greece is demonstrated. Nevertheless, there are two major limitations, related to economy and ecology, namely the energy demand for high seawater temperature and the fact that most reared shrimps are non-indigenous species setting risk for genetic pollution, respectively. To overcome the former, energy-saving measures such as tank and greenhouse insulation in combination with a microclimate chamber construction were implemented to optimize water temperature at minimal cost. Concerning the latter, there is clear evidence that P. vannamei populations cannot be established in the Mediterranean, setting aside any environmental risk. Overall, based on the developed and tested pilot prototype, employment of optimal management practices, innovative manufacturing and clean energy alternatives, and the utilization of ecosystem services could reduce the environmental impact and maximize the profitability of biofloc operations. These actions could probably permit sustainable and economically viable farming of P. vannamei employing BFT within greenhouses in the Mediterranean.