Food Engineering Approach to Sustainable Aqua-Agriculture Production: Dual Culture of Gracilaria edulis and Penaeus vannamei in a Recirculating Maraponics System

The present study focuses on integrating a recirculating maraponics system (RMS) combining macroalgal cultivation with aquaculture, offering a sustainable approach to address food scarcity challenges and promote a circular bioeconomy. This study comprehensively evaluated the potential of five commercially significant macroalgae species, such as the brown macroalgae Turbinaria conoides, Sargassum polycystum, and the red macroalgae Kappaphycus alvarezii, Gracilaria salicornia, and Gracilaria edulis. The study dealt with quantitative and qualitative phytochemical analysis, biochemical components, pigments, and antioxidative properties for macroalgae selection. Based on the screening, G. edulis exhibited maximum biochemical, phytochemical, and antioxidant properties and has been integrated with the recirculating maraponics system coupled with Pacific white leg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) production. This screening provided valuable insights into macroalgal composition, highlighting beneficial chemical compounds and their antioxidant capabilities. The selected macroalgae were cultivated in the RMS for 30 days, with analyses every 15 days. Results revealed higher average pigments and daily growth parameters in RMS compared to the control. Additionally, the study investigated feeding regime, growth, and water quality in P. vannamei culture, showing that shrimp in RMS recorded higher growth than controls. This study demonstrates the advantages of integrating macroalgal cultivation with shrimp culture, improving water quality, recycling nutrients, and advancing sustainable aqua-agriculture practices. Furthermore, this integrated approach supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) by promoting efficient resource utilization, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing marine biodiversity.