Ecological theory as an approach to manage systems for the production of aquatic organisms

• Grant number: 18/21650-7
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: May 01, 2019
• End date: April 30, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Fishery Resources and Fishery Engineering - Aquaculture
• Principal Investigator: Rodrigo Schveitzer
• Grantee: Rodrigo Schveitzer
• Host Institution: Instituto de Saúde e Sociedade (ISS). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Baixada Santista. Santos , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Gustavo Bueno Gregoracci ; Gustavo Fernandes Camargo Fonseca
• Associated scholarship(s): 21/04627-4 - Ecological theory as an approach to manage systems for the production of aquatic organisms, BP.TT; 20/15493-6 - Ecological theory as an approach to manage systems for the production of aquatic organisms, BP.TT; 19/10194-3 - Ecological theory as an approach to manage systems for the production of aquatic organisms, BP.TT

Abstract

Aquaculture has evolved to culture systems that produce less effluent and are less susceptible to pathogens. One example is the Biofloc Technology where dense microbial communities, which grow as microbial flocs (called bioflocs), control the ammonia generated during the production process. Although microorganisms are important to nutrient cycling, the current management practices can create unstable environmental conditions, and benefit the increase of pathogenic opportunistic bacteria (e.g. Vibrio spp.). These bacteria, in turn, can affect the performance of cultured organisms. This project will evaluate how management practices modify biofloc microbial communities, and what will be the effect on the performance of the cultured shrimp. Specifically, it test the effects of feeding frequency, frequency of biofloc removal, and strategies to control ammonia in different culture's phases. Supported by the ecological theory of succession, it is possible to create more stable culture systems, which could favor the development of a more diverse and complex microbial community. This ecological state of the community would minimize the presence of opportunistic microorganisms, and could contribute to a better performance of cultured animals. This project will test management approaches based on ecological concepts, which has been little explored in aquaculture. In addition, the project will be important to strengthen our interdisciplinary research team in ecology and technology applied to aquaculture. Beyond the practical application of the results to aquaculture industry, we expect to publish at least four scientific articles in qualis A1 journals in the areas of Aquaculture and Biodiversity, and one technical article in a magazine focused in aquaculture (AU)