Use of Microbial Mass Assisted Aquaculture Practice: A Step Towards Resilient and Sustainable Youth Empowerment

Biofloc technology converts toxic materials like Ammonia and Nitrates into proteinaceous substances which are very useful products for aquaculture. It’s a highly innovative and cost-effective technology in aquaculture systems which increases the production of fish/shrimp in a limited space by harnessing and re-circulating natural resources in a sustainable and eco-friendly way. Biofloc technology (BFT) uses bacterial biomass for the production of food for cultured species. Water recirculation, energy conservation, reduction of toxic wastes, and production of healthy species within a limited space are the key factors for sustainable agriculture. It enhances production and productivity by contributing to the supply of good quality fish juveniles, table fish, and shrimp. High stocking density leads to stress and increases the chance of infection but the floc with its diverse microbiome helps in reducing the mortality, morbidity and excessive use of antibiotics, which are a threat to the environment. Technologies like re-circulatory culture systems, pen and cage cultures and super-intensive aquaculture are now being highlighted due to their efficiency in utilizing space, feed and fresh water and also for allowing continuous monitoring of the culture systems. This technology is also essential in supplementing aquaculture farms with raw materials that use fish oil and fish protein in the fish meal to enhance production. This, in turn, reduces infections and increases the output. With the growing pressure of supplying nutritious food for people and increasing the GDP of every country, BFT can be a plausible solution. BFT culture can create employment. Government intervention can also help to provide subsidies for the procurement of essential requisites for cultural practice. This will help to boost the economy and create awareness and employment, without exploiting the natural resources in the rural areas.