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Abstract:
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In India a study conducted by CIFE and CIBA (1997), concluded that
shrimp farming does more good than harm and it is not eco-unfriendly
(Krishnan and Birthal, 2002). Upsurge in coastal aquaculture activity
induced by high profitability is reported to have caused adverse impacts on
coastal ecosystems and social environments (Parthasarathy and Nirmala,
2000). The crustacean farming sector has received criticism for excessive
use of formulated feed containing high protein, of which around 50% gets
accumulated at the pond bottom as unconsumed (Avnimelech, 1999; Hari
et al., 2004, 2006). The wasted feeds undergo the process of degradation
and results in the release of toxic metabolites to the culture system.
Reduction of protein in the feed, manipulation and utilisation of natural
food in the culture system are the remedy for the above problems. But
before reducing the feed protein, it should be confirmed that the feed with
reduced protein is not affecting the growth and health of the cultured
animal. In the present study, biofloc technology is identified as one of the
innovative technologies for ensuring the ecological and environmental
Sustainability and examines the compatibility of BFT for the sustainable
aquaculture of giant prawn, M. rosenbergii. This thesis starts with a general introduction (Chapter-1), a brief review of the most relevant literature (Chapter-2), results of various experiments (Chapter-3-6), summary (Chapter-7) and recommendations and future research perspectives in the field of biofloc based aquaculture (Chapter – 8). The major objectives of this thesis are, to improve the ecological and economical sustainability of prawn farming by the applicationof BFT and to improve the nutrient utilisation in aquaculture systems. |