Biofloc Technology (BFT) – lets recap

1. Low water exchange, microbial floc productionResearch Extension InitiativesAnni ConnConn & AssociatesAPFA / ABFA Conference2nd August 2012NovotelPalm Cove

2. Biofloc Technology (BFT) – lets recap • A low or zero water exchange production “tool” used primarily in intensive L. vannameiand tilapia production overseas • Holistic eco-system approach – utilising pond microbial community to improve water quality and maximise feed recycling • Promotion of stable, heterotrophic bacteria dominated pond environment instead of phytoplankton dominated that is light sensitive and highly unstable • Bacteria thrive and “floc” and flocs assimilate waste nutrients • In short – your pond becomes your biofilter Seafood CRC Research Extension Program. Low water exchange, microbial floc technology. Anni Conn. July 2012.

3. BFT Advantages / Disadvantages • Advantages include: • reduced need for water exchange • a stable culture environment, • higher stocking densities, • increased biosecurity, • better feed utilisation & reduced FCR’s (through animals grazing on flocs), • reduced discharge volumes • Disadvantages include: • higher level of managerial skill & monitoring required • higher set-up costs, • increased aeration requirements, • back up power critical, • pond lining recommended, • facility to remove sludge during crop, Seafood CRC Research Extension Program. Low water exchange, microbial floc technology. Anni Conn. July 2012.

4. Low water exchange, microbial floc research – background • In 2005 Australian Prawn Farms start to research potential for application of Biofloc Technology in their production systems. • Concluded that conventional biofloc productions systems used in intensive L. Vannamei(i.e. the Belize method) not suitable for culture of P. Monodonunder Australian farming conditions. • Differences in stocking density, behaviour of animals, organic matter and floc density, infrastructure limitations • Trialled a modified approach – less intensive; lower stocking densities; lower feed and nutrient inputs - termed it ‘low water exchange, microbial floc’ rather than conventional ‘biofloc’ • Successfully reared and harvested a crop of P. monodonfrom six low water exchange ponds and in some ponds were able to increase productivity • Led to commencement of Seafood CRC / FRDC funded research: “Increasing the profitability of Penaeus monodonfarms via the use of low water exchange, microbial floc production systems at Australian Prawn Farms” David M. Smith (CSIRO) and Matt West (APF). Project No. 2009/748 Seafood CRC Research Extension Program. Low water exchange, microbial floc technology. Anni Conn. July 2012.

5. APF Research Outcomes •  Productivity by 50% from 8t/ha to 12t/ha to give an increased production value of $65,000 per pond •  Nitrogen discharge into environment by 77% •  Water exchange by 70% •  Feed costs per unit weight of production by 30% • Development of an effective method of stimulating growth and dominance of diatoms in ponds Seafood CRC Research Extension Program. Low water exchange, microbial floc technology. Anni Conn. July 2012.

6. Research Extension – Seafood CRC Industry Consultation • Current status of low water exchange, microbial floc technology uptake within industry (prawn and barra farmers) • Primary motivators for adoption or rejection of this technology • Challenges faced with regard to adoption & implementation • Resources / information / training that could assist with adoption & implementation Seafood CRC Research Extension Program. Low water exchange, microbial floc technology. Anni Conn. July 2012.

7. Current status of low water exchange, microbial floc technology uptake within industry (n=19) Incorporating low water exchange, microbial floc methodology Trialling low water exchange, microbial floc methodology Not incorporating low water exchange, microbial floc methodology Seafood CRC Research Extension Program. Low water exchange, microbial floc technology. Anni Conn. July 2012.

8. Motivators for incorporation of low water exchange, microbial floc technology (n=8) Maintain pond water quality stability to increase survival rates Increase food conversion efficiency and decrease feed costs Decrease discharge and nutrient outflow and reduce environmental impact To facilitate production at higher stocking densities Decrease pumping costs Seafood CRC Research Extension Program. Low water exchange, microbial floc technology. Anni Conn. July 2012.

9. Problems encountered during implementation of low water exchange, microbial floc technology (n=8) Floc recovery after an unfavourable algal bloom Algal species dominance Maintaining floc stability Cost of implementation Monodonbehaviour High nutrient loading of discharge Seafood CRC Research Extension Program. Low water exchange, microbial floc technology. Anni Conn. July 2012.

10. Motivators for rejection of low water exchange, microbial floc technology (n=11) Lack of operator / staff knowledge Present system yields well Low water exchange, microbial floc systems are risky and difficult to manage Lack of infrastructure / too costly to implement Previous trials were unsuccessful Farming in low density or with different species Seafood CRC Research Extension Program. Low water exchange, microbial floc technology. Anni Conn. July 2012.

11. Industry support for further extension activities (n=19) Information on algal triggers General information on low water exchange, microbial floc system dynamics Advanced pond management training Industry training farm Decision making program / input model Promotion to environmental regulators Forum for regular discussion / idea sharing On-site farm specific training Seafood CRC Research Extension Program. Low water exchange, microbial floc technology. Anni Conn. July 2012.

12. The Challenge • Influencing Variables – region to region, farm to farm, pond to pond • No “turnkey” solution / short cuts to developing own farm-specific methodology • Farmers to do their research and trial / develop system themselves Seafood CRC Research Extension Program. Low water exchange, microbial floc technology. Anni Conn. July 2012.

13. The exciting bit!! Proposed Seafood CRC extension program • Stage 1 • Summary of APF research and extension activities to all farmers • Generic ‘start up guide’ to P. monodonlow water exchange, microbial floc system implementation to all farmers • Stage 2 (If enough uptake) • Advanced pond management training in water chemistry and microbial ecology dynamics • Algal On-Line Photographic Directory • Support program – webinar hosted by experts Seafood CRC Research Extension Program. Low water exchange, microbial floc technology. Anni Conn. July 2012.

14. The exciting bit!! Proposed Seafood CRC extension program • Stage 3 (if Stage 2 successful) • Develop a VET unit of competency on low water exchange, microbial floc production methodology • Industry member to attend WAS biofloc group meeting and present in Adelaide in 2014 • Measurement of impact of extension program One-off cost - $500 per farm – commitment / membership fee for program. Need to get 50% of farms taking part to get off the ground – lets make it happen! Contact Anni Conn – 0409 232 960. info@connandassociates.com.au Seafood CRC Research Extension Program. Low water exchange, microbial floc technology. Anni Conn. July 2012.