Mexico City, Mexico-based Atarraya, the creator of the Shrimpbox portable shrimp-farming system, has partnered BiomEdit to study microbial changes that can improve its farms' ouput.
BiomEdit is a biotechnology research company based in Fishers, Indiana, U.S.A. It will analyze the water usage and production methods of the Shrimpbox, seeking to attain a reduced environmental footprint, the companies stated in a joint press release.
“Our collaboration with BiomEdit goes back to the core idea of Atarraya: using deep science knowledge to optimize protein production and contribute to global food security,” Atarraya CEO and Founder Daniel Russek said in a press release. “The findings from this research project will help Atarraya to increase the production output of shrimp farming while reducing costs and improving sustainability. Together, we are making shrimp the most-sustainable protein choice in global food production.”
The Shrimpbox, introduced for commercial sale in September 2022, uses is a biofloc system that transforms waste nutrients into feed with help from microorganisms. BiomEdit's research will also use its gene-sequencing platform to provide insights of the roles of the microorganisms involved in the shrimp growth.
“The microbiome project will allow a deeper understanding of the role of the microbial community in maintaining crop homeostasis,” Atarraya Biotech Director André Freitas said. “The future of modern aquaculture is based on the use of innovative technology applied to high-productivity systems, rational use of water, and production of premium-quality protein. Shrimp farming in a biofloc system is the face of this new aquaculture.”
BiomEdit CEO Aaron Schacht said Shrimpbox's model of farming, paired with optimization provided by his company, could represent a breakthrough in meeting global demand for shrimp while minimizing shrimp farming's impact on the planet.
“We are pleased to collaborate with Atarraya to find new ways to unlock the potential of the microbiome for shrimp producers who are trying to increase production and reduce their environmental footprint to meet the demands of a growing population,” Schacht said. “Our deep knowledge in the microbiome in livestock, paired with Atarraya’s immense expertise in shrimp and aquaculture production systems, form an ideal match to optimize the use of biofloc.”
Photo courtesy of Atarraya
