Open Competition 3 - Biotechnology

Biosecure Zero-Exchange Shrimp Technology (BioZEST): A Paradigm Shift For the U.S. Industry

Sponsor: The Oceanic Institute

• Project Performance Period: 12/1/2001 - 11/30/2006
• Total project (est.): $16,629,540.00
• Requested ATP funds: $8,214,746.00

Shrimp is a favorite seafood of Americans, and consumer demand for it continues to grow. But U.S. aquaculture facilities generate less than 1 percent of world shrimp production, accounting for a $2.9 billion trade deficit. Domestic production using existing shrimp farm technology -- large outdoor coastal ponds relying on flow-through water exchange -- is not increasing because of high production costs, environmental concerns about damage to sensitive coastal areas, and concerns about the transmission of shrimp diseases by air and water. A five-year venture led by The Oceanic Institute plans to develop an economically viable, closed system for shrimp production that would prevent the introduction of viruses and other disease agents and also be environmentally sustainable. It would require no water exchange and allow production to be moved inland. The proposed holistic approach is based on prior research showing that shrimp growth is enhanced by the presence of a microbial consortium. The team will develop and apply quantitative sciences and biotechnology to breed shrimp with optimal characteristics that are free of pathogens, identify and introduce algae and bacteria that effectively support rapid shrimp growth and maintain acceptable water conditions, develop novel feeds and protocols to sustain the shrimp and microbes, and develop practices for managing a covered and lined environment that exploits the synergistic interactions of the shrimp, microbes, and feed. An economic model also will be developed to conduct sensitivity analyses to assist in identifying areas where further research would be most profitable. The other joint venture partners include the Kahuku Shrimp Co. (Kahuku, Hawaii), PIC USA Inc. (Franklin, Ky.), and Zeigler Bros. Inc. (Gardners, Penn.). Subcontractors include Scripps Institute of Oceanography (La Jolla, Calif.), which will address microbial issues, and The Conservation Fund's Freshwater Institute (Shepherdstown, W.V.), which will help design and evaluate the biosecure system. ATP support is essential because the project spans disciplines and industrial sectors beyond the scope of any one company, and because a critical mass of expertise is needed to carry out the research in a timely manner. If successful, the project will enable the reliable, economical production of high-quality shrimp for consumers; move the facilities inland and recycle water to minimize impact on coastal ecosystems; and enable the United States to capture some of the lucrative global shrimp market, reducing or even reversing the trade imbalance and creating new jobs. In addition, the knowledge gained through the project will benefit other sectors of the aquaculture industry.

For project information:

Janet Crawford, (808) 259-3145
jcrawford@oceanicinstitute.org

Active Project Participants

• Kahuku Shrimp Company (Kahuku, HI)
  [Original, Active Member]
  
• PIC, USA (formerly Pig Improvement Company) (Franklin, KY)
  [Original, Active Member]
  
• Zeigler Brothers, Inc. (Gardners, PA)
  [Original, Active Member]
  

ATP Project Manager

Douglas Jones, (301) 975-2004
doug.jones@nist.gov