By Vinij Tansakul
The shrimp farming industry is a crucial component of the global aquaculture sector. Its worldwide production value exceeds 23 billion U.S. dollars annually (Global Shrimp Market Report 2022). Shrimp consumption continues to rise, driven primarily by consumers in developed countries. Consequently, efforts to enhance shrimp production efficiency and sustainability are of paramount importance, especially in developing nations. However, shrimp farming significantly impacts the environment. Notably, it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), including carbon dioxide (CO₂), a major driver of global warming. Understanding the carbon footprint of shrimp farming is essential. In this regard, coastal ecosystems, including mangroves and “blue carbon,” play a vital role in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.
Unfortunately, shrimp farming’s expansion has severe consequences for coastal ecosystems. Conservation International reports that, because of mangrove destruction over the past two decades, global mangrove forests have declined by more than 40%, equivalent to approximately 250,000 hectares. These areas are often converted into shrimp ponds, resulting in a 680% increase in shrimp production to 7.2 million tons during the same period.
The destruction of mangroves not only reduces their carbon sequestration capacity, but also leads to the loss of critical habitats for diverse species. Furthermore, it disrupts soil stability, increases natural disaster risks, and diminishes overall biodiversity. As we strive for sustainable shrimp farming, balancing economic growth with environmental conservation remains a pressing challenge.
In recent years, the concept of carbon neutrality has gained significant traction. As the world seeks ways to mitigate climate change and transition toward a low-carbon economy, the agricultural sector, including aquaculture, faces the critical challenge of achieving carbon neutrality. Shrimp farming, a vital component of the aquaculture industry, is no exception.
Furthermore, the goal of achieving net zero emissions has become a global imperative. Shrimp farming, driven by consumer demand, will play a pivotal role in this context. Undertaking the journey toward net zero carbon emissions in shrimp farming is essential and unavoidable.
In the global fight against climate change, the concept of carbon-negative emissions has emerged as a bold and creative strategy. While challenging, it offers a pathway beyond emission reduction, actively removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Sustainable shrimp farming holds immense potential in this endeavor.
Statistics reveal that the shrimp industry emits approximately 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide annually. Therefore, investigating the carbon footprint of shrimp farming, identifying its underlying factors, and devising impactful strategies to reduce this footprint are crucial for a sustainable and environmentally friendly value chain. Undertaking the path toward carbon neutrality and net zero emissions in shrimp farming requires careful consideration of challenges, opportunities, and feasible approaches. By aligning relevant strategies, including carbon-negative shrimp farming, we can propel Thailand’s shrimp industry toward sustainability and environmentally friendly processes.
Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Shrimp Farming
A scenario-based study conducted by xpertSea used WWF data to shed light on the potential carbon emissions of a densely stocked shrimp farm (xpertSea 2023). For every kilogram of shrimp produced at the rate of 8 tonnes per hectare per year, approximately 10 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO₂) are released. This hypothetical intensive shrimp farm exhibits specific characteristics, such as: the feed conversion ratio (FCR) stands at 1.4; a survival rate of 65% affects overall production efficiency; and diesel-powered water pumps and air blowers are used. The scenario also assumes that, since 1999, the farm has avoided mangrove deforestation. The breakdown of potential carbon emissions include: energy use (50%); feed and feeding (30%); and other sources (20%).
Efforts to achieve near-zero carbon emissions in densely stocked shrimp farms are critical. A second scenario-based study sheds light on the potential near zero emissions of an intensive shrimp farm (xpertSea 2023). Under different assumptions about the FCR, the energy consumption and other processes involved, this hypothetical farm produces approximately 10 tonnes of shrimp per hectare per year with minimal carbon emissions of 0-2 kilograms of CO₂ per kilogram of shrimp.
Based on these two scenarios, key strategies and considerations are discussed below.
Energy Use: 50% of the carbon footprint in shrimp aquaculture comes from the energy used by motors for water pumping and aeration in the shrimp ponds. New technologies, such as smart air systems that automatically open and close to maintain optimal oxygen levels for shrimp, enhance survival rates and promote growth while conserving energy. Connecting to electricity grids powered by renewable energy (such as solar energy) can significantly decrease carbon footprints. By utilizing smart air and intelligent feeding systems, and by transitioning to renewable energy sources, normal shrimp farms can reduce carbon emissions by up to 50%.
Feed Production and Feeding: Approximately 30% of the carbon footprint in shrimp production arises from feed production and feeding. Shrimp consume feed with up to 30% soybean content, a factor which may have harmful environmental consequences. Expanding soybean cultivation is a key factor contributing to changes in land use and deforestation in the southern United States. For instance, the cropping and milling of one kilogram of Brazilian soybean meal releases into the atmosphere respectively, 5.75 and 5.50 kilograms of carbon per kilogram of meal produced. To mitigate the environmental impacts, it is crucial to select soybeans and soybean meal produced with the lowest carbon emissions. This approach helps improve shrimp production processes while minimizing carbon dioxide release, almost to zero. Additionally, high-quality shrimp feed can enhance better FCR, allowing shrimp to grow while consuming less feed.
Mangrove Forests: A critical sustainability issue related to shrimp aquaculture is the destruction of mangrove forests to create new shrimp ponds. Mangroves are ecologically rich ecosystems that provide habitat for numerous animal and plant species worldwide. They also play a vital role in climate change mitigation by sequestering up to four times more carbon than terrestrial forests. However, during the 1980s and 1990s, approximately 20% of global mangrove forests were lost, primarily due to their conversion into shrimp farms. Although progress has been made in reducing mangrove destruction since 2000, significant damage remains to be repaired. Responsible shrimp farming must take responsibility for mangrove reforestation to restore lost mangrove areas. Some farms actively participate in mangrove planting, and with a broader commitment, we can potentially recover tens of thousands of hectares of vital mangrove habitat.
Pollution and Contamination: Besides deforestation, pollution and contamination significantly impact other essential aspects of shrimp farming. Discharging nutrient-rich and chemically polluted wastewater can lead to eutrophication, harmful algal blooms, and decreased oxygen levels in natural water. This, in turn, affects aquatic life, leading to fish kills and ecological imbalances. Additionally, the use of antibiotics and other chemicals in shrimp farming can contribute to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing significant health risks to both humans and animals. Addressing these challenges requires a shift toward more sustainable practices.
Pathways to Carbon Neutrality
Achieving carbon neutrality in shrimp farming requires a holistic approach encompassing various strategies.
Energy Efficiency: Improving energy efficiency through the adoption of energy-saving technologies, such as solar-powered aeration systems and efficient feed processing equipment, can reduce energy consumption and emissions.
Renewable Energy: Transitioning to renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of shrimp farming operations. Investing in renewable energy infrastructure and incentives can facilitate this transition.
Sustainable Practices: Embracing sustainable farming practices, such as integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) and organic shrimp farming, can minimize environmental impacts and emissions while enhancing ecosystem resilience.
Carbon Offsetting: Compensating for unavoidable emissions through carbon offsetting initiatives, such as reforestation projects, soil carbon sequestration, and investments in renewable energy projects, can help achieve carbon neutrality.
Innovation and Research: Continued innovation and research in areas such as feed technology, waste management, and aquaculture systems can unlock new opportunities for reducing emissions and improving sustainability in shrimp farming.
Toward Net Zero Carbon in Shrimp Farming
Achieving net zero carbon in shrimp farming is a complex yet necessary endeavor. It requires collaboration, innovation, and dedication from all stakeholders across the value chain in the shrimp industry. By adopting energy-saving practices, transitioning to renewable energy sources, implementing sustainable farming techniques, exploring on-farm carbon offset options, and promoting energy-efficient technologies, the shrimp industry can come closer to achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Simultaneously, it contributes to global climate action. Striving for net zero carbon in shrimp farming serves as a beacon of environmental stewardship and a model for other industries to follow.
Despite these challenges, shrimp farming also presents opportunities for carbon sequestration and emissions reduction.
Mangrove Restoration: Mangrove forests, which are often cleared for shrimp farming, have significant carbon sequestration potential. Restoring mangrove ecosystems can not only sequester carbon, but also provide habitat for marine life and protect coastal communities from storm surges and erosion.
Soil Carbon Sequestration: Implementing agroforestry or silvopasture practices in shrimp farming areas can enhance soil carbon sequestration, improve soil health, and reduce erosion.
Blue Carbon Offsetting: Investing in blue carbon offset projects, such as seagrass restoration or salt marsh conservation, can offset emissions from shrimp farming operations and contribute to coastal ecosystem health.
Model Shrimp Farm
In 2024, Thai Union Group collaborated with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Ahold Delhaize USA, a global retail company, to develop a model shrimp farm. The goal is to produce high-quality shrimp, exceeding 1,000 tonnes annually, while minimizing environmental impact. The entire process is traceable from beginning to end.
Mr. Adam Brenneman, Director of Sustainable Development at Thai Union Group, stated: “This project serves as evidence of our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and setting new sustainability standards in the seafood industry.”
The project drives a lasting change in the shrimp industry, emphasizing investments in farms to enhance efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and use environmentally friendly feed ingredients. Upon a successful implementation, Thai Union plans to expand this approach to other shrimp farms in Thailand and beyond, benefiting farmers with sustainable practices.
Mr. Mark Zuidema, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ahold Delhaize USA, added: “This project is a significant step for the sustainable aquaculture industry and sets a positive example for global retailers.”
Such a collaboration reflects Thai Union’s leadership and dedication to advancing the seafood industry toward sustainability through innovation and partnerships, inspiring all sectors to follow suit.
Conclusion
The carbon footprint of shrimp farming is a complex issue that requires collaborative efforts from all stakeholders, including farmers, policymakers, researchers, and consumers. By implementing energy-efficient practices, transitioning to renewable energy sources, promoting sustainable feed ingredients, improving waste management, and exploring carbon offsetting options, the shrimp farming industry can mitigate its environmental impact and contribute to global efforts to address climate change. Continued innovation, investment, and awareness are essential to achieve a more sustainable and resilient shrimp farming sector.
Achieving carbon neutrality and striving for net zero carbon emissions in shrimp farming is a complex yet essential undertaking. It requires collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders across the entire value chain in the shrimp industry. By adopting practices aligned with carbon reduction, transitioning to renewable energy sources, implementing sustainable farming techniques, exploring carbon offset options, and promoting innovation, the shrimp industry can move closer to its goal of net-zero carbon emissions. Simultaneously, it contributes to global climate action. As the world faces climate change challenges, carbon-neutral and net zero carbon shrimp farming serves as a beacon of environmental stewardship and a model for other industries to follow.
The concept of negative-carbon shrimp farming signifies a transformative shift in aquaculture practices toward climate-conscious solutions. It emphasizes investments in farms to enhance efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and utilize environmentally friendly feed ingredients. When successfully implemented, this approach can be extended to other shrimp farms in Thailand and beyond, benefiting farmers with sustainable practices.
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