Revolutionizing sustainable aquaculture with advanced techniques and biosecurity measures
BMirror Report:
Seamark Vannamei farm in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, stands as a groundbreaking project, marking one of the first Vannamei shrimp farms in Bangladesh. Spearheaded by Mr. Iqbal Ahmed OBE, Chairman and Chief Executive of Seamark Group, this initiative aims to establish an intensive/super intensive Vannamei farm in the region. Construction commenced in January 2023, with engineers and technicians from CPF (Charoen Pokphand Foods) Thailand contributing their expertise throughout the year. Their technical assistance, combined with Seamark’s logistical support, has culminated in the completion of a state-of-the-art Vannamei shrimp farm, which began production in April 2024.
Innovative techniques and advanced infrastructure
This project incorporates the latest modern scientific techniques, beginning with the collection of sea water from the Bay of Bengal. The water undergoes treatment in dedicated ponds equipped with an auto chemical dosing system and is further purified through an ultra-filtration facility with a pore size of 0.01 micrometers, ensuring all bacterial contaminants are removed. All ponds are lined with 1mm thick HDPE material and protected with bird nets and nylon mosquito nets. Waste materials in the ponds are efficiently managed using pumps and an auto-feeding system controlled externally. The feed, sourced from CPF, Thailand, and sterilized air provided through paddle and diffused aeration, ensure optimal conditions. The farm also features a fully automated waste cleaning system.
GreenHouse pond: Year-Round production
The Green House Pond allows for year-round shrimp culture, supporting three to four cycles per year. This pond offers complete protection from external contamination and environmental uncertainties. In colder seasons, the pond’s heating system maintains favorable water temperatures. The pond is also equipped with an auto-feeding system, 24-hour paddle aeration, diffused air, auto water exchange, and a high heat control system, meeting the demands of super intensive culture.
Intensive culture pond: Biosecurity and efficiency
The Intensive Culture Pond is protected with a nylon mosquito net and features an auto-feeding machine, paddle aeration, and a diffused air system. All ponds are covered with 1mm thick HDPE material, and for additional biosecurity, each pond is covered with 0.3mm PE.
Nursery and mother rearing ponds
The Nursery Ponds are completely shielded from the surrounding environment and equipped with auto feeding systems, purified water, air, and efficient water drainage and aeration systems. The Mother Rearing Ponds, located in a separate area to avoid biosecurity issues, provide filtered water and sterilized air.
Laboratory facilities
A modern laboratory has been established, offering extensive physicochemical and microbiological water testing capabilities. Parameters such as turbidity, pH, salinity, ammonia, nitrite, alkalinity, chlorine, TDS, DO, and water temperature are monitored. The lab is also equipped with a POCKIT Micro Plus Nucleic Acid Analyzer for Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio cholerae PCR testing.
Commitment to sustainable farming
Seamark’s Vannamei shrimp farming practices are designed to be sustainable, minimizing impacts on wild species and the environment. The farm uses PL sourced from healthy broodstock raised in captivity, avoiding the capture of wild sea species. Located at a sufficient distance from the sea coastline, the farm does not affect ecologically important marine life. No banned chemicals or antibiotics are used, and wastewater is treated thoroughly before discharge, preventing environmental contamination.
Robust biosecurity measures
Seamark employs stringent biosecurity practices to reduce the risk of pathogen introduction and spread. Disease-free healthy shrimp stocks are used, and all incoming stock undergoes quarantine and lab analysis for diseases. All incoming water is treated, and strict personal hygiene measures are maintained. Optimal environmental conditions are ensured throughout the facility.
Traceability and environmental responsibility
Seamark ensures 100% traceability of its harvested shrimps, produced in a controlled intensive/super intensive culture system. The farming practices do not disrupt natural aquatic wildlife areas, thereby protecting the natural ecosystem. The waste management system prevents the discharge of solid waste and untreated wastewater into the environment.
Production capacity and future plans
Seamark’s farm boasts a production capacity of approximately 240 million PL/year. The facility includes thirty-two nursery ponds with a capacity of 48 metric tons each, five hundred male and female broodstock, two intensive culture ponds of 1 acre each, and a super intensive culture pond of 0.25 acres. The farm aims to produce thirty-five metric tons of 30/40 size Vannamei shrimps per acre per cycle. Additional facilities include four mother maturation tanks (200 metric tons each), eight maturation tanks (15 metric tons each), sixteen LRT tanks (48 metric tons each), six nursery tanks (48 metric tons each), ten algae tanks (20 metric tons each), and fifty fiberglass tanks (500 liters each).
Seamark’s Teknaf project, currently under construction, will feature twelve 1-acre ponds and is expected to start production next year.
The global Vannamei shrimp market has seen significant growth in recent years, and Bangladesh, with its land constraints, must adopt intensive/super intensive shrimp farming practices to maximize land use and increase production. Seamark guarantees antibiotic-free shrimps with complete traceability. Utilizing feed from CPF Thailand ensures the highest food and nutritional value, coupled with stringent microbiological and chemical quality testing. Seamark’s production methods promise zero microbial risk and minimal chemical hazards, earning recognition from all end users.
