Researchers at the University of Exeter are contributing to the sustainability of the Bangladesh shrimp industry by introducing a new suite of digital training tools. This initiative is crucial for an industry that employs approximately 3.5 million people and serves as a vital source of dietary protein for the Bangladeshi population.
Despite its rapid growth over the past four decades, the shrimp industry in Bangladesh faces mounting challenges, particularly from diseases attributed to inadequate biosecurity measures. The economic, social, and environmental costs of these challenges are substantial.
Led by Professor Charles Tyler, the project aims to enhance sustainability by addressing biosecurity issues within the Bangladesh shrimp aquaculture industry. Effective biosecurity can prevent disease outbreaks, reduce the need for chemicals and drugs, and consequently, enhance productivity while minimizing the impact on biodiversity loss, water pollution, and the risk of antimicrobial resistance.
The digital tools developed by the University of Exeter team are specifically designed for shrimp hatcheries, which produce larval shrimp and supply the extensive industry comprising over 300,000 farmers across Bangladesh. In collaboration with local partners WorldFish and the Centre for Communication Action Bangladesh, the team has created digital training videos, a self-assessment app, and monitoring sheets to make biosecurity training more engaging and accessible.
Dr. Kelly Thornber, the lead researcher, highlighted the importance of tailoring training materials for the unique challenges of low-income, extensive farming systems prevalent in Bangladesh. The tools developed are pragmatic, simple, and cost-effective, ensuring their suitability for implementation across diverse contexts.
Funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, this project is part of the Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Futures (SAF), a collaboration between the University of Exeter and the UK Government’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS). SAF is dedicated to supporting the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry, contributing to global food security, and promoting the provision of nutritious food.
Professor Tyler, Co-Director of SAF, emphasized the importance of disease control in aquaculture for long-term sustainability. The project’s focus on training and enhancing biosecurity measures aligns with the broader goal of minimizing the environmental impact of the aquaculture industry, ensuring its responsible growth in the future.
Source: University of Exeter