TARS 2018 - Shrimp Aquaculture

August 27 2018

TARS 2018 - Shrimp Aquaculture: Need for Change

Chang Mai, Thailand was the meeting point for Asia's key stakeholders in the shrimp aquaculture sector, who gathered to attend the 8th edition of The Aquaculture Roundtable Series (TARS), one of the most recognized events in the aquaculture industry in Asia.

With BioMar as industry partner, TARS 2018 was held from the 15th to 16th of August, two days with a comprehensive agenda under the theme "Shrimp Aquaculture: Need for Change". The theme originates from Asia's shrimp production challenges with low survival rates and disease outbreaks, which bring the need to shift Asia's shrimp production to a higher level of control and consistency resulting in cost efficiency.

Several experts representing key industry stakeholders and the academia exchanged insights and experiences at the plenary and interactive breakout sessions that have become hallmarks of TARS. Among the presenters was John Tinsley, Technical Director, Emerging Markets Division Americas, BioMar. John Tinsley's presentation titled "The road towards a sustainable shrimp industry: Challenges and opportunities in Latin America from a feed producer's perspective" delivered an overview of the current status of shrimp farming in Latin America, focussing on trends in production, feeds and certification. In addition, the presentation outlined how the feed industry is playing an ever stronger role in supporting the industry and securing its longevity.

John Tinsley explained: "Globally the shrimp industry is moving from a period of instability to strength; however competition on the worldwide market, production costs, and the risk of disease mean that there is a need to alter attitudes in order to succeed".

"Over the next few years there will be an increase in research and development into feeds designed to safeguard the development of the industry. Currently we are seeing research into functional feeds to promote health and welfare, feeds designed for nursery phases and feeds that utilise novel raw materials".

"Feed plays a crucial role in the value chain with sourcing, transparency and food safety as the foundation; feed producers connect the value chain and can provide unique opportunities for collaboration that will bring results towards a sustainable shrimp industry", concluded John Tinsley.

John Tinsley, Technical Director, Emerging Markets Division Americas, BioMar; during his presentation titled “The road towards a sustainable shrimp industry:  Challenges and opportunities in Latin America from a feed producer’s perspective”.

TARS 2018: Experts representing key industry stakeholders and the academia from Asia’s shrimp aquaculture industry gathered to assess the current state of industry, study approaches to improve shrimp production, and seek to transform the future of the industry.