European Shrimp Highlights of 2024
Dear EuroShrimp Community Members,
As we approach the end of the year, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on what an extraordinary year it has been. To sum up some of the highlights and insights of this year, we have provided an overview and links to some of the interesting articles and new projects of shrimp farming in Europe this year. We hope you find them interesting! Of course, if you have your own highlights to share, please feel free to contact us!
We will be sharing the results of our most recent meeting and workshop in Copenhagen in the first Newsletter in 2025!
INVESTMENTS AND EXPANSIONS
Bjorn Aspheim has resumed leadership of Noray, guiding its acquisition by an investment group and spearheading significant expansion with 40 new pre-growing and growing tanks. Noray, the first indoor shrimp farm globally to achieve Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification, highlights its commitment to sustainable aquaculture through solar power installations and 100% recyclable packaging.
Bjorn Aspheim returns to Noray Seafood with ambitious plans to boost production
Agriloops has secured a €13 million investment to launch its first commercial-scale aquaponic facility, “Mangrove #1,” in Bréal-sous-Montfort, France. Projected to be one of Europe’s largest, it will produce over 100 tonnes of shrimp and vegetables annually, marking Agriloops’ shift from R&D to large-scale production and commercialization. The company’s patented saltwater aquaponics technology, validated at its pilot facility, underscores its innovative approach to sustainable aquaculture.
Agriloops Raises €13 Million to Build First Commercial-Scale Farm
The Swedish Agricultural Agency has granted SEK 10 million to a sustainable food production project led by Olivier Keech at Umeå University and the Umeå Plant Science Centre. The project focuses on circular aquaculture using Bio-RAS technology, where microorganisms like bacteria, microalgae, and zooplankton filter water and convert residual nutrients into natural feed for shrimp and fish. Researchers will also develop a mathematical model to optimize energy conversion, nutrient storage, biomass production, and the economic viability of the pilot plant.
10 million to project for sustainable shrimp and fish production
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has provided a €35 million loan to the German start-up Oceanloop, a leader in sustainable aquaculture technology. This funding will support two key projects: expanding the capacity of its Kiel facility from 5 to 60 tonnes per year and constructing a large-scale, land-based shrimp farm in Gran Canaria, with an annual production capacity of 2,000 tonnes.
European Investment Bank backs Oceanloop with 35 million investment
ANIMAL WELFARE
Following a proposal by the Party for the Animals, which the House of Representatives approved, the Dutch government will consider advocating for a European import ban on shrimp that have had their eyes removed to stimulate reproduction. The Minister of Agriculture, Nature, and Food Quality will also urge Dutch supermarkets to stop selling these ethically mistreated shrimps. Two Dutch supermarkets have already reconsidered their supply chains.
The Dutch house of representatives aims to end eyestalk ablation in shrimp
Tesco has implemented a strict crustacean welfare policy, reflecting its commitment to ethical aquaculture and rising consumer demand for higher welfare standards. Developed with the Aquatic Life Institute, the policy includes eliminating live animal sales, mandating electric stunning methods, reducing reliance on forage fish oils for sustainability, and promoting ablation-free reproducers to prevent harmful breeding practices.
Tesco adopts strict crustacean welfare policy
Understanding whether crustaceans experience pain is vital for improving their welfare. A recent study by scientists from the University of Gothenburg, Universidade do Algarve, and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences investigated the central nervous system of shore crabs for evidence of nociceptive responses. While crustaceans exhibit pain-related behaviors, the study underscores the need for electrophysiological evidence of nociceptors to identify which injurious stimuli may cause pain in these animals.
Study Demonstrates Existence of Nociceptive Responses in Shore Crabs
In 2024, Pedrazzani et al. introduced the first General Welfare Index (GWI) for shrimp farming, focusing on Penaeus vannamei. This quantitative tool, developed using the PRISMA methodology, includes 31 measurable indicators across various welfare domains and has been previously applied to species like grass carp and tilapia. The GWI aligns with recent legislation recognizing decapod sentience, incorporates scientific advancements in animal welfare, and offers the aquaculture industry a practical tool for promoting responsible and sustainable practices.
Applying the General Welfare Index for Whiteleg Shrimp Reared in Aquaculture Grow-Out Ponds
NEW TECHNOLOGIES
A new shrimp farming approach, Biofloc Technology (BFT), shows potential for enhancing both environmental sustainability and economic viability. Researchers from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University of Western Macedonia, and Teledata S.A. evaluated the feasibility of farming the tropical shrimp species Penaeus vannamei in indoor systems, specifically assessing the application of BFT in temperate Mediterranean regions. This method could revolutionize the way this popular seafood is produced.
Prototype of Biofloc Technology Developed for vannamei Shrimp Aquaculture in the Mediterranean
Shrimp Counters combine advanced sensor technology, artificial intelligence, and computer vision to provide precise shrimp counts during the transfer from nursery to grow-out stages. This innovation simplifies and enhances farming operations by giving farmers accurate stock data. HanseGarnelen, exemplifies a common challenge in shrimp farming: accurately determining stocking density. According to Sincere Aqua, the SC-4K Shrimp Counter can process up to 200,000 shrimp per hour, achieving at least 95% accuracy for shrimp sizes ranging from 0.1 to 5 grams. Accurate shrimp counts ensure proper space allocation and optimized feeding levels, promoting healthier and more productive farming.
German shrimp RAS adopts Danish shrimp counting technology
Ace Aquatec has launched a compact, self-contained electric stunning system for crustaceans, developed in collaboration with shrimp producers to ensure humane stunning before slaughter, in line with animal welfare standards. Mounted on a mobile trailer for easy transport, the system can process up to 8 tonnes per hour and is designed to meet stringent biosecurity protocols. Developed with the Shrimp Welfare Project and Sea Farms in Thailand, this innovation aims to promote higher welfare standards in the industry.
Ace Aquatec and the shrimp welfare project launch portable stunning system
We wish you a joyous holidays and a Happy New Year! We look forward to continuing our collaboration with you in 2025.
The Euroshrimp Team
REFERENCES
Pedrazzani, A. S., Cozer, N., Quintiliano, M. H., & Ostrensky, A. (2024). Insights into Decapod Sentience: Applying the General Welfare Index (GWI) for Whiteleg Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei—Boone, 1931) Reared in Aquaculture Grow-Out Ponds. Fishes, 9(11), 440.
P.S.: If you have any news, questions or information that you would like to pass on via the Euroshrimp network, please feel free to contact us. You can contact us via the website euroshrimp.net or send an e-mail to euroshrimp@awi.de.
Best wishes and all the best from the Euroshrimp team
Gregor, Matt & Mirko
Proposed by ALFRED-WEGENER-INSTITUT | Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research | Section of KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER | AQUACULTURE RESEARCH GROUP