Researchers from the University of Exeter are collaborating with the shrimp industry in Bangladesh to develop a new set of digital training tools, aimed at promoting sustainability. This industry holds significant importance in Bangladesh’s economy, providing employment to about 3.5 million people and serving as a key source of dietary protein for the local population.
Despite its rapid growth over the past four decades, the shrimp industry now faces considerable losses due to diseases, primarily stemming from insufficient “biosecurity” measures, which involve preventing the introduction and spread of harmful organisms. These challenges have far-reaching economic, social, and environmental consequences.
Professor Charles Tyler, leading the project, stated that the primary objective is to enhance the industry’s biosecurity and thereby foster sustainability. Drawing from experiences in other regions, it is evident that effective biosecurity measures can help prevent diseases and reduce the reliance on chemicals and drugs. By improving biosecurity in the Bangladesh shrimp industry, the researchers expect to increase productivity while minimizing adverse impacts on biodiversity loss, water pollution, and the risk of antimicrobial resistance.
The digital training tools created by the University of Exeter team are specifically designed for shrimp hatcheries, which play a crucial role in supplying the entire industry, involving over 300,000 farmers across Bangladesh. Collaborating with local partners such as WorldFish and the Centre for Communication Action Bangladesh, the researchers have developed practical and cost-effective solutions tailored to the needs of low-income, extensive farming systems commonly found in the country.
Dr. Kelly Thornber, the lead researcher, emphasized that conventional biosecurity training materials are often unsuitable for such farming systems, being overly technical and text-based. In response, the team has introduced digital training videos, a self-assessment app, and monitoring sheets, making biosecurity training more engaging and accessible.
The project’s funding comes from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and is one of the initiatives supported by the Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Futures (SAF). SAF is a collaborative effort between the University of Exeter and the UK Government’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), with the aim of supporting the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry, which plays a vital role in global food security and the provision of nutritious food.
SAF scientists are actively engaged with industry partners and stakeholders to improve aquatic animal health, ensure food safety, and protect the aquatic environment. Professor Tyler, SAF Co-Director, stressed the increasing importance of aquaculture for global food security and the need for responsible practices in harmony with the natural environment. Projects like this, focused on training and improving biosecurity measures, are deemed crucial for the long-term sustainability of the industry.
