Analysis of the impact of organic waste on water quality to support the superintensive technology vaname shrimp cultivation expansion program

The Pacific white or vaname shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) can now be cultivated using superintensive technology with stocking densities of 300–1200 shrimp/m3 and yields up to 100 tons/ha. However, this technology can produce nutrient-rich waste containing 20–30% of the nitrogen and phosphorus in shrimp feed. In aquaculture, feed is generally the largest source of organic pollution, adding to nutrient loads in coastal waters with negative impacts on ecosystems and human health. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact of organic waste from superintensive shrimp aquaculture on water quality, determine the water quality status, and estimate the carrying capacity for sustainable implementation of superintensive vaname shrimp farming technology in Labuange Bay, Indonesia. Results indicate that organic waste impacts included increased concentrations of nitrate, phosphate, total organic matter, and chemical oxygen demand; however all parameters were still within ranges tolerated by most marine organisms. Seawater of a quality suitable for use in superintensive shrimp cultivation ponds was found 800–1.600 m offshore during the wet season and 400–800 m offshore during the dry season. The recommended upper limit for intensive shrimp farming in Labuange Bay was 11 units of 3000 m2 each.