THE CRUST - ISSUE #16

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2024 surely came with a Bang for the shrimp aquaculture sector, with a lot of stuff happening even in its first month. The most concerning news that had happened was the nationwide state of emergency declared in Ecuador. The announcement was declared on January 8th following the multiple armed conflicts and attacks by organized criminal gangs. We are saddened to hear this, and we hope that our fellow shrimp farmers in Ecuador are safe and that the situation can be resolved soon. Another piece of news to follow this year is the currently ongoing anti-dumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) on the frozen warmwater shrimp producers. The affected countries are Ecuador, Indonesia, India, and Vietnam. The preliminary determinations for the CVD case are due this month, and it will surely tip the balance of shrimp supply if any of the alleged countries get slapped with further tariffs. At least there is one thing that we can look forward to this year, and it is the Shrimp Aqua-

culture Conference (SAC) happening again in June this year. For those who haven’t heard of it, it is the flagship event of our organization, the Petambak Muda Indonesia (PMI). It will be held in Bali again, and you can expect a 2-days outing packed with learning, fun, and a journey to discover an Aquaculture Renaissance. Keep reading THE CRUST for more news, and we hope to see you there. Finally, we must focus on what we do again as we leave the holiday mood behind. The journey ahead will be challenging, and we don’t know what other exciting news 2024 will bring. To everyone reading this magazine, including everyone in THE CRUST, I would like to say: Back to work!

THE CRUST - RIZKY

CHIEF EDITOR OVERVIEW

reetings and Happy New Year 2024! Welcome to another year with THE CRUST as we deliver news about what is currently happening in aquaculture. I hope everyone reading this has had a nice end-of-year holiday and got enough rest. We do believe that a bit of rest goes a long way for both productivity and mental well-being to move forward. This goes to everybody, even to the farmers in this industry, where they say the shrimp never sleeps.

Ceo

Photo source : The CRUST

Issue 16 | Jan -2024

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Rizky Darmawan Chief Editor


Art A

Momentum for Delving

TICLE

fter relying on the US market as the export destination for Indonesian shrimp products for a long while, recently things have been a bit shaky in this crucial Indonesian market. Gerry Gilang, a young shrimp farmer from Padang, West Sumatra, tells The Crust that oversupply from

countries like India, Ecuador, Vietnam, and Indonesia, along with rising US interest rates causing a drop in consumer de­ mand, and CVD and AD issues, have all played a part in the de­ crease in both price and volume of Indonesian shrimp exports to the US. Gerry says that these va­ rious issues can be the right op­ portunity to initiate real action on developing the local market, which stakeholders have often talked about. “It’s not too late to start focusing on the local market. It’s a long­term agenda that won’t be completed in the next 1­2 months. Perhaps we’ll see the results in the next 5­10 years instead. But we need to start immediately,” he optimis­ tically states.

Photo source : Doc. Gerry Gilang, JALA, Coco Kokarkin, Patrick Djuanda

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CEO of JALA Liris Madu­ ningtyas, echoes a similar sen­ timent. According to research conducted by JALA, the decli­ ning shrimp prices are attribut­ ed to an oversupply of shrimp that is not met with a corre­ sponding increase in demand from export destination coun­ tries. This situation is exacer­ bated by Indonesia’s shrimp in­ dustry facing tough competition in terms of quality and the lack of alternative markets. In response, after being involved in shrimp off­taking from ponds for the past 4 years, JALA aims to channel 5% of its shrimp production to the lo­ cal market this year. “Besides conducting market research, we are also going to sell fresh and value­added shrimp in the local market. Since 85­90% of our shrimp is exported and our local consumption is quite small, coupled with the intense competition in the global market, we see this as a good opportunity to focus on the local market,” she explains.

The Opportunities and Challenges

Gerry, who delved into shrimp farming since 2020 with a keen focus on the local market, points out that there are three essential factors required to start the development local market: namely the supply, demand, and local traders. In his opinion, these key elements have already been successfully addressed in his region in West Sumatra. “Sixty percent of my shrimp sales go to the local market, while the remaining 40% is directed to factories or cold storage. I collaborate closely with local traders who possess established access to the traditional market and are prepared for any risks, such as logistical hurdles and payment uncertainties.” Despite the limited daily absorption capacity of the local market in his area, capped at 5 tons, the profit margin appears to be more favorable than selling to cold storage. “Undoubtedly, this will influence his farming strategy. Although the risks in the local market are significant, they are proportio­ nate to the margins,” notes the farmer with a Finance background. Patrick Djuanda, Marketing Director of PT Panca Mitra Multiperdana Tbk (PMMP), specializing in frozen seafood processing with a focus on shrimp

Survey results conducted by PMI on strategies for Indonesian shrimp stakeholders

Issue 16 | Jan -2024


g Deeper into the Huge Local Market perception and purchasing po­ wer are also challenges. The notion that shrimp is expensive and high in cholesterol needs to be changed since shrimp is a cost­effective protein option at IDR 60.000/kg, compared to beef at IDR 140.000/kg. “And I suggest enjoying shrimp with its head, as it contains high le­ vels of lecithin, minerals, zinc, selenium, and calcium.”

Collaborative Strategies and Urgent Actions

Collaboration from all par­ ties in shrimp marketing and branding in the local market is essential. According to Gerry, there is a need for education and awareness, involving asso­ ciations, academics, and espe­ cially the government. It might even be beneficial to engage well-known influencers. In this regard, FUI has been active­ ly urging the governments to initiate a shrimp consumption movement for students. This aims to address the issue of stunting, both through school programs and by encouraging snack vendors at schools. On the other hand, The Crust recently conducted a survey ad­ dressing the ongoing decline in shrimp prices and the an­

ticipation of CVD and AD accusations against Indonesia. This involved members of the Young Indonesian Shrimp Farmers Association (PMI). The results showed that 50% of PMI members chose “strengthening the local market” as the immediate action to be taken, 34% opted for “finding a new market (China)”, 8% favored “developing new shrimp products,” and 4% leaned towards “finding a new market (Europe)”. The association has also started exploring collaborations with a fast-food company in Indonesia. This aligns with Coco’s idea that utilizing existing channels is the fastest way to develop a market. He emphasizes that it’s more practical to tap into the existing network of hundreds of fast-food outlets rather than starting an exclusive shrimp fast-food restaurant from the ground up. In conclusion, Gerry emphasizes that it’s time for stakeholders to move from discussion to action promptly. For instance, shrimp producers can foster partnership with local

traders who are already active in the local market. “Then, let’s observe the market’s response after taking these steps!”

THE CRUST - UTE, AB

and salmon, expresses his optimism about the promising prospects in the local market. While 99% of PMMP’s product market is currently focused on exports, and less than 1% caters to the local market, Patrick recognizes the local market as more profitable. He explains that domestic prices are generally stable and on the rise, despite the smaller volume compared to exports. Patrick emphasizes, “We target the premium segment of the local market, ensuring that the quality matches our exported products.” He also thinks that the future of the local shrimp market holds promise but also presents challenges. “This is mainly because Indonesia’s cold chain infrastructure isn’t well-established, and people still perceive shrimp as high in cholesterol, despite it depending on how it’s cooked,” Patrick explains. Coco Kokarkin, Secretary-General of the Indonesian Shrimp Forum (FUI), recognizes the challenges of the local market. Typically, just 15% of Indonesian shrimp is sold domestically. He notes that the underdeveloped distribution network and cold chain to reach consumers, posing increased risks for perishable shrimp. Furthermore, consumer

Shrimp products for the local market produced by Jala

Coco Kokarkin Issue 16 | Jan -2024

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Liris Maduningtyas

Patrick Djuanda

Gerry Gilang


Issue 16 | Jan -2024

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Challenges and Traditional Practices in Shrimp Farming:

Fi sh

SCHOOL

The Persistent Challenge of Shrimp Size Uniformity Photo source : Doc. Tequisa Indonesia

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n shrimp farming, consistently achieving uniform shrimp sizes is a significant hurdle. It’s not just about producing a high-quality product, but also about ensuring the process is efficient and sustainable.

Traditional Methods: A Closer Look

Let’s dive into how shrimp farmers traditionally measure shrimp sizes. In Indonesia, for example, the process is often manual. Farmers use tools like “Anco” or nets to gather shrimp sam­ ples, and then measure their weight and length by hand. While this approach is straightforward, it has drawbacks. The amount of data that can be collected is limited by manpower, and the delay in pro­ cessing this information from numerous ponds can lead to outdated or less accurate insights.

The Early Stages: A Critical Time

The first 20-25 days in shrimp farming, often referred to as ‘blind feeding’, are particularly challenging. Due to the small size of the shrimp, farmers typically don’t measure them during this period. However, any missteps in feeding at this stage can lead to uneven shrimp sizes, affecting both the farm’s efficiency and its bottom line.

Shrimp Stocking with Tomota

Impact on Feeding and Growth Tracking This accuracy in stocking density is crucial, especially in the first 30 days, commonly known as the blind feeding pe­ riod. Traditional practices often leave farmers uncertain about the actual population of shrimp in the pond, typically waiting

Tomota: A Game-Changer in Shrimp Farming Here’s where artificial intel­ ligence (AI) can make a signifi­ cant difference. AI introduces a level of precision and efficien­ cy that manual methods can’t match, revolutionizing how we monitor shrimp growth. Take Tomota, for instance. This AI-powered tool isn’t just user-friendly, it’s a gamechanger for measuring and managing shrimp sizes. It enables daily monitoring, a stark contrast to the weekly checks of the past. With Tomota, farmers get real-time data on stocking density and growth variations, allowing for more informed and timely decisions. Tomota in Action: Minh Phu Seafood Corporation Consider the success story of Minh Phu Seafood Corpo­ ration in Vietnam. By imple­ menting Tomota across over a thousand ponds, they’ve seen remarkable improvements in productivity and cost efficien­ cy. The daily use of Tomota S3 for growth monitoring means farmers can quickly identify and address any growth-related is­ sues, leading to better overall farm performance.

Conclusion: Tomota and the Future of Aquaculture The introduction of Tomota represents a significant leap in the digital transformation of aquaculture. This tool of­ fers accessible, affordable, and high-quality data collection, which is pivotal for informed decision-making. With Tomo­ ta, farmers can track shrimp size more accurately and fre­ quently, improving Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in subsequent cycles. The in­ sights gained from monitoring variance, growth rates, and the weight of shrimp are invaluable. Furthermore, Tomota pro­ vides essential data during the critical first 30 days of blind feeding. This information doesn’t just impact the current cycle, it offers insights that ena­ ble farmers to refine and fortify their farming protocols for fu­ ture cycles. The enhanced ac­ curacy in growth stocking den­ sity achieved through Tomota is a game-changer. It allows farmers to reach the theoreti­ cal maximum consumption of shrimp without overfeeding, thereby maintaining optimal water quality and promoting healthier, more uniform growth. In summary, Tomota is not just a tool for the present, it’s a pathway to a more efficient, productive, and sustainable future in shrimp farming. By embracing this technology, farmers are not only optimizing their current practices but also setting a new standard in aqua­ culture.

THE CRUST - TEQUISA INDONESIA

Enhancing Accuracy in Shrimp Stocking Traditionally, shrimp stock­ ing is a process fraught with uncertainty. Manual counting methods typically sample only 2-3% of the total shrimp, lead­ ing to errors in growth stocking density of around 15-20%. This inaccuracy affects feeding pro­ tocols and can impact overall pond health. Tomota introduces a paradigm shift in this process. By counting about 10% of the

shrimp – for instance, 10 bags out of 100 – Tomota achieves an impressive accuracy in growth stocking density, reducing the error rate to below 5%. This precision allows farmers to un­ derstand the theoretical limits of feeding, thereby optimizing feeding protocols and ensuring that shrimp are not overfed, which can negatively impact water quality.

until 45-50 days for a higher confidence level in the active post-larvae count. With Tomota, this uncertainty is significantly reduced. Farmers gain a more accurate insight into the shrimp population much earlier, allow­ ing them to optimize feeding for rapid growth without the risk of overfeeding.


Protect your profits

Mitigate risk through mycotoxin deactivation In addition to rising feed costs, mycotoxins further impact profitability by impairing growth performance and health status. The risk is never zero. Mycotoxin risk management is the insurance policy to secure feed quality and safety, whilst optimizing productivity.

Reduced risk

Increased productivity and efficiency

Sustainable production

If not us, who? If not now, when?

WE MAKE IT POSSIBLE

www.dsm.com/anh Follow us on:


Art

TICLE

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he success of vannamei shrimp farming relies heavily on technology and skilled personnel in pond management. The role of tech­ nical support and pond ope­ rators, which are commonly part of feed companies, play a crucial part in achieving suc­ cessful results. While technical support or assistance has been a longstanding practice, it goes beyond just expanding the com­ pany’s customer base – it plays a more significant role. Guruh Suryawan, the Head of the Regional East Area at Central Proteina Prima, tells The Crust that their techni­

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Technical Support Services’ Impac cal support team originally stemmed from a demonstration program known as “dempond” or demonstration ponds since the year 2000. Then in 2005, CPP specifically introduced technical support or technical assistance for shrimp farms. Guruh recalls, “After shrimp farms encountered various issues in 2005, such as IMNV, we shifted our focus to technical support (for customers) in 2006 and 2007.” He explains that technical assistance functions as support from the sales team, helping customers navigate the technical aspects of pond management. Although it involves some costs, this technical support can be considered a service for farmers or owners using the company’s feed product. The goal is to foster customer loyalty to the brand, and the feed company can also showcase its products for promotional purposes. To ensure the quality of the technical support team, he implements a meticulous selection process, exclusively bringing on team graduates or associates with fisheries backgrounds. But the commitment doesn’t end there – these potential technical assistants or technicians undergo a rigorous training program before stepping into the real field. Guruh has been spearheading the Professional Aquaculture Technician Training

Issue 16 | Jan -2024

(PACT), an educational program for aspiring technicians. So far, approximately 47 batches have been successfully trained, each consisting of up to 20 individuals. He highlights, “We’ve been running this program for quite some time to nurture new technicians – young professionals we eventually place in partner’s ponds. While we value and are responsible for our older or senior technicians, over time, the need for regeneration becomes apparent.”

Inspiring Startups

The technical assistance approach implemented by Guruh for over a decade has not only shown effectiveness but has also caught the attention of startup companies. Inspired by feed companies, startups like eFishery have also adopted the accompaniment approach. Suhendra, the Channel Program Senior Manager for Shrimp Business at eFishery, explains to The Crust that their technical assistance initiatives are designed to simplify the adoption of the innovations and technology they’ve developed for farmers. “The technical assistance process is designed to empower farmers with the knowledge to effectively utilize eFishery’s innovations and technology for successful and sustainable cultivation,” says Suhendra. Meanwhile, Bobby Gunawan, Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer of aquaculture startup PT Delos Teknologi Maritim Jaya, shares a similar perspective with Guruh and Suhendra. He believes that support services for shrimp farmers are appealing to startups like Delos due to the chal-

lenges in shrimp cultivation that are continually evolving. Startups can provide technical assistance or pond operator services, offering essential technical and managerial assistance for shrimp farmers. Bobby explains, “This technical assistance or pond operator service is especially valuable for those entering the industry for the first time or for farmers struggling to find solutions to issues in their ponds.” Bobby further elaborates that technical assistance is a primary service offered by Delos through Aqua Hero. This reflects their commitment to making a more significant contribution to resolving production issues in shrimp farms. Besides focusing on the technical aspects of cultivation, Delos is even developing a comprehensive business ecosystem through the AquaLink program, aiming to assist shrimp farmers’ upstream and downstream businesses.

Beyond Just Technical Support

Despite playing a crucial role, Bobby emphasizes that using technical support services does not always guarantee the success of cultivation. According to him, the most important factor is the ability of the shrimp farmer or pond operator to comprehend data-driven issues, evaluate them, and take corrective actions. “However, choosing the right technical support services will help us learn more quickly. Currently, Delos manages 5 ponds, spread across Garut, Banyuwangi, Banten, Lampung, and Bangka,” he explains. Furthermore, Bobby, who also serves as the Chairman


ct on Successful Shrimp Farming

Aerial view over eFisherys shrimp farm partner in Lampung

over, the ability to analyze and evaluate is crucial for successful shrimp cultivation, whether managed independently or entrusted to operators,” he says. He also shares that over 800 shrimp farmers, with a total of 4,500 ponds scattered across almost every part of Indonesia, have joined the integrated partnership with eFishery. The collaboration involves eFishery providing access to its technology and innovations, while the farmers contribute funds to cover all the requirements in the integrated partnership program, such as feed, shrimp larvae, and other farming input products and facilities. Interestingly, eFishery can also facilitate the sale of harvested shrimp.

Sharing the Risk Equitably

Guruh Suryawan

costs become factors that require careful management to sustain profitability and the longevity of shrimp businesses. He emphasizes, “Resource management becomes paramount, requiring a holistic approach to water, feed, and energy management. This aligns with eFishery’s commitment, emphasizing the application of technology and innovation as catalysts for efficiency and productivity improvement, all while prioritizing sustainable practices in shrimp cultivation.

a Bobby Indr Gunawan

Suhendra Issue 16 | Jan -2024

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Photo source : Doc. eFishery, Guruh Suryawan, Bobby Indra Gunawan, Suhendra

Shrimp farming is not without their share of risks, including diseases and various challenges that may emerge in the field. To tackle these uncertainties, Bobby makes sure to incorporate risk mitigation strategies into the agreement. The distribution of responsibilities between the operator and the owner is collec-

tively determined and clearly outlined in the collaboration agreement. Bobby explains, “Different collaboration models may involve farmers sharing some risks, while others may place more responsibility on the operator or technical assitance.” Suhendra takes a similar approach, recognizing the management of shrimp health as a crucial priority due to the intricate challenges posed by diseases that can impact pond productivity and sustainability. He also considers global market dynamics, where fluctuations in shrimp prices and the increase in feed raw material

THE CRUST - HK, AB

of Shrimp Club Indonesia (SCI) West Java and Banten chapter, points out that there are numerous partnership opportunities for companies, including startups, with shrimp farmers. Firstly, there’s technical assistance as a part of the service offered with the use of a product, such a common practice in many feed mills and other input products. Secondly, collaboration can involve a specific profit-sharing arrangement based on the pond’s earnings. Thirdly, a joint operational cooperation (KSO) system can be employed, dividing certain cost components between both parties, including profits from the farming business. When working on shrimp cultivation with pond owners, Delos opted for the KSO format. Bobby says that in this partnership, they offer end-toend operational management support to the ponds. Including providing technicians, lab analysts, as well as pond managers. Suhendra highlights that successful shrimp farming hinges on a range of factors including knowledge, understanding, and experience in cultivation, resources, access to quality products and markets, technology, and innovation. “More-

Harvest time at the eFisherys farm partner in Lampung


Wet

MARKET

Unveiling the Small yet Valuable Singaporean Shrimp Market

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oday, we will discuss a unique shrimp market: Singapore. Singapore stands out as a distinctive market for shrimp, being considered a ‘high-value’ market. Due to its affluence, many exporters believe that Singaporeans are willing to pay a great price for shrimp. This tends to be a general perception – if a country is wealthy, it can afford to pay more. The US and China serve as good examples. When these two countries want to buy shrimp, they pay the best prices and can purchase all sizes. However, these are two massive markets. We will focus on the smaller affluent market and examine how things might not be as rosy as they look. As a tiny island, Singapore does not produce much of its food. Sure, it has some small fish and shrimp farms, but this contributes to barely 5% of the seafood consumed on the island. Locally produced seafood has just not found a way to be cost-effective for Singaporeans. Seafood produced in neighboring countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia can have a production cost 3 times lower than Singapore, making it impossible for local farmers to compete. Many old-timers farm out of passion. Despite strong government support and ambitious attempts to establish productive and profitable farms, all efforts have fallen short. Importing food remains incredibly convenient for Singapore. Given the current government’s empha-

sis on food security, one wonders about the seriousness of this issue. The small shrimp farms in Singapore offer a tiny volume of products. Often marketed as ‘locally farmed in Singapore,’ these products command premiums on the local market. It remains unclear whether this is attributed to the ‘Made in Singapore’ brand or if locally farmed shrimp could outperform imported products in a blind taste test. The local market in Singapore, like in most countries, is split into three distinct categories: retail, food service, and the fresh ‘wet’ market. Retail supermarkets stock mainly two types of products. HOSO shrimp which are defrosted from blocks and displayed on the fresh counter, and peeled shrimp (both tail on/off) in the freezer section. Thawed shrimp on the fresh counters usually come from Malaysia and Ecuador, with the most common size being 25/35. It is an interesting size that one rarely sees on the international market. This was created specially by the Malaysians to make an “edge” in the Singapore market. Again, as being an affluent market, Singaporeans prefer bigger-sized shrimp for “presentation” purposes. However, lately, with the availability of cheaper Ecuadorian products, we begin to see 31/40 and even 41/50 Ecuadorian HOSO shrimp appearing on fresh counters at much more competitive prices. Like most Asian markets, Singapore has a preference

for “fresh” shrimp. Ecuadorian quality, widely to be the best for refreshing purposes, is often used in Singaporean supermarkets. The common housewife, cannot usually tell the difference. The refresh market in Singapore has long been dominated by Malaysians who send products in a 5kg block. Over the past 5 years, Ecuador has gained a stronger presence by sending much cheaper products in more convenient forms, such as 2kg blocks or even individually quick frozen (IQF) HOSO. Food services in Singapore mainly focus on serving peeled shrimp, where price becomes a crucial factor. The highly soaked and glazed shrimp might lead you to think that in a market like Singapore, with an emphasis on quality, you would find a better product. However, the style of Singaporean cooking, where spices and flavors are imparted onto the shrimp, tends to overpower any natural shrimp taste. While higher-end restaurants may opt for high-quality shrimp, their volume remains limited. In the realm of food service, the vast majority of shrimp sales hinge on one crucial factor: price. Meanwhile, the wet market is an interesting sector. For the longest time, there were two main categories of shrimp found in the wet markets in the heartlands: Malaysian farmed monodon or vannamei and Indonesian sea-caught (red leg/sea white and sea tiger prawns). The quality of the wild-

THE CRUST - Mida

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Issue 16 | Jan -2024

caught product is highly erratic depending on the season and the handling. Despite this, sea whites have consistently been the preferred choice for consumers. The ongoing challenge, however, remains volume. As mentioned earlier, Singapore is surrounded by shrimp-producing countries. Malaysia and Indonesia compete to send fresh (or even live) products to Singapore. As a result, the market is saturated, and farmers strive to outdo each other by offering the best prices. While Malaysia typically holds the upper hand due to the land route, if an Indonesian farmer needs to sell their products quickly for cash, they opt for Singapore. The sad reality is that despite these advantages, Ecuadorian shrimp manages to remain competitive, thanks to its refreshing quality, competitive pricing, and the convenience of being able to thaw exactly how much you want, when you want. In summary, the affluent Singapore market offers numerous options. It’s a reminder that in a market with abundant choices, a wealthy country can select what to buy and when to buy it.



Art

Mind the Domino Effect of Mine

TICLE

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he Indonesian Meteoro­ logical, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) predicts that the peak of the rainy season will per­ sist until early February across most regions of Indonesia. While some areas experience an earlier climax, others see a delayed onset. The current heightened rainfall intensity poses a significant challenge to the cultivation of vannamei. As precipitation patterns fluctuate, shrimp farmers are confronted with the need for adaptive stra­ tegies to ensure the continued success of their operations. Joseph Santoso, the Ge­ neral Manager of Delta Marine Indonesia, highlights the signif­ icance of monitoring water pH during the rainy season. Rain is typically acidic and can impact the stability of pH and overall water quality. Joseph empha­ sizes the importance of track­ ing changes and shifts in pH, as continuous variations can dis­ rupt water quality stability. According to him, maintain­ ing pH levels during the rainy season should align with the existing cultivation system. In closed or low water exchange systems, for example, pH main­ tenance involves keeping alka­ linity as a buffer to prevent wide fluctuations in pH. Typically, farmers accomplish this by using minerals such as limes. “But if the farm system uses a water exchange system, then the rain can be advantageous for the farmer,” Joseph tells The Crust. What needs attention is the transition period from the dry season to the rainy season, known to Indonesian shrimp

farmers as “pendiding” season. Water temperature can reach their lowest point at this time, affecting the shrimp’s appetite. He says that farmers usually avoid this season when shrimp are in their peak feeding phase, which is at 40-120 days of culture (DOC). Another threat during the rainy season is the potential for a plankton crash, especially for farmers who rely on plankton. With reduced sunlight intensity during this season, farmers must prioritize ensuring plankton’s survival.

Key Roles of Minerals and the Impact of its Deficiency

Besides the pH decrease and the risk of plankton crash, the rainy season can also lower the salinity levels in the ponds. This decline in salinity can lead to a decrease in mineral content, disrupting the balance. According to Arfindee Abru, the Regional Manager at INVE Aquaculture, such conditions could be one of the causes of mineral deficiencies in the ponds. “If heavy rain falls into the pond, and we don’t have a system to drain the excess water, the rainwater will automatically mix in. Consequently, the mineral concentration in the pond will decrease, particularly in smaller ponds. The impact will be more significant with smal­ ler volume ponds.” Arfindee said at the SCI Jabar-Banter gathering recently. Arfindee emphasized that mineral deficiency due to the rainy season can be the root cause of various adverse symptoms in shrimp. Some symp-

toms that may arise from such conditions include cramps, white muscle disease, soft shells, blue shrimp in monodon, molting issues, and even low harvest quality. The Thai expert explained that in cases in his country, mineral deficiency can lead to a 20% reduction in har­ vest biomass due to symptoms like soft shells. “Therefore, Thai farmers take great care to en­ sure an adequate mineral sup­ ply before harvesting.” Dery Hermawan, Chemi­ cal & Microbiology Supervisor at Aquaculture Technology and Development PT Suri Tani Pemuka (STP), elaborated on the role of minerals in main­ taining shrimp biomass. In a recent Q4 Meeting East held by the Young Shrimp Farmers As­ sociation (PMI), he mentioned that minerals, especially calci­ um and magnesium, are crucial components in the forming of shrimp shells and play a sig­ nificant role in the growth and molting processes. Therefore, with sufficient mineral support during molting, shrimp can achieve optimal biomass. In addition to being biomass constituents, minerals play a crucial role in ensuring the sta­ bility or balance of processes within the shrimp’s body, known as homeostasis. This includes maintaining blood pH, ATP transport, o s m o re ­ gulation, respira­ tion, and so on. Mi ne rals also serve as build­

The effects of minerals deficienc

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Issue 16 | Jan -2024

The example of mineral (Mg) calcula


erals Deficiency in Rainy Season than 0.3. He recommends increasing alkalinity through the application of limes such as CaO and CaCO3 at night by 5-10 ppm.

Application Through Water and Feed

As minerals serve various functions for shrimp, the environment, and the microorganisms within it, the application of minerals in ponds can be carried out in two ways: through the water or the feed. Dery outlined several examples of macro minerals for water, including Calcium (Ca) sourced from limestone (CaCO3), Dolomite (CaMgCO3), Hydrated lime (Ca(OH)2), Calcium Sulfate (CaSO4), Calcium chloride (CaCl2), Calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2); Magnesium derived from Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), Magnesium chloride (MgCl2), Magnesium oxide (MgO), and Magnesium carbonate (MgCO3); while Potassium (K) comes from Muriate of Potash (KCl) and Potassium nitrate (KNO3). For example, in maintenance water with a salinity of 22 ppt, the magnesium (Mg) mineral content is only 860 ppm. Consequently, the water naturally lacks sufficient magnesium minerals for shrimp

needs. Therefore, the addition of MgSO4 is necessary, with a purity of 95%, at a rate of 0.2 grams/m3. While providing minerals through the feed is intended for types of minerals that shrimp cannot absorb directly from the water. Some minerals that can­ not be absorbed include phos­ phorus, copper, cobalt, seleni­ um, iodine, and several others “The solution is to provide minerals not only in the water but also mixed with the feed. We must ensure that the shrimp’s mineral needs are met, as a deficiency can lead to imperfect meta­ bolic systems. Even though they require s m a l l a mounts, it’s crucial and neces­ sary,” he said. How­ ever, de­ spite the crucial role

of minerals in shrimp farming, as emphasized by many aquaculture practitioners, there is no silver bullet in shrimp cultivation. Mineral management in ponds still needs to be accompanied by the other aspects in complex farm management to ensure the optimal progress of the cultivation process.

ation, image source: Dery Hermawan

Arfindee Abru

Joseph Santoso

Dery Hermawan Issue 16 | Jan -2024

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Photo source : Doc. Dery Hermawan, Joseph Santoso, Agristream Tv, Arfindee Abru, THE CRUST

cy, image source: Arfindee Abru

THE CRUST - AB

ing blocks for enzymes in the shrimp’s body, facilitating biochemical reactions. They are referred to as cofactors, aiding in the smooth functioning of metabolism and digestion in the shrimp’s body. During the rainy season, the role of minerals becomes increasingly crucial due to the higher potential for deficiencies. According to Joseph, minerals are essential as part of the effort to enhance alkalinity and serve as a pH buffer. This helps prevent wide fluctuations in pH during the rainy season. With an adequate supply of minerals, the cultivation system will function smoothly. All elements in the pond, including shrimp, bacteria, and plankton, will utilize and benefit from these minerals. “During the rainy season, plankton has the potential to crash frequently. However, if we ensure an adequate supply of minerals, this can be minimized, affecting the stability of water quality and the well-being of shrimp,” says Joseph. Based on his experience, when Alkalinity is <150, the pH can easily fluctuate throughout the day. However, if the alkalinity value is increased to >150-200, then usually the pH remains relatively stable with a daily change range of no more


BREAK TIME

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Dress to Impress

hile we shrimp farmers may not frequently don suits in our daily operations, the increasing number of formal conferences and seminars within the shrimp industry suggests that having a well-prepared wardrobe is now more relevant than ever. Formal attire, such as a suit, can convey a sense of modernism and professionalism on such occasions. TV personality Steve Harvey, known for his style expertise, offers valuable recommendations on selecting suits that not only meet the requirements of these events but also provide a diverse range of options to keep your wardrobe dynamic and engaging. Let’s explore Harvey’s suggestions for suits that offer both versatility and a touch of style in the world of shrimp farming conferences.

Black Suit

No wardrobe is complete without the timeless black suit. While it may be considered the epitome of formality, a well-tailored black suit is a versatile piece that can be appropriate for a range of occasions. You can use it to work, funerals, job interviews, anniversaries, or virtually any formal occasions. Pair it with a crisp white shirt and a black tie for a classic, sophisticated look.

Navy Suit

Brown Suit

Gray Suit

By incorporating these essential-colored suits into your wardrobe, you’ll be well-equipped to handle a variety of occasions with style and confidence. Remember to pay attention to fit, and mix and match these suits with different shirts, ties, and accessories to create a virtually unlimited array of combinations. So, next time you attend a conference, ensure that you demonstrate how a farmer can exude style and sophistication.

The navy-blue suit is the cornerstone of a versatile wardrobe. Its deep, rich hue strikes a balance between formality and versatility, making it suitable for business meetings, weddings, and a variety of social events. Pair it with a crisp white shirt and a bold tie for a classic look, or experiment with patterns and textures for added flair.

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Issue 16 | Jan -2024

Tan Suit

In warmer climates or during the sunny seasons, a khaki or tan suit becomes a refreshing addition to your wardrobe. This light-colored suit is perfect for daytime events, garden parties, or semi-casual gatherings. Pair it with a white or light blue shirt for a crisp, clean look.

THE CRUST - RIZKY

Gray exudes sophistication and is an excellent choice for formal occasions. Its versatility allows it to seamlessly transition from the boardroom to evening events. A well-fitted charcoal suit can be paired with a light-colored shirt for a refined look or a darker shirt for a more contemporary vibe.

A brown suit, ranging from light tan to deeper chocolate shades, adds warmth and versatility to your collection. It is an excellent choice for fall and winter events, providing a refined alternative to the more traditional colors. Pair it with a light blue shirt for a stylish contrast or with darker tones for a more monochromatic ensemble.



Contact Us admin@pmindo.com Rosebay Unit A101, Graha Famili, Blok W, Pradahkalikendal, Kec. Dukuhpakis Kota Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60227, Indonesia

Cover art by Al - Ad


Denny Leonardo

Shrimp is love Shrimp is life

Rizky Darmawan

The more I know, the more I realize how little I understand. So stay humble and keep on learning.

Gemilang Lim

My secret to joy in life is in finding balance. Balance in family, sweating, and making decisions.

t s u r C n I We Trust



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