Technological Advances that Led to Growth of Shrimp, Salmon, and Tilapia Farming

TLDR

Aquaculture has become the world’s fastest growing food sector, with supply rising from 0.7 mMT in 1950 to 90 mMT in 2012, driven by technology that increased production control and enabled rapid expansion. This review examines supply‑side technological progress that spurred growth in shrimp, salmon, and tilapia production from 1981 to 2012. The authors review and synthesize evidence of technological innovations that increased production of shrimp, salmon, and tilapia between 1981 and 2012. Key advances included hatchery‑raised post‑larvae, improved feed, and species shifts for shrimp; nutritionally balanced feed, automation, genetics, and vaccines for salmon; and the diffusion of Genetically Improved Farm Tilapia for tilapia, all of which drove rapid growth.

Abstract

Aquaculture has been the world's fastest growing food production sector with an annual growth rate of 8%. Total aquaculture supply increased dramatically from 0.7 mMT in 1950 to 90 mMT in 2012. Growth of the global seafood supply was made possible through adoption of new technologies that brought more control over aquaculture production processes. This review presents evidence of supply-side technological progress that spurred growth in shrimp, salmon, and tilapia production from 1981 to 2012. Greater availability of hatchery-raised post-larvae, better feed formulations, and a shift in preferred shrimp species from Penaeus monodon to Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Litopenaeus vannamei appear to have been critical technological advances that triggered rapid growth of shrimp farming. Nutritionally balanced feed, use of automated labor-saving equipment, genetic selection programs, and development of vaccines triggered growth of Atlantic salmon production. Diffusion of Genetically Improved Farm Tilapia (GIFT) was a key technological development that fueled rapid growth of tilapia farming. Understanding the technological advances that led to growth of shrimp, salmon, and tilapia farming may provide insights for future growth of other aquaculture species.