Innovations in Shrimp Aquaculture: Optimizing Seaweed Biostimulants as an Integrated Approach to Disease Prevention

This study investigated the use of seaweed-derived biostimulants as a natural, sustainable solution to enhance shrimp health and resilience. The research was conducted over 12 days, during which shrimp were stocked at a density of 150 individuals per treatment. Biostimulants were applied in dosages ranging from 29 to 3,013 gs, adjusted to match shrimp growth stages and metabolic requirements. Microbial parameters, including total Vibrio count (TVC), total bacterial count (TBC), and TVC/TBC ratio, were assessed to evaluate microbial community dynamics. Lipid droplet coverage in shrimp hepatopancreas tissue was examined microscopically to determine metabolic health. The results revealed significant changes in microbial and metabolic parameters in response to biostimulant application. On Day 3, TVC was high (9.2×103 CFU) with a low TVC/TBC ratio (3.54%), indicating a less dominant role of Vibrio spp. By Day 9, the TVC/TBC ratio increased to 67.11%, suggesting a shift in microbial dominance influenced by biostimulant application. Lipid droplet coverage improved from 0–30% on Day 3 to 40–70% from Day 6 onwards, reflecting enhanced metabolic health. The findings demonstrate that seaweed biostimulants not only promote lipid metabolism but also influence microbial population dynamics, potentially reducing disease risks. These dual benefits position seaweed biostimulants as a promising, eco-friendly tool for sustainable shrimp aquaculture. Further research is recommended to explore long-term applications and the interaction with environmental factors. This study highlights the potential of integrating biostimulants into aquaculture practices to mitigate disease challenges and to enhance shrimp productivity in an environmentally sustainable manner.