B

  • Bacteria (Beneficial/Pathogenic): Microorganisms that are either essential in the nitrogen cycle (beneficial, e.g., Nitrosomonas) or cause disease (pathogenic, e.g., Vibrio).

  • BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices): An international certification seal focused on best management practices throughout the supply chain.

  • Batch (of ponds): A group of ponds in a farm.

  • Best Management Practices (BMPs): A set of procedures and practices implemented to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance biosecurity.

  • Bio-polymer (PHB): A biodegradable plastic produced by bacteria in BFT systems, which may serve as an energy source for shrimp.

  • Biocount (or Plate Count): A microbiological analysis to quantify the number of bacteria (e.g., total Vibrio) in water, soil, or animal tissue.

  • Biofloc (BFT System): An intensive culture system with minimal or no water exchange, where water quality is maintained by a microbial community (flocs) that recycles nutrients and serves as food.

  • Biomass: The total weight of organisms (shrimp or fish) in a pond or tank at a given time (Density x Average Weight x Area).

  • Biometrics: Periodic sampling of animal weight and length to track growth, calculate biomass, adjust feed, and estimate survival.

  • Biosecurity: A set of practices (e.g., quarantine, footbaths, access control) to prevent the entry and spread of diseases.

  • Black Spot (Melanosis): Darkening (black spots) that occurs on the shrimp's shell after harvesting due to oxidation. It is prevented with sodium metabisulphite.

  • Bloom (Algal): A rapid proliferation of microalgae (phytoplankton). It can be beneficial (food) or harmful (oxygen crash).

  • Brackish Water: Water that has a salinity level between freshwater and seawater.

  • Break-even Point: The point at which sales revenue equals production costs (zero profit).

  • Broodstock (Maturation): The sector of a hatchery focused on inducing gonadal development (ovaries/testes) in reproductive animals.

  • Broodstock: Adult animals genetically selected for reproduction.