10 Smart Investments to Increase Aquaculture Farm Productivity

Modern aquaculture, encompassing both shrimp farming and fish farming, operates in a highly competitive environment. Consequently, the pursuit of efficiency and optimization is no longer a mere differentiator but a necessity for business survival and profitability. Many producers associate increased production solely with area expansion; however, the greatest gains lie in technology and management. Making smart investments to increase productivity intelligently means allocating capital to areas that yield the highest return on investment (ROI), reducing costs, mitigating risks, and improving conversion rates.

This article explores ten strategic investments that can transform an aquaculture farm’s operation, boosting its results per hectare or cubic meter.

Essential Investments to Increase Productivity

Productivity is not the result of a single action but rather the synergy between various areas of the farm. From data management to water quality, each component directly impacts the final outcome of the production cycle.

1. Specialized Management Software

The most critical investment with the largest multiplier effect is the adoption of aquaculture-focused management software, such as Despesca. Management based on field notes or decentralized spreadsheets is inefficient and prone to errors.

A centralized system allows for rigorous production control (linking to an internal article on production management in shrimp farming), integrating data from biometrics, feeding, water quality parameters, costs, and inventory. This transforms raw data into business intelligence, enabling producers to identify bottlenecks, optimize feed usage (the largest production cost), and make decisions based on precise information rather than intuition.

2. Genetic Quality (Post-Larvae and Fingerlings)

The production cycle begins with the selection of genetic material. Investing in post-larvae (PLs) for shrimp or fingerlings for fish from certified laboratories that focus on genetic improvement for disease resistance (such as SPF – Specific Pathogen Free PLs) and rapid growth is fundamental.

Although the initial cost per animal may be slightly higher, the return manifests in higher survival rates, shorter cycle times, and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR).

3. Precision Nutrition and High-Performance Feeds

Feed typically represents, on average, 50% to 70% of production costs. Investing in highly digestible feeds formulated specifically for each life stage of the animal reduces waste and improves FCR.

Furthermore, “precision nutrition” involves not just quality, but the method of feeding. The use of automatic feeders (discussed below) or the definition of feeding regimens based on actual biomass (calculated by management software) and water parameters prevents under- or overfeeding.

4. Efficient Aeration Systems

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is often the primary limiting factor in intensive cultures. Investing in modern and efficient aeration systems (such as paddlewheel aerators, blowers, or air diffusers) allows for higher stocking densities per square meter.

Maintaining stable and optimal DO levels (above 4-5 mg/L) reduces animal stress, improves feed conversion (as the animal expends less energy on respiration), and prevents mass mortalities.

5. Water Quality Parameter Monitoring (Sensors and IoT)

Water quality management (linking to an internal article on water quality management in fish farming) is vital. Manual parameter checks (pH, ammonia, nitrite, temperature, DO) are labor-intensive and offer only a momentary “snapshot.”

Investing in multiparameter probes and sensors with IoT (Internet of Things) technology allows for real-time monitoring. This enables immediate corrective actions—such as automatically turning on aerators when DO drops—preventing catastrophic losses, especially during the night.

6. Robust Biosecurity

Preventing the entry of pathogens is exponentially cheaper than treating an established disease. Biosecurity investments include:

• Bird netting;
• Footbaths and vehicle dips (disinfection for boots and vehicles);
• Quarantine systems for new animals;
• Water supply treatment (filtration, UV, or ozone);
• Responsible use of probiotics to stabilize pond microbiology.

7. Technical Team Training

The best equipment is useless if the team does not know how to operate it correctly. Investing in continuous training on Best Management Practices (BMPs), correct use of management software (to ensure the quality of entered data), equipment maintenance, and early disease identification is crucial. A well-trained team is more efficient, proactive, and makes fewer operational errors.

8. Energy Efficiency

Aquaculture, especially with intensive aeration, is a significant consumer of electricity. Investing in alternative energy sources, particularly solar photovoltaic, can drastically reduce fixed operating costs. Furthermore, replacing old pumps and motors with high-efficiency models (or with frequency inverters) optimizes consumption and generates savings in the medium and long term.

9. Automated Feeders

As mentioned under nutrition, automated feeders are one of the great smart investments to increase productivity. They distribute feed in smaller, more frequent portions throughout the day (and night).

This improves nutrient absorption, reduces feed waste that would accumulate at the bottom, enhances water quality (less decomposing organic matter), and ensures greater batch uniformity.

10. Harvesting and Post-Harvest Infrastructure

Productivity does not end when the animal reaches market weight; it continues until the sale. Investing in efficient harvesting infrastructure (appropriate nets, holding cages, fish pumps) reduces capture stress and physical damage to the animals.

Additionally, adequate post-harvest facilities, such as ice machines (flake or block) and sorting tables, ensure product quality is maintained, leading to better market pricing.

The Importance of Integration: How Management Unifies Investments

There is no point in investing in aeration, high-quality feed, and advanced genetics if the producer cannot measure the real impact of these actions. The true leap in productivity occurs when these investments are integrated and monitored.

Management software, like Despesca, acts as the central nervous system of the farm. It allows the producer to accurately assess production costs (linking to an internal article on assessing production costs in aquaculture) for each pond, compare the performance of different feed brands or PL batches, and understand the ROI of each investment made.

Conclusion

Making smart investments to increase productivity in aquaculture requires a strategic vision. It’s not about buying the most expensive equipment, but about allocating resources to technologies and practices that optimize input usage, reduce risks, and improve operational efficiency.

Starting with information control—through robust management software—is the first and most critical step to ensure that all other investments generate the expected return, guaranteeing the farm’s competitiveness and long-term sustainability.