Aquamimicry (Copefloc technology): an innovative approach for sustainable organic farming with special reference to shrimp aquaculture

Abstract With the rising demand for fish worldwide, aquaculture's contribution to the global food supply is crucial. To conserve natural resources by relying less on water supplies and minimizing land use, different cutting-edge technologies have been developed. These innovative, cutting-edge technologies should emphasize on environmental conservation and eco-safety by imparting environmental benefits, biosecurity safeguards, environmentally sound activities, mitigating substantial environmental concerns, and transmission of diseases. Shrimp farming has historically produced the highest profits in the aquaculture industry. The sector holds promise for foreign earnings and has boomed worldwide. Aquamimicry technology is one of the many novel technologies that have shown promising results in achieving long-term sustainability in the thriving shrimp farming sector. This novel method simulates a natural environment in controlled conditions by harnessing heterotrophic microorganisms thereby offering benefits for low-oxygen-intensive farming practices. Maintaining a specific C:N ratio in this system with the help of probiotics allows heterotrophic bacteria to make use of the nitrogenous metabolites released by food and waste matter, hence facilitating in preserving water quality, and providing protein-rich live feed i.e., copepods. As we all are well aware that feed cost makes up more than half of the entire cost of production in most culture system. Therefore, this innovation not only aids in maintaining water quality and health of the organism but also significantly reduces the reliance on supplementary feed, rendering it a profitable long-term strategy for aquaculture. Although the concept has been around for a while, aquaculture farmers are yet to adopt this method as information is sparse. The current review focuses on elucidating the underlying process, existing knowledge, and future prospects of aquamimicry technology, also known as Copefloc technology, to accelerate the advancements in shrimp farming industry.