The practice of integrating sea cucumbers into shrimp ponds is an innovative aquaculture technique that represents a promising model for sustainable development. It serves as a key strategy for maximizing the utilization of shrimp farming areas and has significant potential for widespread adoption. This polyculture system not only enhances biodiversity but also improves economic returns, making it a valuable approach for farmers looking to diversify their income sources.
In terms of economic benefits, mixed farming systems can generate substantial profits. Typically, around 5,000 seedlings of 1.5 cm or larger are stocked per acre. With proper care over two years, a harvest rate of over 20% is achievable, resulting in yields ranging from 120 to 150 kg per mu. Given the high market value of sea cucumbers, this can translate to approximately 8,000 yuan per mu, offering a strong financial return.
To ensure successful integration, several critical steps must be followed:
1. **Site Selection**: Choose shrimp ponds with firm sediment and no freshwater inflow. The seawater salinity should remain above 26% consistently over time to create a suitable environment for sea cucumbers.
2. **Preparation and Disinfection**: Before stocking, the pond should be thoroughly cleaned, decontaminated, and disinfected. Common disinfectants include bleach (at 50 mg/kg) or quicklime (100 kg per mu), which helps eliminate pathogens and improve water quality.
3. **Attachment Base Installation**: Providing a substrate is essential for sea cucumber growth. These bases, such as stones, hollow bricks, porcelain tubes, or tiles, serve two purposes: they support benthic diatoms, which are a primary food source, and provide shelter for sea cucumbers during extreme weather. The amount of material used typically ranges from 5 to 10 cubic meters per mu, depending on the number of seedlings.
4. **Fertilization**: Apply organic fertilizer 10 days before stocking to promote the growth of benthic algae and phytoplankton. For example, 20–40 kg of dry chicken manure per acre and 2 kg of inorganic fertilizer per mu in spring can help create a nutrient-rich environment that supports sea cucumber development.
5. **Stocking Time**: Sea cucumber seedlings are usually released in spring (mid-March to April) or autumn (around October), when water temperatures are optimal for their growth and survival.
6. **Water Management**: Maintain a minimum water depth of 1.5 meters throughout the year. During hot seasons and winter, increase the depth to about 2 meters. Water changes should occur every 10 days, with about 30% of the water replaced each time. Keep the salinity above 26%, and during rainy or stormy weather, remove any freshwater that accumulates on the surface. After winter, clear snow and debris from the ice to maintain water clarity. Additionally, break the ice periodically to enhance dissolved oxygen levels, ensuring a healthy environment for the sea cucumbers.
Thermostat Heating Freezing Equipment
Thermostat Heating Freezing Equipment,Drug Storage Refrigerator,Blood Bank Refrigerator,Laboratory Pharmacy Refrigerator
CHANGZHOU RICHGENIUS MEDLAB CO.,LTD , https://www.rich-gen.com