The International Guest Lecture of Aquaculture Study Program Department of Fisheries Faculty of Agriculture Universitas Sriwijaya

Some questions from aquaculture students, lecturers of the Aquaculture Study Program, Universitas Sriwijaya, and Haluoleo University.  Mr Omkar explained that the application would depend on the isolate contained in the water because different isolates require different nutrients. The nutrients contained in freshwater and seawater are different and may not be suitable for some isolates to live in both habitats. However, the biofloc system can still be applied in seawater and freshwater because it depends on the isolate’s defense according to its original habitat.  Alternative solutions, such as vaccines, should be used to find the right antigen to induce immunity to organisms and probiotics to minimize the use of antibiotics.

Biotech products such as probiotics and vaccines are unsuitable for small farmers, especially in tilapia culture. Still, in the future, all government support will become the solution to increase the use of vaccines, even for small farmers, so that it can prevent the spread of fish disease. In biotechnology, we have a method developed to detect fish disease early; this tool is called Rapid Kit and is based on a molecular technique and rapid identification of the pathogen in the system, farm, or laboratory. This tool can detect fish diseases, white spot syndrome, and vibriosis so that diseased fish can be treated.  While biotechnology has its downsides and weaknesses in aquaculture, it also has the potential to overcome these. For instance, we can use tools to produce subunit vaccines that produce specific antigens. However, using in vitro tools to race protein can lead to mutations that may not work in the laboratory or on the farm. Despite these challenges, the potential of biotechnology to overcome its weaknesses and emerge as a great alternative in aquaculture should inspire optimism in professionals in the field.  Climate change can trigger immune responses that cause fish stress. However, biotechnology can help fish resist and maintain their health. This is particularly important as many bacterial pathogens thrive in tropical habitats, and the temperature increase due to climate change can lead to their increased spread. Biotechnology can reduce the impact of climate change on aquaculture and provide a beacon of hope for the future. It can give vaccines to combat diseases from these bacterial habitats, especially in high temperatures.  Biotechnology will play a very significant role in sustainable aquaculture in the future by enhancing fish health, improving feed efficiency, and minimizing environmental impact.