Strategic automated maximisation of substrate utilisation

This report proposes using cheap sensors and automation to optimise "substrate" (pond bottoms, microbial flocs, or tank surfaces) in shrimp farms, keeping microbes and nutrients at levels that boost water quality, shrimp health, and welfare. In biofloc systems—which grow waste-eating bacterial flocs as food and filtration—automation would adjust aeration/mixing to prevent sludge buildup; in tanks, it would fine-tune flows to avoid toxic layers. Evidence is promising but indirect: biofloc improves survival/food conversion ratio/disease resistance, and real-time sensors work in similar setups, yet direct trials of substrate-focused automation are scarce. The idea is neglected since farms prioritise water metrics over hidden substrate dynamics.

Key analyses: A weighted factor model ranks India/Indonesia tops for scale/biofloc use. Rough CEA estimates $0.02 per "welfare unit" across 50 farms, costing $3K each—promising but uncertain.

Next: Deep-dive key studies, test assumptions (e.g., proxy accuracy and over-mixing risks), consult experts like the Shrimp Welfare Project. Prioritise evidence on health impacts, scalability, and hardware feasibility.