Farmers use marine worms to feed prawns. Till now, growing them has been a difficult and expensive task
.jpg "Marine worms after a low tide (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)")
Researchers in Queensland have found a way to grow marine worms in wastewater. The discovery is expected to benefit the global aquaculture industry.
“Marine biologists at the Bribie Island Aquaculture Research Centre have developed a system that recycles aquaculture waste water through sand filtration,” says news website abc.net.au.
In the process of treating wastewater, these worms which farmers use to feed prawns also grow. This, till now, had not been possible on a commercial scale.
The findings of the project are the world's first, according to the lead researcher Paul Palmer. The success of this project means that now, prawn and fish farmers will not need to draw much water from natural environment. They can use recycled water. The second advantage linked to the project is that the worms have successfully been used to assist the process of water purification.
“What it means is prawn farmers can produce food on their own farms to supply to their own hatcheries and have control over the quality,” says Palmer in the report by ABC.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.