(VAN) Applying RAS and AI helps local firms strictly control farming environments, producing highly resistant high-quality shrimp seeds.

Multi-tier water filtration and smart environmental control
Guiding us through the well-invested system of 5 nursery areas in Vinh Hai Commune (Khanh Hoa), Mr. Nguyen Hong Son, Director of Newway Seafood Investment Co., Ltd., could not hide his pride in his company's journey to master technology. Here, the water source is considered the "heart", determining up to 70% of the success or failure of each seed batch.

Mr. Son meticulously explained the deep seawater filtration system: "Seawater is not simply taken in and treated with chemicals. We build a multi-tier sand filtration system from coarse to fine with significant thickness to ensure maximum purity before pumping it into high-tech equipment".

After passing through mechanical filtration layers, the water is pushed through an ultra-micro level UF (Ultrafiltration) membrane system, intercepting viruses, bacteria and suspended solids. The final step is absolute sterilization using high-capacity ultraviolet (UV) lights. "Eliminating pathogens right from the source provides the cleanest living environment for shrimp seeds before introducing larvae into production", Mr. Son stated.

Thanks to this closed process and a long period of research, the new shrimp seed line named Son Hai was launched on the occasion of the company's 15th anniversary, rapidly affirming its prestige. According to Mr. Son, the Son Hai line is the result of an elite screening process. From millions of larvae, the unit selects only the top 40 - 60% of the healthiest individuals with excellent swimming and wall-clinging reflexes. By completely replacing antibiotics with fresh microalgae and probiotics, the shrimp possess healthy intestinal tracts, distinct hepatopancreas and adapt well to harsh environments or fluctuating salinity.

The water treatment system of Newway Seafood Investment Co., Ltd. is systematically invested. Photo: KS.

Sharing the same modernization orientation, Tuan Ha Seafood Seed Production Co., Ltd. (Vinh Hai Commune) impresses with an automation rate of up to 80% throughout its production process. This is the first enterprise in the shrimp seed sector certified by the Provincial People's Committee as a high-tech agricultural enterprise on December 27, 2024. Simultaneously, the unit proudly registered as one of 13 enterprises granted an animal disease-free certification on June 24, 2025, affirming a solid step forward in ensuring quality and biosecurity.

Mr. Pham Duc Hanh, Production Director of Tuan Ha Company, shared about the operational system of over 380 rearing tanks: "We no longer rely entirely on the intuition of technicians. Instead, the unit has applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) combined with a smart sensor system. Indicators regarding temperature, pH levels and dissolved oxygen are continuously updated every second to the central management system".

Tuan Ha Seafood Seed Production Co., Ltd. is among the first enterprises to apply high technology in shrimp seed production. Photo: KS.

A technological highlight at Tuan Ha Company is pioneering the operation of electrolysis machines to separate salt from seawater. This is a perfect alternative to traditional chemical disinfection methods that easily cause residues and shock small shrimp. Mastering these technologies not only helps the enterprise optimize operating costs but also assists the shrimp seed flock in adapting and minimizing risks from extreme weather fluctuations and complex climate change unfolding in the Central coastal region.

Biological nutrition and effective antibiotic alternatives
Besides technical infrastructure, the problem of nutrition and resistance for shrimp seeds is also resolved by shrimp seed production enterprises in Khanh Hoa province using the latest scientific advancements.

Mr. Le Van Que, Chairman of the Khanh Hoa Aquaculture Seed Association, shared: "The current trend is a strong shift toward microbiological technology and biosecurity. Association members are all striving to invest in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). This is the key to preventing cross-contamination of pathogens from the external environment while thoroughly solving the wastewater discharge issue and protecting the coastal marine ecosystem".

Instead of using antibiotics, which are strictly controlled and cause negative consequences for commercial farmers, enterprises like Newway and Tuan Ha have entirely switched to using fresh microalgae technology and new-generation probiotics. Fresh algae types such as Thalassiosira or Chaetoceros are cultured in sterile environments right at the hatchery, providing a natural protein source and essential fatty acids, helping the digestive system of post-larvae shrimp develop fully.

Currently, shrimp seeds from Khanh Hoa province are supplied nationwide. Photo: KS.

At Newway, Mr. Nguyen Hong Son has established an extremely strict "biological filter" for his shrimp seed line. After the larvae undergo metamorphosis stages from Zoea to Mysis and up to Postlarvae, the unit conducts a highly eliminative screening process.

"From millions of initial larvae, we only retain about 40 - 60% of the healthiest individuals with the best swimming reflexes and phototaxis to continue nursing," Mr. Son shared, adding that before leaving the facility, every shrimp batch must pass rigorous "shock" tests involving salinity (suddenly lowering salinity from 30‰ to 0‰) and pH shock.

Simultaneously, all testing data using PCR technology at the internal lab must ensure absolute negativity for dangerous pathogens. With a supply capacity of 2 - 2.5 billion shrimp seeds annually, Newway not only serves local farmers but has also become a reliable partner for high-tech farming regions nationwide.

Authors: Kim So - Phuong Chi
Translated by Hong Ngoc