The unregulated practices of many traditional aquaculture farmers who, in search of easy/cheaper water sources, cut down mangrove forests for farm land in order to be near water sources. This poses a significant threat to mangrove forests due to the destructive nature of exploring these water sources. As an environmentally responsible company involved in the aquaculture business, YHL Aquatic’s farm facility, established in June 2018, is positioned to gain direct access to clean seawater sourced from the South China Sea, ensuring no cross-contamination from other farms. Located just 800 meters from the seaside, YHL’s aquaculture facility is in a prime position on the Johore state government’s well-planned organic food valley. The farm was built on an ex-quarry of silica sand. This is by far a much safer option to protect the environment instead of cutting down mangrove forests to build farm lands.
YHL Aquatic’s farm is specifically conducive to promoting sustainability. As the first company in Malaysia to implement Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), YHL Aquatic is committed to minimising adverse impact on marine ecology. With a dedicated 9-acre area for wastewater treatment, all phases of the company’s farm discharge water to this space. Built with usage flexibility in mind, the treated water can then be returned to the sea or redirected back into the farm.
Project Results / Impact on Stakeholder
YHL Aquatic shrimp farm with Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system is a groundbreaking approach that brings a multitude of benefits to the world of aquaculture, revolutionizing the way we produce seafood sustainably. IMTA harnesses the power of nature’s interconnectedness, creating a balanced ecosystem where different species coexist and thrive together. Shrimp, Milkfish and Oyster were culture in YHL’s IMTA system.
Firstly, IMTA promotes efficient resource utilization. By strategically combining species from different trophic levels, the waste products of one species become valuable nutrients for another. This closed-loop system reduces the need for external inputs, minimizing waste and enhancing overall productivity. IMTA improves water quality and environmental sustainability. As species in the system consume excess nutrients, the risk of water pollution decreases significantly. This contributes to healthier ecosystems and mitigates the negative impact on surrounding habitats. IMTA enhances biodiversity and ecological resilience. By creating habitats for multiple species, IMTA systems foster a thriving and diverse ecosystem. This, in turn, boosts the natural defense mechanisms against diseases and helps maintain a balanced ecological.
Lastly, IMTA offers economic benefits. By diversifying aquaculture production with multiple species, farmers can tap into various revenue streams, reducing dependency on a single commodity and increasing financial stability.
Link to Website / Social Media / Blogs
yhlaquatic.com
https://www.facebook.com/YHLAquatic
