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The two-day event, held August 21 to 22, marked the seventh TARS dedicated to shrimp farming and its largest edition to date. Participants discussed how Asian producers can navigate low prices, rising costs and disease pressures, while learning from Ecuador’s integrated business model.
The programme featured 10 sessions with 52 international and regional speakers, panellists and industry players who shared trends and insights.
“It is imperative for farms and businesses to adopt smarter and more precise farm technologies to remain competitive. Today, we are seeing how data tools, AI and automation are transforming how we manage water quality, disease prevention and feed optimisation,” said Dr Thitiporn Laoprasert, deputy director-general, Thailand’s Department of Fisheries, during her opening address.
Market dynamics and industry models
The programme started with an assessment on state of the global shrimp supply and demand. It explored how Asia can better respond to shifting market needs. Thailand’s Klomsuwan sisters, shared data-driven approaches that increased yields by 60 percent.
Ecuador as a model, not a rival
Ecuador’s shrimp industry has built competitiveness through professionalism, investment and brand development, showing that sustainable growth is achievable with scale, innovation, and integration. Rather than a competitor, Ecuador was positioned as a model for Asia to learn from, particularly in genetics, hatchery and nursery management and in production planning.
At the Hard Talk session, industry leaders pointed to Asia’s fragmented shrimp sector – where small farms account for 70 percent of production – as a barrier to collaboration. In contrast, Ecuador’s integrated model fosters closer ties between farmers and processors. While smallholders were praised for their resilience, panellists agreed that greater cooperation and value-added strategies are needed to strengthen Asia’s industry.
“For the long-term sustainability of the industry, it is the second generation of farmers who are stepping up, forming strong peer networks to support one another and driving the transition from founder-led enterprises to modern, science-driven shrimp farming businesses,” said Zuridah Merican, chair of TARS and editor of AquaCulture Asia Pacific, in a press release.
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Next generation of leaders
This generational shift was on display during the Pond Side Chat, where young business leaders from Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and India discussed balancing tradition with innovation. They highlighted opportunities in integrated nursery systems, the potential of black tiger shrimp farming for premium markets, and the importance of piloting new technologies without disrupting legacy operations.
Technical sessions
The technical sessions highlighted advances in precision farming, nutrition and disease control. Genetics were noted to drive around half of farm performance, though success ultimately depends on hatchery management and the delivery of robust post-larvae, with integrated nursery systems showing promise in Vietnam.
On nutrition, experts emphasised functional feed additives for gut health and immunity, as well as the need to reduce reliance on fishmeal by developing sustainable, cost-effective alternatives. Disease discussions focused on controlling transparent post larvae disease (TPD) in Vietnam through modular biosecurity, alongside new approaches to Vibrio management, early diagnostics and lower stocking densities to reduce risk.
TARS 2025 closed by stressing the growing influence of retailers on farming standards, the need for more sustainable feed strategies, and the importance of efficient supply chains to protect product quality. The forum also highlighted startups driving innovation in pond management, disease prevention and climate adaptation as vital to helping farmers withstand future challenges.
