Student Feature | Engineering Shrimp Germplasm Repositories with Open Hardware
Shrimp aquaculture research at the Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center (AGGRC) is focused on addressing challenges encountered in protecting shrimp genetic resources including breeding and artificial insemination (AI). Cameron Bonds, an undergraduate researcher majoring in Mechanical Engineering (with a minor in Biological Engineering), is studying Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) to design a low-cost, open-hardware Artificial Insemination Shrimp Rack (AISR) to improve breeding efficiency. The device is intended to reduce stress on shrimp during AI and improve the placement of spermatophores (sperm packets). This would allow cryopreservation to be used for sperm storage, transport, and use and increase accessibility of genetic resources. Bonds has also been learning husbandry techniques, including raising shrimp from juvenile to broodstock maturity.
In addition to designing the AISR, research is also being conducted on spermatophore expression and collection. These efforts aim to support broodstock sustainability and help maintain genetic diversity in farmed shrimp populations. This interdisciplinary work combines engineering and biology, and it provides a valuable learning opportunity while contributing to novel improvements in shrimp aquaculture. These efforts aim to change the way shrimp genetics are distributed around the world, moving from the product form of live shrimp to cryopreserved spermatophores which would provide an inexpensive, easy, and dependable way to safeguard and commercialize shrimp genetics. This project was funded in part by the Louisiana Sea Grant Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) and the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), and supported by research and industry partners including Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University and the Center for Aquaculture Technologies, Inc.
