Screening Microorganisms to Control Burrowing Shrimp

Abstract

Publication: Invasive Species Corporation

The Invasive Species Corporation is developing a biological method to control burrowing shrimp, which pose a significant threat to oyster farming by destabilizing sediments. Our approach focuses on isolating and testing naturally occurring microorganisms sourced directly from shrimp and their native habitats.

Field teams visited seven sampling sites in Washington state, including Shoalwater Bay and the Cedar River site, collecting samples from both shrimp and their surrounding environments. Each collected microbe is isolated on-site or in a lab and screened for activity against burrowing shrimp or surrogate species. Promising microbes undergo fermentation, toxicity screening, and DNA sequencing to identify pesticidal compounds.

The process involves formulation development (liquid or dry), fermentation scaling, and preparation for regulatory submission, including ecotoxicology studies and five-batch analyses. Field trials are the final step toward deploying a viable biocontrol solution.

This sustainable alternative aims to reduce the need for chemical treatments, offering a targeted, environmentally responsible solution for the aquaculture industry. Collaboration with local tribes, oyster growers, and academic institutions underscores the project's community-integrated, science-driven approach to protecting coastal ecosystems and the economic vitality of shellfish farming.