Naturisa Shrimp
Location: Puerto Nuevo, Ecuador
Farm Area: 20 acres
Installed: 2024
Naturisa Shrimp
Location: Puerto Nuevo, Ecuador
Farm Area: 20 acres
Installed: 2024
Overview
Ecuador is the world’s leading shrimp producer, with over 233,000 hectares devoted to aquaculture. One of its largest operators, Naturisa S.A., faced recurring algae blooms across its 5,400-hectare shrimp farms that reduced oxygen levels, slowed shrimp growth, and increased mortality risk. The company spent over $180,000 annually on peroxide and sulfate treatments to control cyanobacteria. In collaboration with SonicPure, Naturisa installed dual Pulsar 4400™ ultrasonic systems to test ultrasound as a chemical-free, sustainable algae solution for shrimp production ponds
The Challenge
Cyanobacteria such as Oscillatoria and Raphidiopsis were responsible for low dissolved oxygen, toxic byproducts, and off-flavors in harvested shrimp. These harmful blooms required constant chemical dosing that risked shrimp health and increased operational costs. Naturisa needed a biologically safe, non-invasive solution capable of reducing algae density without disrupting the ponds’ microbial balance. The system would need to maintain oxygen above 5 mg/L, preserve shrimp health, and eliminate the toxic cyanobacteria that plagued production—while aligning with the company’s environmental stewardship goals
Results & Solution
Two Pulsar 4400™ ultrasonic systems were installed at Pond #256, a 1.5 m deep semi-intensive shrimp pond seeded with 80,000 shrimp (20/m²). Over 14 weeks, phytoplankton samples were collected weekly to monitor algae populations. Initial water composition was 82% cyanobacteria and 18% diatoms.
By the third week, ultrasound reduced cyanobacteria below the threshold set by Cargill’s Aquaculture Health Division. By week 14, total cyanobacteria had dropped by 91%, effectively controlling harmful species such as Raphidiopsis and Oscillatoria. Dissolved oxygen remained stable at an average of 3.6 mg/L (a.m.) and 13.6 mg/L (p.m.), ensuring a healthy aquatic environment throughout the trial. Shrimp performance remained excellent — 82% survival, average weight of 2.24 g, and no observed tissue abnormalities. Histological analysis confirmed no cellular damage to key organs including gonads, hepatopancreas, stomach, or gills. Water quality stayed within optimal ranges for shrimp growth.
Ultrasound replaced costly peroxide and sulfate treatments, saving the company over $180,000 annually while improving biological balance. The stable DO levels eliminated the need for emergency water circulation and reduced paddlewheel aerator usage, further cutting energy costs.
Summary
The Naturisa Pulsar 4400™ trial proved ultrasound’s value as a sustainable, non-chemical solution for algae control in aquaculture. Cyanobacteria were reduced by over 90%, water clarity improved, and shrimp health and yield were maintained with no side effects.
The technology’s continuous, frequency-modulated ultrasound selectively disrupted harmful algae cell structures while preserving beneficial microorganisms. Naturisa achieved major cost savings, improved shrimp growth consistency, and aligned operations with international sustainability standards demanded by global seafood markets.
Dr. Viviana Almanza’s independent research concluded:
“Ultrasound exposure eliminated 91% of cyanobacteria without affecting shrimp survival, growth, or tissue morphology.”
This case confirms that SonicPure’s Pulsar 4400™ provides an environmentally responsible and economically superior approach for large-scale aquaculture—offering producers a path to cleaner water, healthier shrimp, and lower long-term operational costs.
Previously peroxide and sulfate were applied to control algae; peroxide cost $150,000 dollars a year and sulfate cost $31,000 a year.
The Challenge
Results & Solution
Two Pulsar 4400™ ultrasonic systems were installed at Pond #256, a 1.5 m deep semi-intensive shrimp pond seeded with 80,000 shrimp (20/m²). Over 14 weeks, phytoplankton samples were collected weekly to monitor algae populations. Initial water composition was 82% cyanobacteria and 18% diatoms.
By the third week, ultrasound reduced cyanobacteria below the threshold set by Cargill’s Aquaculture Health Division. By week 14, total cyanobacteria had dropped by 91%, effectively controlling harmful species such as Raphidiopsis and Oscillatoria. Dissolved oxygen remained stable at an average of 3.6 mg/L (a.m.) and 13.6 mg/L (p.m.), ensuring a healthy aquatic environment throughout the trial. Shrimp performance remained excellent — 82% survival, average weight of 2.24 g, and no observed tissue abnormalities. Histological analysis confirmed no cellular damage to key organs including gonads, hepatopancreas, stomach, or gills. Water quality stayed within optimal ranges for shrimp growth.
Ultrasound replaced costly peroxide and sulfate treatments, saving the company over $180,000 annually while improving biological balance. The stable DO levels eliminated the need for emergency water circulation and reduced paddlewheel aerator usage, further cutting energy costs.
Summary
The Naturisa Pulsar 4400™ trial proved ultrasound’s value as a sustainable, non-chemical solution for algae control in aquaculture. Cyanobacteria were reduced by over 90%, water clarity improved, and shrimp health and yield were maintained with no side effects.
The technology’s continuous, frequency-modulated ultrasound selectively disrupted harmful algae cell structures while preserving beneficial microorganisms. Naturisa achieved major cost savings, improved shrimp growth consistency, and aligned operations with international sustainability standards demanded by global seafood markets.
Dr. Viviana Almanza’s independent research concluded:
“Ultrasound exposure eliminated 91% of cyanobacteria without affecting shrimp survival, growth, or tissue morphology.”
This case confirms that SonicPure’s Pulsar 4400™ provides an environmentally responsible and economically superior approach for large-scale aquaculture—offering producers a path to cleaner water, healthier shrimp, and lower long-term operational costs.
Previously peroxide and sulfate were applied to control algae; peroxide cost $150,000 dollars a year and sulfate cost $31,000 a year.
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