PUFFER Pioneers Community Project to Turn Shrimp Farm Waste into Seaweed Opportunities

PUFFER is proud to lead a community-based pilot project supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering through the LIF Community Grants programme. The project focuses on a simple idea: turning shrimp pond wastewater into something useful for people and the environment.

In many coastal areas, wastewater from shrimp farms is often discharged without treatment and can harm surrounding ecosystems. Through this project, PUFFER introduced its Smart Water System to treat the water and reuse it as a growing medium for seaweed. Instead of becoming pollution, the waste is transformed into a resource.

PUFFER worked directly with local farmers and partners to set up a small pilot site. Together, the community cleaned the farming area, built simple trial facilities, and learned how to manage water more effectively. More than 30 farmers took part in the activities, with strong participation from women, who played an active role in both training and daily operations.

The early results are encouraging. Water quality has improved, seaweed growth is more stable, and farmers are gaining new skills and confidence. Many participants also see new opportunities to increase their income while protecting their environment.

This project reflects PUFFER’s commitment to practical innovation that works on the ground. By combining technology with community collaboration, PUFFER continues to show that sustainable solutions can start small, grow together, and create real impact.