Cover Image - Jian Zhang; Qianwen Ding; Ruobing Lou; Yuanpei Zhang; Yuanyuan Yao; Yalin Yang; Zhen Zhang; Chao Ran; Zhigang Zhou (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
The cover image is based on the article Stress Nutrition in Aquatic Animals: From Definition to Practice by Zhigang Zhou et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.70091 . image

Welfare Indicators for Aquaculture Research: Toolboxes for Five Farmed European Fish Species - Chris Noble; Wout Abbink; René Alvestad; László Ardó; Marie‐Laure Bégout; Nina Bloecher; Erik Burgerhout; Josep Calduch‐Giner; Mauro Chivite‐Alcalde; Petr Císař; Evan Durland; Åsa M. Espmark; et al. (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
Refining approaches to measuring, monitoring and appraising animal welfare in aquaculture research is key to (i) protecting and optimizing it, (ii) documenting the severity of how and when it deviates, and (iii) ensuring good scientific quality, reliable results and reproducibility, amongst other factors. However, different fish species and life stages can have varying welfare needs and assessing their welfare can be challenging. An array of welfare indicators (WIs) can be utilized when documenting fish welfare, and there is currently little consensus on which WIs are most applicable to the key fish species used in European aquaculture research. The aim of this review is to propose updated, fit for purpose and comprehensive WI toolboxes for aquaculture research involving Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ), rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ), European seabass ( Dicentrarchus labrax ), gilthead seabream ( Sparus aurata ), and the common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ). Where possible, these toolboxes will also include life‐stage considerations. It also provides information on utilizing WIs in deciding humane end‐points as well as information on how to sample different types of indicators. The review closes with information on how digitalization can affect the collection, collation and analysis of WI data in aquaculture research, including both practical and theoretical considerations. The toolboxes incorporate a range of WIs that go beyond those required for legally safeguarding fish welfare in both laboratory and operational experimental facilities in the current European 2010/63/EU Directive on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes and its amendment, the Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2024/1262.

Mechanisms of Fish Intestinal Damage Under Environmental Stress: Insights From Carbonate Saline–Alkali Water Perspective - Jia Rui Cui; Qi Fang Lai; Yue‐Hong Li (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
The intestinal tract is an important functional organ in fish, as it plays a key role in digestion and absorption, mucosal immunity, endocrine function, and metabolism. Therefore, damage to this organ greatly impacts fish health. This injury is usually associated with a poor aquaculture water environment, stressful conditions, and pathogen presence. In this review, in light of gut injury being a common pathology in aquaculture, we have summarized the current understanding of the intestinal damage of fish caused by carbonate water stress, and the mechanism of intestinal tissue damage caused by carbonate saline water stress, including the intestinal barrier function of fish and the role of various cells and molecules involved in the occurrence and development of diseases. Comparative data on carbonate stress responses across different teleost lineages (such as the Cyprinidae and Perciformes) have been integrated. The review also covers current methods for treating intestinal damage in fish, including dietary interventions, medications, and probiotics. Our findings highlight the need for more in‐depth research in this area to better understand the mechanisms underlying the occurrence of intestinal tissue damage in fish in carbonate‐based saline waters and to develop effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. Improved development of saline–alkaline waters and research into new treatments are essential for the sustainability of aquaculture and the health and productivity of farmed fish.

Maladaptation to Climate Change Poses a Threat to Future Aquaculture Production - Lynne Falconer; Megan Rector; Suleiman O. Yakubu; Ramón Filgueira; Audun Iversen; Eirik Mikkelsen; Matthew Sprague; Elisabeth Ytteborg (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
As the effects of climate change become more prominent and impacts intensify, the aquaculture sector must make decisions on adaptation strategies and implement actions that will reduce risks and increase resilience. However adaptation is complex, and there can be many consequences of action or inaction. One of the major risks is maladaptation, when an action that is introduced to minimize a negative effect makes the situation worse, increases vulnerability, or has other undesirable impacts. This study considers how climate change maladaptation can occur across six defined Aquaculture Maladaptation Outcomes: (1) Increased emissions of greenhouse gases, (2) Negative impact on farmed species, (3) Negative ecological or environmental impact at local, regional or international scale, (4) Negative social impact on individuals, communities, or the global population, (5) Negative economic impact on individuals, companies, or the global food market and (6) Reduced adaptive capacity of aquaculture systems. The study further explains that maladaptation could arise through different routes, often unintentionally and could occur at all stages in the production line and associated supply chain (e.g., feed production), such as the farm‐level or industry‐wide scale, threatening future food production and sustainability of the sector. The distinction between adaptation and maladaptation is not always clear, changing over time and influenced by different factors, so the adaptation‐maladaptation continuum is also discussed, as is the need for trade‐offs. Finally, seven recommendations are outlined to help advance adaptation to climate change in aquaculture.

Phage‐Host Interactions in Flavobacterium Pathogens and the Potential of Phage‐Based Disease Control in Salmonid Aquaculture - Lotta A. I. Landor; Valeria Ruffo; Lotta‐Riina Sundberg; Lone Madsen; Mathias Middelboe (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
A major bottleneck to the projected expansion of the aquaculture industry is disease outbreaks caused by bacterial pathogens. Fish diseases caused by Flavobacterium pathogens are persistent in salmonid aquaculture, and treatment is limited to antimicrobials, which contaminate the aquatic environment and promote antimicrobial resistance. Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that naturally kill bacteria, and Flavobacterium ‐infecting phages have shown promise in preventing and controlling disease and biofilm formation in aquaculture. This review compiles current knowledge on Flavobacterium ‐phage interactions and applications. We outline the diversity and distribution of Flavobacterium hosts and phages, and discuss the connection between the type IX secretion system, the gliding motility machinery, phage susceptibility, and host virulence. While there is still much to learn about phage resistance mechanisms, the frequent observation that phage resistance is associated with loss of pathogen virulence points to phages as a promising avenue for future pathogen control. Phages infecting Flavobacterium hosts also show persistence to environmental and storage conditions, making them potentially suitable for the development of phage products. Finally, we assess the remaining challenges concerning regulation of phage products, manufacturing at scale, as well as unresolved research questions that need to be addressed to supply the aquaculture industry with alternative treatment and prevention methods in the future.

Revisiting Small‐Scale Aquaculture ( SSA ) - Liliana Sierra Castillo; Halley E. Froehlich; Jono R. Wilson; Jessica A. Gephart; Erendira Aceves‐Bueno; Steven D. Gaines (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
Aquatic foods are a vital source of nutrition, yet growing demand and stagnant wild‐capture fisheries have positioned aquaculture as essential to meeting global food needs. Despite this, aquaculture's diverse forms remain poorly understood, particularly small‐scale aquaculture (SSA). Unlike small‐scale fisheries (SSF), which are widely recognized in policy and research, SSA lacks consistent definitions and is often conflated with SSF or defined narrowly by physical metrics like farm size. This limits its visibility in policy and development efforts, overlooking critical social, economic, and governance dimensions such as ownership, labor, and market orientation. Through a systematic review of 83 studies across 24 countries, we analyze SSA across ecosystems (freshwater, brackish, marine) and species groups (finfish, invertebrates, seaweed) to identify trends in production characteristics, yield reporting, and social dimensions. We find freshwater SSA dominates the literature, while marine SSA, especially mollusk farming, is significantly underrepresented. SSA exhibits wide variation in yields, farm sizes, ownership, and management structures, indicating that existing classification frameworks are insufficient. We propose a context‐sensitive, social‐ecological classification system that integrates production metrics with governance and socioeconomic characteristics. To guide application, we offer two policy frameworks, one for regions with existing SSA definitions, recommending participatory revision and expanded data collection; and one for regions without definitions, advocating for a stepwise approach to characterization. Our findings underscore the need for more inclusive, adaptable classifications to improve SSA's visibility in global food policy and unlock its full contributions to sustainable development, equity, and local livelihoods.

Interactions Between Crabs and the Environment: Progress and Prospects From a Behavioral Perspective - Boshan Zhu; Dapeng Liu; Fang Wang (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
As ecosystem engineers, crab behaviors not only reflect the physiological state and welfare of individuals but also act as regulators influencing the function and stability of aquaculture systems. However, research on the behavioral responses of cultured crabs to environmental factors remains incomplete, and studies on how their behaviors affect the environment are even more limited. To enhance productivity, welfare, and environmental sustainability and provide theoretical support for the optimization of crab culture systems, it is essential to clarify the interactions between the behavior of crabs and the environmental factors. This review synthesizes and summarizes the major environmental factors, physical (temperature, substrate and shelter, sound, hydrostatic pressure), chemical (dissolved oxygen, ammonia, pH, pollutants, salinity), and biological (prey, conspecifics, polyculture species, pathogens), and their impacts on various behavioral patterns of crabs, including feeding, foraging, grooming, mating, aggressive, territorial, burying, burrowing, sheltering behavior, and cannibalism. Decoding sensory processing and behavioral mechanisms in crabs is pivotal for breakthroughs in intelligent and welfare‐oriented crab culture. Additionally, we summarize the disturbances caused by crab behaviors—such as burrowing, feeding, and social interactions—on substrate water characteristics, microbial composition, and polyculture species. Based on these insights, we list future research and applications in crab behavior, including precise behavioral monitoring, group behavior evaluation, and aquaculture environmental management. We hope this review will encourage greater attention to the behavior of cultured animals, promoting the application of behavioral studies in crab culture and providing theoretical support for the industry's high‐quality development.

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)

From Traditional Machine Learning Models to Multimodal Large Models: A Review of Aquaculture - Sitao Liu; Zhuangzhuang Du; Guangxu Wang; Pan Zhang; Wenkai Xu; Jiaxuan Yu; Daoliang Li (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
With the rapid development of the global aquaculture industry, smart aquaculture has become increasingly essential for maintaining a stable supply of aquatic products. Traditional machine learning models frequently exhibit limited semantic understanding and insufficient scalability in complex, high‐dimensional environments. In contrast, multimodal large models integrate multi‐source information, significantly enhancing semantic depth, environmental adaptability, and natural interaction. This review explores recent research progress and future application prospects in the transition from traditional machine learning models to multimodal large models in aquaculture. The literature search was conducted using the Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Based on literature from the past decade, this review summarises the evolution from traditional machine learning models to multimodal large models, emphasizing their recent advantages in integrating multi‐source data such as images, sensor readings, videos, audio, and text. By analyzing the current status and limitations of traditional machine learning in water quality monitoring, biomass estimation, behavior analysis, and health assessment, this review offers a comparative perspective on the potential of multimodal large models in critical aquaculture domains including sustainable water management, precision feeding, abnormal behavior detection, disease diagnosis and prevention, intelligent breeding, energy management, and embodied intelligent robotics. Multimodal large models still face several challenges, including data acquisition in aquaculture, enhancement of model performance, security and data governance in digital twin systems, and the advancement of industrial technologies. The review suggests that multimodal large models are poised to become key technological enablers in advancing aquaculture toward greater precision, sustainability, and automation.

Fatty Acid Oxidation Metabolites in Aquatic Animals: Metabolic Pathway, Dynamic Remodeling, and Functional Implications - Zengqi Zhao; Baolin Li; Shunlang Wen; Jianlong Du; Xiuwen Li; Bingyuan Yang; Kangsen Mai; Qinghui Ai (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
As fundamental components of metabolic networks, metabolites act as both energy carriers and signaling molecules, orchestrating a wide range of physiological functions. Consequently, the abundance of metabolites within tissues and cells is typically under tight regulation, with any perturbation of this metabolic equilibrium frequently triggering diverse stress responses and diseases. Recent studies demonstrated that nutritional, environmental, and pathogenic stimuli factors during aquaculture may lead to the remodeling of the fatty acid oxidation pathway in aquatic animals, altering the abundance of fatty acid oxidation‐related metabolites and subsequently triggering stress response cascades. Thus, elucidating the functional roles and regulatory mechanisms of these metabolites is critical for developing targeted strategies to mitigate these stress responses. However, the current progress of research on metabolites related to fatty acid oxidation in aquatic animals is not well summarized. Therefore, in this study, we characterize the fundamental pathways of fatty acid oxidation in aquatic animals and summarize the mechanisms by which these metabolic pathways respond to diverse aquaculture‐related stressors. Furthermore, we systematically elucidate the mechanisms through which these metabolites mediate their regulatory functions, highlighting the distinct physiological roles of the key metabolites. Additionally, we provide our perspectives on the potential applications and future research priorities of fatty acid oxidation‐related metabolites in aquaculture. This review contributes to a better understanding of the dynamics and functions of fatty acid oxidation‐related metabolites in aquatic animals and will facilitate the development of metabolites‐based therapeutic strategies, thereby increasing the sustainability of aquaculture.

Advancing Non‐Contact Fish Phenotyping via Optical Sensing: Toward Precision Aquaculture - Kai Lin; Shiyu Zhang; Wei Wang; Tian Dong; Wen Ding; Chenfan Geng; Yihang Lu; Hongxia Hu (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
Non‐contact fish phenotyping has become an essential strategy for precision aquaculture, enabling accurate, high‐throughput, and non‐invasive trait measurement. In this review, a digital phenotyping framework is summarized, including application‐driven trait definition, multimodal data acquisition (2D, 2.5D, and 3D imaging), and automated phenotypic analysis based on computer vision and deep learning. According to current research paradigms, optical phenotyping applications are systematically categorized into three major domains: morphological, behavioral, and appearance‐based phenotyping. Multimodal optical sensing systems now support high‐throughput morphological, behavioral, and appearance‐based phenotyping, enabling applications ranging from biomass estimation and intelligent feeding control to selective breeding, product quality evaluation, species identification, and disease diagnosis. Despite rapid methodological progress, most existing studies remain confined to laboratory or semi‐controlled environments, and large‐scale implementation in commercial production systems is still limited. Key challenges persist in underwater image degradation, posture‐induced measurement uncertainty, data heterogeneity, model generalizability, computational constraints, and the integration of phenotypic and genomic data for precision breeding. Finally, future development pathways are discussed, including efficient and flexible data acquisition platforms, lightweight and real‐time processing, transfer and few‐shot learning, multimodal data fusion, novel phenotype quantification, and standardized open datasets. Based on a comprehensive analysis of over 100 studies, this review maps the current technological landscape and proposes pathways toward scalable, intelligent phenotyping systems that can improve fish welfare, enhance breeding efficiency, and promote sustainable aquaculture management.

Reproductive Biology of Crabs: Molecular and Physiological Insights and Implications for Aquaculture - Shaharior Hossen; Mengqian Zhang; Bihui Chao; Ye Yuan; Waqas Waqas; Sudipta Kumar Nag; Mhd Ikhwanuddin; Hongyu Ma (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
Crab aquaculture is becoming increasingly important for global food security and economic growth, yet the complexities of crab reproduction present significant challenges. The reproductive physiology of crabs is a critical factor in the sustainability and productivity of crab aquaculture. This review comprehensively explores recent advances in the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying crab reproduction, with a focus on both male and female reproductive systems. Specifically, the review examines the molecular mechanisms of spermatogenesis and oogenesis, with an emphasis on identifying key genes involved in these processes. Key topics include the genetic and molecular regulation of gonadal development, sex determination, reproductive pathways governed by hormonal and molecular factors, the regulatory role of microRNAs in reproduction, anti‐bacterial mechanisms in reproduction, and the use of transcriptomics and proteomics to uncover reproductive mechanisms. Special attention is given to recent advances in reproductive biotechnology and their practical implications for aquaculture. Male reproductive physiology is discussed in depth, covering seminal plasma composition, sperm morphology, sperm transport, spermatophore formation, the molecular regulation of the acrosome reaction, and sperm quality. Additionally, the review examines the impacts of environmental stressors, such as pollutants and climate change, on reproductive success. By identifying critical research gaps and proposing future directions—including genome editing and germplasm banking—this review aims to bridge knowledge gaps and offer actionable insights for improving reproductive performance in crab aquaculture. These advancements might be applicable for molecular breeding, monosex crab production, sustainable seed production, broodstock management, and enhancing the resilience of crab farming systems globally.

Review on Cryoprotectant Utilization in Grouper Sperm Cryopreservation - Nur Efah Binti Arsin; Wahidatul Husna Zuldin; Ivan Koh Chong Chu; Norfazreena Mohd Faudzi; Nur Nashyiroh Izayati Mastor; Julian Ransangan (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
Cryopreservation of fish sperm is a key technique for enhancing aquaculture productivity, maintaining genetic diversity, and ensuring reliable seed supply. This review highlights recent advances in cryoprotectants use, particularly, the synergistic roles of natural and synthetic cryoprotectants, including their interplay as permeating and nonpermeating agents, in optimizing sperm viability. Groupers ( Epinephelus spp.), important in Southeast Asian aquaculture, present challenges due to their protogynous hermaphroditism and limited sperm availability. This review discusses how cryoprotectants combinations such as DMSO with trehalose or sucrose improve membrane integrity, post‐thaw motility and fertilization outcomes. Natural cryoprotectants offer promising alternatives with reduced toxicity, though their mechanisms require further investigation. By comparing protocols across fish species, this review identifies knowledge gaps and proposes future directions for efficient cryopreservation in marine aquaculture.

Unmarked Escapees Undermine Policy and Public Trust in Chilean Salmon Aquaculture - J. Andrés Olivos; Ivan Arismendi; Seth M. White; Thomas P. Quinn; Eva B. Thorstad; Brooke E. Penaluna; Doris Soto (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)

Antibiotic Alternative Strategies Against Aeromonas hydrophila Infections: New Trends and Advances - Shengping Li; Jing Dong; Shun Zhou; Bo Cheng; Xiaohui Ai (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
Aeromonas hydrophila ( A. hydrophila ), an opportunistic pathogen widely distributed in aquatic environments and foods, is a serious threat to aquatic animals and even human health. Driven by the A. hydrophila diseases, various prevention and treatment strategies have gradually emerged. In this study, we reviewed the advances in the prevention and treatment of A. hydrophila diseases, including antibiotics, plant extracts, essential oils, phages, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), probiotics, vaccines, disinfectants, and combination therapy. Although many prevention and treatment studies have been reported, A. hydrophila infection remains a problem. Therefore, we summarized some reports with significant in vivo therapeutic effects against A. hydrophila infections and provided several suggestions to help translate reported tools into clinical applications, and further predict potential artificial intelligence‐ and synthetic biology‐based prevention and control strategies in the future. As a result, this review provides a reference for the clinical prevention and treatment of A. hydrophila infections and research ideas for researchers in the future.

No Free Lunch: Sustainable Aquaculture Requires Recognizing Past Science, Improvements, and Comparative Assessment - Halley E. Froehlich; Jessica A. Gephart; Gage Clawson; Julia L. Blanchard; Timothy E. Essington; Christopher D. Golden; Benjamin S. Halpern; Ronald W. Hardy; Rosamond L. Naylor; Max Troell (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)

Correction to “The Growing Importance of Aquaculture: The Case of Norwegian Salmon” (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)

The Current State of Research on Pejerrey ( Odontesthes bonariensis ) Physiology and Challenges for Aquaculture Development - Alejandro S. Mechaly; Leandro A. Miranda; Juan I. Fernandino; Luis F. Canosa; Juan I. Bertucci; Paula Vissio; Daniela I. Pérez Sirkin; María P. di Yorio; María R. Perez; Gabriela C. López; Pedro Gómez‐Requeni; E. Mayra Toledo‐Cuevas; et al. (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
Pejerrey is a native fish of the Pampas with relevance in aquaculture and sport fisheries. This review integrates current knowledge on the biology, culture, and physiological adaptations of this species, emphasizing its potential for sustainable aquaculture. From a biological perspective, pejerrey exhibits a unique combination of genotypic and temperature‐dependent sex determination, making it a prime model for studying sex determination in vertebrates. From an aquaculture standpoint, many of the potential limitations of pejerrey farming have been addressed by focused research, such as the low batch fecundity, poor synchronization of maturation, and limited sperm availability are now almost completely mitigated by advances in photothermal and hormonal manipulation of maturation and broodstock husbandry. Osmoregulatory studies confirmed that pejerrey is a euryhaline species, thriving in brackish water, which enhances survival and stress tolerance across all life stages, resolving early misconceptions of pejerrey as a strictly freshwater fish. With survival under control, the low growth rate is now the next research challenge, although it is compensated for by the quality and high market value of the fish. Triploidy induction, interspecific hybridization with the Patagonian pejerrey, and thermal treatments for sex control offer promising avenues for growth improvement through reproductive suppression or monosex culture. The sequencing of its genome paves the way for genetic improvement via genomic selection and gene editing. Ongoing nutritional studies are key to optimizing diets, enhancing growth rates, and improving reproductive success. Further investigations on these and other areas should help realize the aquaculture potential of this economically significant species.

Global Warming Affects the Pathogenesis of Important Fish Diseases in European Aquaculture - George Rigos; Francesc Padrós; Maria Constenla; Ana Jerončić; Dimitra Kogiannou; Sofia Consuegra; Mikolaj Adamek; Ivona Mladineo (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
Global warming remains a neglected environmental challenge for the sustainability of primary production, particularly aquaculture, which is highly susceptible to the spread of established pathogens and the induction of emerging infectious diseases under warming conditions. Over the past decade, Europe has experienced dramatically high temperatures that may impact both farmed fish and their pathogens in a largely unpredictable manner. While, in general, warming may boost the rate of disease transmission and its virulence by increasing pathogens' fitness in weakened hosts, some diseases characteristic of cooler environments may become rare. Field data is still largely fragmented, but in vitro experiments reveal that almost 28 microbial diseases in European finfish farming could be facilitated by climate warming. Innovative mitigation tools, such as fish selective breeding, epigenetic programming, the development of new vaccines, and alternative treatments, may prove essential in coping with the effects of rising water temperatures on fish diseases in Europe.

Interferon‐Like Signaling Pathway in Crustaceans: Structure, Immune Function, and Prospects for Disease Control in Aquaculture - Yue Hou; Qianqian Li; Haoyang Li; Jianguo He; Chaozheng Li (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
Emerging evidence has revealed the existence of an interferon‐like signaling pathway in invertebrates that is functionally analogous to the vertebrate cGAS‐STING‐IFN‐ISG axis and central to antiviral defense. Crustaceans, as one of the most economically significant taxa in global aquaculture, provide a valuable model for uncovering innate immune mechanisms relevant to host‐pathogen interactions and disease management. In shrimp and other crustaceans, key components homologous to vertebrate interferon signaling molecules, such as the cGAS‐like receptor, STING, IRF, interferon functional analog (e.g., Vago), JAK/STAT, and various interferon‐stimulated genes (ISGs), have been identified and functionally characterized. These discoveries have led to the delineation of a conserved signaling cascade that triggers broad‐spectrum, sequence‐independent antiviral responses and contributes to antibacterial immunity. This review summarizes recent progress in understanding the interferon‐like pathway in crustaceans, with an emphasis on signal transduction mechanisms, the structural and functional roles of core components, and the molecular interplay between host immunity and viral pathogens. In addition, we discuss the pathways relevance to antibacterial defense and explore its practical applications in aquaculture, including selective breeding for disease resistance and immunotherapeutic development. Comparative analysis with vertebrate interferon signaling highlights both conserved features and crustacean‐specific adaptations. Finally, we identify key knowledge gaps and outline future research directions aimed at leveraging this pathway to enhance health management in aquaculture systems.

Recent Advances in the Functional Roles of Non‐Coding RNAs in Pancrustacea - Shumin Xie; Lihan Wang; Mengqiang Wang; Zhe Qu; Zhenmin Bao (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
Non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including small ncRNAs (e.g., miRNA, siRNA, piRNA), long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), do not encode proteins but play crucial roles in gene regulation, growth, development, metabolism, and immune responses in metazoans. Pancrustacea is the largest clade of the phylum Arthropoda, including many important species such as shrimps, crabs, and insects. In recent years, an increasing number of ncRNAs have been identified and found to play diverse roles in a variety of biological and physiological processes of different species. Thus, this review summarizes the involvement of various ncRNAs in critical biological processes such as molting, metamorphosis, growth, reproduction, and immunity in pancrustaceans. It highlights how miRNAs regulate molting and metamorphosis through pathways involving ecdysteroids and sesquiterpenoid hormones, and discusses the regulatory functions of lncRNAs in muscle growth, wing development, and sexual differentiation. Moreover, the involvement of ncRNAs in immune responses against viral and bacterial infections is also reviewed, revealing their potential to improve pathogen resistance. These insights into ncRNA‐mediated gene regulation in pancrustaceans provide a foundation for future research and applications in aquaculture and breeding improvement, disease prevention and control, and ecological conservation.

Embracing Holistic Formulation Strategies to Maximise Positive Outcomes in Aquaculture Nutrition - Artur N. Rombenso; Brett D. Glencross; Kyla Zatti; Helen Ann Hamilton; Luiz H. David; Ha H. Truong; Cedric J. Simon (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)

Mussels, Perna canaliculus , as biosensors for climate change: concurrent monitoring of heart rate, oxygen consumption and gaping behaviour under heat stress - Martin C.F. Cheng; Jessica A. Ericson; Norman L.C. Ragg; Brendon J. Dunphy; Leonardo N. Zamora (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
The green‐lipped mussel, Perna canaliculus , is an important aquaculture species in New Zealand. Recently, the industry has been increasingly challenged by stressors associated with climate change. Predicting its response to climate change requires more than single‐parameter measurements, as mussels show various physiological and behavioural adaptations. In this study, heart rate (HR), respiration rate (), and relative gaping magnitude (RGM) of P. canaliculus were measured simultaneously under increasing temperature from 17°C to 30°C at a rate of 1°C every 20 min over seven hours. HR, and RGM responded differently to acute temperature increase. HR peaked at 26°C, while continued to rise until 30°C, and RGM spiked beyond 28°C. These integrated responses suggest the mussels’ upper thermal limit is around 26°C, higher than typical seawater temperatures of 20°C seen during summer heatwaves, indicating a significant thermal safety margin. Only HR and were positively correlated, but this relationship was disrupted at higher temperatures due to higher inter‐individual variabilities of those physio‐behavioural responses. Variations in such responses have potential in identifying more thermally tolerant mussel lines within selective breeding programmes that ultimately may help produce mussels tolerant of a warming future.

Future actions for the ocean acidification research community to support marine industries and coastal communities of Aotearoa New Zealand - Rachel Hale; Lea Muetzel; Jessica Ericson; Joanna Copedo; Vonda Cummings; Norman L. C. Ragg; Christina McGraw; Kim Currie; Kirsten Rodgers; Mary A. Sewell (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Increasing atmospheric CO 2 emissions are altering the carbonate chemistry of seawater in a process known as ocean acidification (OA). This is a growing issue for marine industries and communities. During the 2023 New Zealand Ocean Acidification Community (NZOAC) Conference, the community undertook a horizon scanning exercise to determine potential future activities and opportunities. Conference participants were sent questions that focussed on topics of importance to the Aotearoa New Zealand and global OA community. Sixteen potential actions were identified. During the conference, participants voted for actions they perceived to be most important to give each an overall priority score. In order, the five top priority actions were to (i) re‐engage with policymakers to ensure OA is included in policies around climate change, oceans, fisheries, and education; (ii) maintain funding for current observation platforms; (iii) focus on solutions during engagement actions; (iv) obtain funding for new OA focused research; and (v) engage more with the public through community/public participatory science. We summarise the activities identified to address these actions and discuss potential ways forward for the NZOAC and wider research community to undertake the required research and provide much needed guidance to underpin OA mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Variation in the population structure of bluegill bully ( Gobiomorphus hubbsi ) with distance upriver: implications for river connectivity - Cindy F. Baker; Shad Mahlum; David K. Rowe (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
The bluegill bully is a small (TL

Feeding habits of the Pacific crevalle jack Caranx caninus (Teleostei: Carangidae) from Bahía de Acapulco, Mexico - Adriana Sandoval‐Ramírez; Genoveva Cerdenares‐Ladrón de Guevara; Agustín A. Rojas‐Herrera; Juan Violante‐González; María I. Vázquez‐Ozuna; José L. Sandoval‐Ramírez (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
The Pacific crevalle jack ( Caranx caninus ) is an important resource for small‐scale fisheries in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. We identified the most important components of the diet of C. caninus from 2016 to 2018 in Bahía de Acapulco, Mexico and determined its feeding strategy and trophic level. In addition, we evaluated differences in diet based on size and climatic season. A total of 549 stomachs were analysed, of which 80.8% contained food and 19.2% were empty. A total of 47 prey taxa were identified and classified into three large taxonomic groups: fish, crustaceans and molluscs. Based on the prey‐specific index of relative importance (PSIRI), fish were the most important prey group (85.6%). The Pacific crevalle jack presented a narrow niche in all categories and mainly consumed fish from the family Engraulidae, reflecting a specialist‐type feeding strategy (Levin index C. caninus showed low or intermediate values of overlap between cohorts and climatic seasons (Morisita‐Horn index

Age‐based population dynamics of the four‐rayed rattail Coryphaenoides subserrulatus from the Chatham Rise, New Zealand - Aleisha Moor; Matthew Jones; Ian Wilson; Jingjing Zhang; Julian Lilkendey; Elizabeth D.L. Trip; Armagan Sabetian (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
This study explores the age‐based population dynamics of the four‐rayed rattail Coryphaenoides subserrulatus, a bycatch species from the Chatham Rise orange roughy ( Hoplostethus atlanticus ) fishery. Age and size distribution of C. subserrulatus ranged from 2 to 27 years, and 139 mm to 366 mm (TL), respectively. The sampled population was female‐dominated, especially in the older and larger classes, with a sex ratio of 1.69 females per 1 male (F:M = 1.69:1). Von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) analysis showed asymptotic length of 337.02 mm for females and 312.84 mm for males. Likelihood Ratio Test (LRT), and 95% confidence ellipses conducted on VBGF parameters of L∞ and K, confirmed female growth to be significantly different than male. Length–Weight relationship analysis showed this species to have a negatively allometric growth coefficient ( b = 2.69), which indicates prioritisation of growth over condition. Annual mortality rate was estimated at 14.39% (yr −1 ), indicating a stable population under unfished conditions. This study contributes to the understanding of the population dynamics of C. subserrulatus in New Zealand waters, adding to the existing knowledge on the ecology of this deep‐sea bycatch species.

Using taxonomy to strengthen aquaculture for climate change, ocean acidification and invasive species - Robert Paul Wolf (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
The Government aimed to quintuple aquaculture production within 16 years, targeting a NZD 3 billion industry. However, challenges—such as Climate Change, Ocean Acidification and threats from pests—pose hurdles that cannot be overcome by the aquaculture sector alone. Robust collaboration between scientists and the industry is imperative to address these threats and ensure success. Climate Change and Ocean Acidification disrupt the reproduction and settlement of crops, hindering shell growth and increasing the risks of pest attacks. The projected annual cost of mitigating pest species will exceed NZD 150 million. While this figure has been economically evaluated, it does not account for the additional intensification from Ocean Acidification and Climate Change. Each of these factors, alone and in combination, poses a risk of collapse for farms. Collaboration between the industry and scientists is essential for developing solutions and advancing aquaculture practices. Establishing a balanced partnership is crucial for advancing New Zealand's aquaculture sector, ensuring sustainability and resilience against challenges. Although this perspective is based on taxonomy, developmental biology and shellfish aquaculture, the challenges and insights are applicable across various sectors. Therefore, the obstacles and solutions described are relevant to the tasks and hurdles faced by scientists in other fields.

Light quality rather than oxidative stress impacts fucoxanthin content in Coscinodiscus radiatus and Cylindrotheca sp. - Amirreza Zarekarizi; David J. Burritt; Ian Stewart; Evelyn Armstrong; Linn J. Hoffmann (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
We investigated the impact of light intensity, light quality, and temperature on growth rate, fucoxanthin (Fx), chlorophyll a and c (Chl a and c), and total carotenoid (Car) contents of the two marine diatoms Coscinodiscus radiatus and Cylindrotheca sp. Additionally, we analysed antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation to determine if oxidative stress was associated with Fx accumulation. Cylindrotheca sp. showed the highest Fx concentrations (3.52 ‐ 3.78 mg g −1 DW) under low temperature (12 °C) and low light intensities (12.5 and 25 μmol m −2 s −1 ) in the cool white and lumoflor fluorescent light (FL) treatments. Fx concentrations in Coscinodiscus radiatus were generally lower and the maximum was found at 18 °C and a light intensity of 12.5 μmol m −2 s −1 (0.97 and 1.10 mg g‐1 DW, respectively, for cool white and lumoflor FL). Blue light enriched LEDs significantly increased Fx production in Cylindrotheca sp. making LED lights a promising choice for indoor mass cultivation of algae. No relationship between oxidative stress and Fx production was found in C. radiatus , while a negative relationship was observed in Cylindrotheca sp. suggesting that oxidative stress induction strategies are not generally suitable for enhancing Fx production in all marine diatom species.

Implications of flooding events for the green‐lipped mussels ( Perna canaliculus ): an aquatic health perspective - Joanna S. Copedo; Stephen C. Webb; Norman L. C. Ragg; Andrea C. Alfaro (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Flood events are increasingly impacting coastal infrastructures and marine organisms. Prominent among these organisms, the green‐lipped mussel, Perna canaliculus , is an important marine ecosystem engineer and one of New Zealand’s key aquaculture species. Although relatively robust, the species may have limited capacity to tolerate acute environmental shocks such as exposure to riverine floodwater. As flood events become more frequent, they may present serendipitous opportunities for further research. Thirty days into a temperature and starvation co‐stressor experiment, a storm event resulted in the staff evacuation and eventual flooding of the research facility. Additional samples for histology were opportunistically collected after the flood waters receded, and the survival of the P. canaliculus was monitored for two weeks post‐event. Although no mortalities were observed post‐flood exposure, histological results indicate that the event did cause the mussels to spawn. Tissue conditions, such as haemocytosis of the gill and digestive gland atrophy, also appeared to be correlated with the flood event; however, the impact on P. canaliculus health was considered negligible. This research highlights not only the importance of targeted research in elucidating the impacts of climate‐related hazards on marine species but the importance of opportunistically incorporating these unforeseen events into the research.

Fishing for data: AI approaches to advance recreational fisheries monitoring - Lachlan R. Baker; Nathan A. Knott; Robert Gorkin; Sam Aubin; Culum Brown; Katharina J. Peters (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Recreational fishing is an important social and economic activity on a global scale. In Australia, the quantification of the recreational fishing catch has relied on voluntary surveys, which require significant human resourcing for data collection and also limit the sampling and the precision of the estimates. Artificial intelligence (AI) incorporated into fish cleaning tables offers the opportunity to collect data in an almost continuous manner with little human effort. To date, the feasibility of such an approach has not been tested nor optimised. Here, we present a rudimentary image classification model that we developed with a dataset of only 2000 images, and test its accuracy and the deployment variables that may affect its performance. We assessed the influence of camera height, image resolution, species, fish orientation and position on identification and measurement accuracy. Lowering camera height and photographing fish in their dorsal orientation increased identification accuracy, while poor image resolution decreased measurement accuracy. These results informed subsequent development of an object detection model with increased performance (80% true positives compared to 30% for the image classification model). This assessment indicates the substantial promise of AI to sample recreational fisheries catches, with the potential to dramatically increase data collection for recreational fisheries management.

Deep‐sea lobster shifts in distribution and population connectivity under future climate change - Christopher J. Roach; Andrew G. Jeffs; Aimee L. van der Reis; Joao Marcos Azevedo Correia de Souza; Erik Behrens (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
New Zealand scampi ( Metanephrops challengeri ) is an economically important deep‐sea lobster species found between 140 and 640 m on New Zealand’s continental shelf and slopes. Adult scampi are sedentary and population connectivity is mediated by larval dispersion. In this study we use high‐resolution regional marine climate down‐scalings to examine how climate change will impact connectivity and population distribution in medium and high‐emissions future climate scenarios. We find that single generation larval connectivity is dominated by three ‘blocks’ of high connectivity centred on the Campbell Plateau, Chatham Rise and the west coast of the North Island. Connectivity within these ‘blocks’ remains robust under future climate but inter‐block connectivity weakens. The effect of ocean warming was assessed by examining how frequently seafloor temperature exceeded 13°C, a temperature known to cause a rapid decline in scampi health. We find that the Northland and Bay of Plenty fisheries will experience thermal stress by mid‐century followed by the Chatham Rise fishery late‐century. The Campbell Plateau fisheries experience little ocean warming but may be vulnerable to shifts in fishing effort as the northern fisheries become less viable. These results showcase climate change impacts on an important deep‐sea species and how modelling can benefit fisheries and conservation management.

The acoustic detection of the Franciscana dolphin ( Pontoporia blainvillei ), in open sea off the coast of Argentina - G. Giardino; P. Denuncio; E. Papale; M. Ceraulo; G. Buscaino; R. Bastida; D. Rodríguez (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
The Franciscana dolphin ( Pontoporia blainvillei ) is facing significant threats in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean, largely due to entanglement in artisanal fishing nets, which makes it the most threatened dolphin species in the region Its conservation calls for a standardised methodology that enables the detection and monitoring of dolphin populations on a longer temporal scale. This study represents the first acoustic monitoring of wild Franciscana dolphins in Argentina, focusing on understanding their diel patterns of activity and their relationship with environmental variables. Our findings show that Franciscana dolphin acoustic presence in summer in Chapadmalal (Argentina) is more frequent in January than in February and March and is influenced by the interaction between tide and wind direction. Specifically, at higher tide levels, wind direction has a reduced impact on dolphin detections. This interaction varies seasonally, with shifts observed in February and March. This research advances standardised methodologies for detecting and monitoring Franciscana dolphin populations, supporting efforts to improve their conservation.

Seasonal dynamics of winter‐spring algal blooms in the temporary wetlands of Andean Patagonia, Argentina - Carolina Soto Cárdenas; Marina Gerea; Claudia Queimaliños; Fabián Gastón Jara (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Algal blooms have profound impacts on freshwater ecosystems worldwide. This study investigates the dynamics of algal blooms in temporary wetlands within protected areas of northwestern Argentinean Patagonia. We characterised the algal community and biomass (measured by chlorophyll‐ a ) in two wet meadows (Pitranto and Poza), assessing key environmental variables throughout the algal bloom. The blooms persisted from winter to early spring in 2023. Algal community composition varied between wetlands: at Pitranto, five green filamentous species, whereas at Poza, the community was primarily composed of the cyanobacterium Aphanocapsa sp., with a smaller proportion of filamentous algae. Excessive algal proliferation resulted in dense mats that blanketed the wetlands, attaching to vegetation and shading the water column, which, in turn, trapped macroinvertebrates within the mats. Cold winter temperatures triggered algal growth, and as water temperatures increased in early spring, the algae began to senesce. Chlorophyll‐ a concentrations and nutrient levels were lower than in previous years, likely due to nutrient depletion following efficient algal uptake. Sediment disturbance, exacerbated by invasive wild boar activity, may have altered nutrient dynamics and influenced algal blooms within these wetlands.

Near‐seabed sediment dynamics and fluxes on Chatham Rise, the effects of seabed disturbance, and implications for deep‐sea bottom trawling and seabed mining - Scott D. Nodder; Christopher A. Eager; Joe O’Callaghan; Daniel Leduc; Sam Davidson; Stacy Deppeler; Grace Frontin‐Rollet; Peter Gerring; Sarah Searson; William Quinn; Steve George; Ron Ovenden; et al. (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Anthropogenic impacts are increasingly affecting deep‐sea environments, including seafloor sediment disturbances by bottom trawling and seafloor mining. Fieldwork in the ‘Resilience Of Benthic Ecosystems to Sedimentation’ (ROBES) project were conducted in 2018–2020 on the 400 m‐deep Chatham Rise crest, eastern Aotearoa New Zealand. Water column turbidity data, sediment traps on near‐seabed moorings and benthic landers and surficial sediments from multi‐corers provided baseline and post‐impact information following an artificially induced seafloor disturbance event in June 2019 using a modified harrow plough in and around an elongated bathymetric depression, designated as the ‘Butterknife’. During the disturbance, total mass and particulate organic carbon (POC) near‐bed fluxes were elevated above long‐term fluxes (2018–20). Long‐term 2018–19 fluxes were generally less than in 2019–20, driven by interannual oceanographic variations. These results, coupled with 50–100 m‐thick benthic boundary layers, suggest that lateral advection is a dominant process in the resuspension and redistribution of seafloor sediments on the rise. Further research is required to better understand the longer term dynamics of particle transport and deposition in response to human activities, such as bottom trawling or proposed phosphorite seafloor mining, especially in bathyal environments, such as the Chatham Rise.

Evidence for strong selective forces structuring a subtropical bacterioplankton metacommunity along 800 km from freshwater reservoir to the sea - Claudia Piccini; Angel Segura; Carla Kruk; Eliana Nervi; Alvaro González‐Revello; Florencia Bertoglio; Caio Graco‐Roza; José Sotelo‐Silveira (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Testing ecological theory on microbial communities could shed light on the mechanisms behind general biodiversity patterns. Here, we tested explicit a‐priori predictions from a coalescent‐based simulation model of community structure, macroecological patterns and 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding to evaluate bacterioplankton diversity ( α , β , γ diversity and species abundance distribution (SADs)) along a large region (∼800 km) in 6 sites from a subtropical freshwater reservoir in the Uruguay river to the Atlantic Ocean. A test based on the genetic distances among sequences suggests species sorting as the determinant of community structure. Stronger selective pressure was evidenced towards the outer estuary, with a decrease in species diversity and changes in the dominant classes, while keeping a similar power‐law SAD structure. Distance decay in similarity matched theoretical patterns suggested by the replacement (turnover) of species and not to those generated by the loss of species from a larger pool. Each site along the continuum strongly contributes to the γ bacterioplankton diversity, highlighting the relevance of local species pool to the bacterioplankton metacommunity.

Is marine carbon dioxide removal right for Aotearoa New Zealand? - Cliff S. Law; Rebecca J. McLeod (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Marine carbon sinks are identified as potential nature‐based solutions in the second Emissions Reduction Plan released in December 2024. Although the scientific basis for marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) is still being established, activities are nonetheless advancing internationally and there is increasing domestic interest. Here, we introduce the fundamentals and types of mCDR to highlight the need for a national assessment that considers our unique cultural and environmental context in determining whether and how mCDR might contribute to Aotearoa New Zealand’s climate response.

Establishment of a stable isotope database for New Zealand fur seal breeding colonies using δ 13 C and δ 15 N in pup vibrissae - Diana Galbraith; B. Louise Chilvers (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
The New Zealand fur seal/kekeno ( Arctocephalus forsteri , NZFS) is native to Aotearoa/New Zealand. Its original range included the entire coast of mainland New Zealand, and offshore and subantarctic islands. The NZFS has gradually recolonised much of its former range after being almost extirpated by hunting, however, little is known about species dispersal in the non‐breeding season. Stable isotope analysis (SIA) can trace foraging ecology and migration in marine mammal species. Isotopic niche width can be described statistically and provides ecologically relevant information on diet and potentially foraging location. Otariid pup vibrissae (whiskers) can be used as proxies for maternal foraging as they provide a sequential record of nutrient intake derived from maternal milk. In this study, vibrissae from NZFS pups were collected from seven established breeding areas around the coast of New Zealand. A stable isotope database of δ 13 C and δ 15 N was established for each breeding colony, and isotopic niche widths estimated. Isotopic niche widths were largest at Open Bay Islands and Cape Foulwind. Results were discussed in light of previous oceanographic and NZFS diet and foraging studies. Colonies are not likely to be sufficiently isotopically distinct for pups to be identified to their colony of origin.

The effect of diet on the growth and energy budget of juvenile Neostichopus grammatus - Abigail John Onomu; Matthew James Slater; Niall Gordon Vine (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Providing optimum energy levels in diets for sea cucumbers is essential, as an excess or inadequate energy level can lead to a reduced growth rate. This study investigated the effect of diets on the growth and energy budget of juvenile sea cucumber Neostichopus grammatus for twelve weeks. The diets are abalone waste (AB); abalone waste mixed with powdered Ulva lacinulata (A + U) and Gracilaria gracilis ; abalone (A + G), formulated pellet with the inclusion of sand (P + S) and without sand (P – S). Ingestion rate was influenced by diets, such that diets, containing abalone waste (AB, A + G and A + U), exhibited higher ingestion rates ( p C ), energy lost in faeces ( F ) and energy lost through ammonia excretion ( U ). However, the diets did not influence the energy available for growth ( G ), and the energy lost through respiration ( R ). 81–96% of energy intake was lost to R. The diets had no significant effect on G, as sea cucumbers in the various treatments all had a low and negative proportion of energy allocated to growth regardless of the feed ingested. This study has shown that the sea cucumber N. grammatus spends 81–96% of its ingested energy on respiration, leading to a deficit of energy available for growth. HIGHLIGHTS Diets affected the energy lost through ammonia excretion. Diets used in this study did not influence the energy available for growth, and the energy lost through respiration 81%–96% of energy intake than expected was lost to respiration Sand substrate in tanks is essential for the land‐based rearing of N. grammatus

Salinity has a greater effect on sea star righting time than temperature - Claire T. Shellem; Conrad A. Pilditch; David C. Schneider; Joanne I. Ellis (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Acute increases in temperature linked with marine heatwaves have been occurring with increasing frequency around New Zealand. Additionally, as rainfall rates vary in association with climate change, the salinity regimes in estuaries are changing, often with more frequent pulses of low salinity events. These physical changes in the environment can lead to sublethal stress and changes in the distribution of marine organisms. Echinoderms play a key role in the structuring of many inter‐ and subtidal ecosystems and can exert top‐down control, which promotes biodiversity and overall ecosystem function. Here, we investigated the impacts of high temperature, low salinity and their combined effect on behavioural responses of Coscinasterias muricata , a keystone predator. We examined how these two climatic variables, individually and together, would affect righting time, a proxy for fitness, over a one‐week period. We found that only salinity significantly affected righting times, with those exposed to ambient salinity treatments righting an average of 47% faster than those in low salinities, across all days. Neither temperature nor duration of exposure significantly affected righting time. These findings suggest, because keystone species may be affected, that future changes in salinity can have drastic effects on coastal ecosystems and should be further investigated.

Environmental drivers of Atrina zelandica habitat suitability in Tauranga Harbour - Brooke G. Ellis‐Smith; Hazel R. Needham; Fabrice Stephenson; Jenny R. Hillman; Andrew M. Lohrer; Joanne I. Ellis; Conrad A. Pilditch (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Fan shells (Family Pinnidae) have high ecological importance but are facing global declines including in New Zealand. Given the scarcity of data regarding the degree of these losses, understanding current population spatial extents and distributional drivers is needed for restoration management. A subtidal towed underwater camera survey was conducted at 62 sites to elucidate Atrina zelandica extent in Tauranga Harbour, Bay of Plenty. We observed sparse populations (occurrences at 12 sites, densities −2 ), indicating harbour‐wide declines compared to historical records. Habitat suitability modelling was used to identify possible environmental drivers influencing Atrina and predict areas suitable for restoration. The model performed well (AUC = 0.85) and predicted large areas of high habitat suitability (probability of occurrence > 0.6). Mud content (7–35%), maximum current speed ( −1 ), sediment organic matter ( −3 ) were identified as the key drivers of predicted habitat suitability. Absence of Atrina from areas of high predicted suitability and historical occupancy indicates other factors are restricting recovery. Ongoing destructive benthic activities, alongside Allee effects may be hindering natural recovery, necessitating active restoration and stressor removal to reestablish populations.

Comparative paralytic shellfish toxin accumulation in three important Aotearoa New Zealand marine invertebrate species: kina ( Evechinus chloroticus ), pāua ( Haliotis iris ) and hohehohe ( Panopea zelandica ) - Hannah Greenhough; Anne Rolton; Kirsty F. Smith; Laura Biessy; Andrew I. Selwood (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
This study investigated the potential for paralytic shellfish toxin (PST) accumulation in three of Aotearoa New Zealand's (NZ) taonga seafood species: kina (urchin; Evechinus chloroticus ), pāua (abalone; Haliotis iris ) and hohehohe (geoduck; Panopea zelandica ) in laboratory exposures to the dinoflagellate Alexandrium pacificum . Although PST accumulation data are scarce or non‐existent for these three species, international studies have reported toxin accumulation in related genera. Given the prevalence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in areas of NZ where these species are harvested, this research aimed to assess PST uptake in different tissue types (e.g. viscera, siphons, flesh) following a seven‐day controlled exposure to the PST‐producing A. pacificum . Results showed that while the filter feeding hohehohe exceeded regulatory PST limits in the viscera following exposure, the two grazing species (kina and pāua) did not accumulate PSTs beyond the regulatory limit of 0.8 mg STX.2HCl eq kg −1 in 7 days. However, A. pacificum DNA and PSTs were detected in the viscera of all species, confirming ingestion of the microalgal cells. This is the first controlled PST‐uptake study of these economically and ecologically important species, providing valuable insights into the risks of paralytic shellfish poisoning following collection of these species after a HAB event.

Effects of temperature and salinity on bacterial reduction in Portuguese oysters ( Magallana angulata ) during depuration with sonoelectrochemical water - Dung Viet Le; Van Cam Thi Le; Thuy Thi Nguyen (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Consumption of raw oysters poses health risks due to bacterial contamination. This study investigated the effects of temperature and salinity on the depuration process for reducing Vibrio spp., Escherichia coli , and Salmonella spp. in oysters over 24 hours using sonoelectrochemical water with an oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) of 750 mV. The temperature experiment was conducted at three levels (20°C, 24°C, and 28°C) with a constant salinity of 25‰. The salinity experiment was carried out at three levels (15‰, 20‰, and 25‰) with a constant temperature of 24°C. Oyster samples were collected at 8, 16, and 24 hours for bacterial analysis. The results indicated that depuration was most effective at reducing Vibrio spp. and E. coli at temperatures of 20°C and 24°C and a salinity of 25‰. Temperature had no significant effect on the reduction of Salmonella spp., though salinity levels of 20‰ and 25‰ were effective in reducing Salmonella spp. The optimal depuration time for bacterial reduction was 16 hours. Further research is needed to assess the efficiency of sonoelectrochemical depuration under varying environmental conditions, including different salinity, temperature, and flow rates.

Botryllus (Ascidiacea, Styelidae) on the Argentine coast - Anabela Taverna; María Carla de Aranzamendi; Cristian Lagger; Diego Román Giménez; Marcos Tatián (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Two species belonging to the genus Botryllus from three localities (five sampling sites) on the Argentine coast (southwestern Atlantic) were identified, based on morphological analyses. Besides, genetic analyses (COI partial sequences) revealed the presence of clade A of the Botryllus schlosseri species complex, which is widely distributed and considered invasive, in Mar del Plata and Puerto Madryn localities. In addition, a species never detected in the study area was recorded: Botryllus planus with a tropical distribution in the western Atlantic and considered cryptogenic in Brazil. The present study emphasises the need to make morphological diagnoses and generate species barcodes to help identify clades or cryptic species and contribute to the genetic database of the different species. Accurate species identification enables the delimitation of their distribution areas. Their occurrence in natural or artificial habitats (e.g. harbours, marinas, shipwrecks) provides insights into their biogeographic status in the area.

Mesozooplankton community associations with water mass and season off the Southeast coast of New Zealand (2017–2018) - Morgan Meyers; Moira Décima; Kim Currie; Robert O. Smith; Linn Hoffmann; Stephen Wing (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Zooplankton community structure varies among distinct water masses and can be highly temporally dynamic, with patterns reflecting seasonal, interannual, and decadal changes in food webs. The seasonal dynamics of zooplankton communities in waters east of the Otago peninsula (New Zealand), and their associations to the region’s water masses, have not been investigated in detail since the 1960s. The current study was conducted along the Munida Time Series Transect, a 65‐km transect that runs perpendicular to the coast. The transect crosses four distinct water masses: Neritic, Subtropical, Subtropical frontal zone, and Sub Antarctic waters, all with distinct temperature, salinity, and nutrient characteristics. Samples were taken from the epipelagic (

Age‐based growth dynamics analysis of recreationally‐ vs commercially‐caught snapper ( Chrysophrys auratus ) in SNA1 management zone - Tess James; Emily Steele; Jingjing Zhang; Julian Lilkendey; Bérénice Lequesne; Elizabeth Danièle Laman Trip; Armagan Sabetian (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
This study examines age and growth‐based population dynamics of snapper ( Chrysophrys auratus ) in the SNA1 management area, comparing recreationally‐ and commercially‐caught fish. Fishing gear selectivity influenced age and size distribution, with recreationally‐caught snapper (Rod & Reel) displaying a broader range (3–28 years; 260–830 mm SL) than commercially caught snapper (Netting) (2–13 years; 240–439 mm SL). The modal age class was 6–7 years for recreational catches and 5 years for commercial catches, while modal size classes were 300–319 mm and 360–379 mm SL, respectively. Von Bertalanffy Growth Function (VBGF) parameters revealed a slightly higher asymptotic length ( L ∞) for recreationally‐caught snapper (433.48 mm SL) compared to commercially‐caught (406.51 mm SL), though both exhibited similar growth coefficients ( K = 0.21 and 0.22). Likelihood Ratio Tests and 95% confidence ellipses confirmed significant growth differences between fisheries. However, these differences likely reflect disparities in age and size structures rather than intrinsic biological variation. Our findings emphasise the importance of considering fishery gear selectivity when evaluating growth dynamics and underscore the need for ongoing monitoring to support sustainable snapper management in SNA1.

Fatty acid biomarkers reveal maternal energy allocation strategies in spawning Snapper ( Chrysophrys auratus ) - Armagan Sabetian; Luu Huong Hoang; Jingjing Zhang; W. Lindsey White; Tony Chen; Haijian Wang; Julian Lilkendey (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Investigating the dynamic interplay between energy storage and provisioning offers valuable insights into reproductive strategies. In this study we utilised fatty acids as proxy biomarkers to investigate the energetic provisioning strategy of spawning Snapper ( Chrysophrys auratus ). Fatty acid profiles of liver, ovaries, and skeletal muscle showed significant variations in composition and concentration. The liver was rich in saturated fatty acids (ΣSFA, 68.52%), the ovaries were predominantly composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids (ΣPUFA, 43.44%), and skeletal muscle exhibited near equal proportions of ΣSFA (42.52%) and ΣPUFA (40.46%). This pattern indicates a mixed reproductive strategy, where high accumulation of SFA in the liver supports capital breeding traits, while higher PUFA levels in the ovaries, and equal SFA and PUFA composition in muscle tissue indicate characteristics associated with income breeding. We also found no convincing evidence to support the lipid provisioning aspect of the Big Old Fat Fecund Female Fish (BOFFFF) hypothesis, as older snapper did not provision higher concentrations of fatty acids in their ovaries. These findings provide new insights into resource allocation strategies of snapper during reproduction, suggesting that protecting a range of age classes, rather than focusing solely on older individuals, may be more effective for managing and ensuring stock sustainability.

Effects of an experimental in situ seabed disturbance on deep‐sea benthic ecosystem function and macro‐infaunal community structure on the Chatham Rise, Southwest Pacific - Rachel Hale; Daniel Leduc; Campbell Murray; Ashley A. Rowden; Scott D. Nodder; Chris Eager; Rob Stewart; Christopher W. Hickey; Conrad Pilditch; Malcolm R. Clark (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Expansion of extractive industries to deep‐sea environments will lead to increased stresses on seafloor ecosystems. We examined changes in environmental parameters following direct and indirect experimental benthic disturbance using a modified plough on the Chatham Rise (∼450 m water depth), Aotearoa/New Zealand. Measurements included sediment community oxygen consumption (SCOC), nutrient fluxes, macro‐infauna community composition, and sediment organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content. We observed an increase in SCOC immediately after the disturbance, alongside a decrease in macro‐infauna abundance, biomass, species richness, and diversity, and an increase in sediment C:N. One‐year after the disturbance, SCOC and sediment C:N ratios were similar to that of pre‐disturbance levels, while macro‐infauna abundance and biomass were greater. We observed a shift in the community structure at directly disturbed sites one‐year post‐disturbance with decreased biomass of Polychaeta and increased biomass of Ophiuroidea. No changes were observed in sediment nutrient fluxes. Our study indicates the Chatham Rise benthic ecosystem was initially negatively affected by the disturbance, but the recovery of many parameters after one‐year shows the potential resilience of the ecosystem. Compared to many proposed deep‐sea resource extraction sites the Chatham Rise experiences a relatively high‐level of anthropogenic and natural disturbance which may explain the relatively rapid recovery. Seafloor resilience to human disturbances and recovery from impacts will depend on local environmental conditions that need to be evaluated by environmental impact assessments. This knowledge will be key to predicting and mitigating disturbance impacts. While the Chatham Rise is relatively well studied many other regions, including those planned for extractive activities, lack the information needed.

Seasonal variation in fatty acid profiles of Holothuria poli (Delle Chiaje, 1823) from Monastir Bay (Tunisia): implications for trophic markers and lipid nutritional quality assessment - Maroua Jenzri; Zied Bouraoui; Hamadi Guerbej; Jamel Jebali; Tahar Gharred (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
This study investigated the seasonal variations in the proximate composition, fatty acid profile, lipid nutritional quality, and diet composition of Holothuria poli collected from Monastir Bay. Our findings revealed significant seasonal variations in protein, lipids, and ash contents, with the highest protein levels recorded during the summer and peak lipid levels observed in winter. Total monounsaturated fatty acids peaked in both winter and summer, while total saturated fatty acids reached their maximum in autumn. These variations in biochemical compositions were closely linked to the sea cucumber's dietary preferences. Our results demonstrated that H. poli exhibits a diverse diet, consuming bacteria, detritus, diatoms, zooplankton, and algae, with notable seasonal fluctuations. Moreover, the EPA + DHA content and the atherogenic (AI), thrombogenic (TI), and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic (H/H) indexes align with the ranges characteristic of high‐quality seafood, though marked variations are evident among seasons. A principal component analysis illuminated the dynamic seasonal shifts in Holothuria poli 's dietary habits and lipid nutritional characteristics, offering valuable insights into its ecological adaptations and potential repercussions for marine food webs. These findings underscore the intriguing interplay between fatty acid composition, lipid nutritional quality, dietary preferences, and environmental factors in sea cucumbers.

The impacts of marine heatwaves on ecosystems and fisheries in Aotearoa New Zealand - Katie M. Cook; Matthew R. Dunn; Erik Behrens; Matt H. Pinkerton; Cliff S. Law; Vonda J. Cummings (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are increasing in frequency and intensity globally, yet the impacts of such extreme events are not well understood. We review the effects of MHWs on the fisheries and ecosystems of Aotearoa‐New Zealand (NZ), an island nation with over 15,000 km of coastline, and 4 million km 2 of exclusive economic zone, that supports diverse marine communities and valuable commercial and recreational fisheries. Using Aotearoa‐NZ and global literature, we discuss the potential effects of MHWs on the physical environment and on species, populations and ecosystems. We review recorded national impacts with a fisheries focus, and systematically assess MHW effects on 32 commercially or culturally important Aotearoa‐NZ wild‐caught fishery or aquaculture species, classifying their vulnerabilities. We found records of MHW‐induced ecosystem shifts, with macroalgae community change, and out‐of‐range occurrences of warm‐water species. Of the 32 species examined, national MHW impacts were documented for three species (green‐lipped mussel, snapper, and Chinook salmon). We highlight the paucity of information for life‐stage specific impacts, and indirect impacts such as changes in predator‐prey interactions and biogenic habitat distributions. Assessing MHW impacts through a fisheries lens highlights the need for enhanced interdisciplinary research and monitoring, to develop sustainable management strategies under environmental change.

Age and growth of a habitat‐forming deep‐sea coral Solenosmilia variabilis in the New Zealand region: implications for fisheries management - Dianne M. Tracey; Peter Marriott; Nicholas Hitt; Helen Neil; Malcolm R. Clark (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
One of the most widespread and abundant habitat forming deep‐sea corals in the South Pacific region is Solenosmilia variabilis . The age of this species was assessed using radiocarbon content ( 14 C) on long dead, recently dead, and live branch sections of coral reef matrix sampled from the New Zealand region. Conventional 14 C colony ages (yrs BP), for the living, recently dead, and long dead samples, ranged from 803 to 1186 years (Graveyard Knolls, Chatham Rise), and 907 to 11, 694 years (Louisville Seamount Chain east of New Zealand). Overall calendar ages, ranged from 84 to 292 years, and similar linear and step‐wise growth rate data were obtained. Linear growth ranged from 0.2 to 1.3 mm/yr. From a conservative estimate of matrix height of ∼20 cm, it could take hundreds of years (∼150–660) of growth for a colony of S. variabilis to attain this height, and around ∼2000 years to build a colony diameter of 1 metre. Defining the age, growth and recovery timeframes of deep‐sea coral can inform risk assessments of the level of susceptibility to trawling activity and their potential to recover, as well as provide options for the considered management of deep‐sea habitats.

The availability and ingestion of microplastics by an intertidal fish is dependent on urban proximity - Fletcher Munsterman; Bridie J. M. Allan; Sheri L. Johnson (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Investigating the impacts of the plastics on our environment, and the potential adverse effects on fauna, has become increasingly important. While a number of studies have shown that microplastic levels in sediments generally increase with proximity to urban regions, fewer studies have investigated how vertebrate ingestion rates vary with urban proximity. Here we explore how urban proximity influences plastic abundance in sediments and plastic ingestion by an intertidal fish ( Forsterygion capito) . Three sites around Dunedin City, New Zealand, were sampled. We demonstrate that fish collected from areas located 2.5 and 10 km from the city centre ingested significantly more microplastic than fish at the furthest site, 25 km away from the city. Likewise, we found that the sediments from the least urban site tended to contain fewer microplastics. Despite this, we found little evidence to suggest that sediment microplastics can predict microplastic ingestion. Overall, this research provides further support that urban proximity impacts microplastic deposition and ingestion by marine fauna.

Experimental seabed disturbance effects on Chatham Rise deep‐sea meiofaunal communities, Southwest Pacific - Daniel Leduc; Campbell Murray; Ashley A. Rowden; Scott D. Nodder; Rachel Hale; Malcolm R. Clark (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Growing global demand for deep‐sea resources may lead to increased pressure on benthic ecosystems. Here we examined changes in meiofaunal communities following an in situ physical disturbance experiment. A significant change in meiofaunal community structure in surface (0‐1 cm) and subsurface (1‐5 cm) sediments was observed immediately following the disturbance at both the directly and indirectly disturbed sites and adjacent potentially undisturbed/indirectly disturbed sites, reflecting a decrease in the abundance of several meiofaunal taxa. Abundance, taxon richness and diversity also decreased immediately following disturbance across all sites. Surface community parameters returned to pre‐disturbance values one year post‐disturbance, but only a partial recovery was observed for the subsurface community over the same period. The accumulation of recently resuspended and deposited sediment could have led to lower meiofaunal density and shifts in community structure. Passive dispersal and recolonisation from outside the study area may explain why the surface community recovered more fully than the subsurface community. We show that meiofauna were negatively affected by a relatively minor disturbance compared to proposed commercial seabed mining operations, but the finding that communities had largely recovered one year after disturbance has implications for resilience of fauna to much more pronounced impacts of potential large‐scale mining.

Effects of experimental in situ seabed disturbance on deep‐sea macrofaunal communities of Chatham Rise, Southwest Pacific - Campbell Murray; Ashley A. Rowden; Daniel Leduc; Scott D. Nodder; Rachel Hale; Jane Halliday; Malcolm R. Clark (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
With the possibility of deep‐sea mining of mineral resources occurring, it is necessary to understand potential impacts on benthic communities. Previous simulated mining experiments revealed direct benthic impacts; however, indirect impacts of sedimentation are not well understood. A disturbance experiment was conducted on Chatham Rise, New Zealand, to assess the resilience of benthic communities to sedimentation that could result from future deep‐sea phosphorite mining. Macrofaunal and sediment samples were collected before, immediately after, and one year after a disturbance in areas directly physically disturbed and subjected to induced sedimentation (DI), and undisturbed or subjected to sedimentation only (UI). Macrofaunal abundance significantly decreased in DI areas but not in UI areas. However, abundance‐based community structure changed in both areas; in DI areas this was mostly driven by decreases in dominant fauna, but in UI areas by changes in more sensitive fauna. One year after disturbance, abundance‐based community structure had recovered in both areas and was correlated most strongly with variations in sediment C:N molar ratios. Biomass‐based community structure in DI areas differed one‐year post disturbance from communities sampled at the two earlier periods. These results are useful for informing the management of impacts from offshore industries where sedimentation is an issue.

The benthic and epiphytic marine dinoflagellates of Aotearoa New Zealand and Rangitāhua Kermadec Islands, an updated checklist from 2018 to 2024 - Lesley L. Rhodes; Tomohiro Nishimura; J. Sam Murray; Sarah C. Finch; Lucy Thompson; Kirsty F. Smith (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
A checklist collating records of New Zealand’s benthic and epiphytic dinoflagellate species was published on‐line in 2018 [Rhodes L, Smith KF. 2019. A checklist of the benthic and epiphytic marine dinoflagellates of New Zealand, including Rangitāhua/Kermadec Islands. N Z J Mar Freshw Res. 53:258–277. doi: 10.1080/00288330.2018.1492425 ]. Over the last six years, seventeen species from nine genera (three newly reported genera) have been documented, including sand‐dwelling species. Isolation and identification of species using traditional microscopic techniques combined with analysis of DNA sequencing data has been supplemented by high‐throughput sequencing techniques (i.e. metabarcoding). Toxin data, based on liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS), and toxicity of isolates are included where applicable. Forty‐two benthic and epiphytic dinoflagellate genera, including genera having benthic life stages, have now been recorded in Aotearoa New Zealand coastal waters including Rangitāhua Kermadec Islands (new record genera in bold): Adenoides , Alexandrium , Amphidinium , Archaeperidinium , Azadinium , Biecheleria , Blastodinium , Bysmatrum , Cachonina , Coolia , Crypthecodinium , Cryptoperidiniopsis , Dinophysis , Durinskia , Ensiculifera , Fukuyoa , Fragilidium , Gambierdiscus , Gonyaulax , Gymnodinium , Gyrodinium , Heterocapsa , Karenia , Karlodinium , Kryptoperidinium , Lepidodinium , Ostreopsis , Pelagodinium , Pentapharsodinium , Pfiesteria , Polarella , Prorocentrum , Protodinium , Protoperidinium , Pseudadenoides , Pseudopfiesteria , Scrippsiella , Symbiodinium , Thecadinium , Togula , Vulcanodinium and Woloszynskia.

Changing bryozoan fauna in Otago Harbour reflects growing urbanisation and globalisation - Tyler M. Feary; Abigail M. Smith (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
A comparison between historic reports dating from 1884 (78 records of 35 species) to the bryozoan fauna present today (98 colonies of 14 species) reveals considerable faunal change in Otago Harbour / Te Wai Ōtākou (45° 50'S 170° 38'E) in Dunedin, east coast of South Island, Aotearoa New Zealand. This highly‐modified urban port was once a rock‐edged tidal inlet surrounded by bush and grassy hills, but changes to its flora and fauna are not limited to land and the intertidal. Our modern bryozoan surveys record predominantly ‘weedy’ invasive species which colonise anthropogenic surfaces, while previously‐recorded larger, slower‐growing native species are now missing. This study emphasises the importance of historical data and regular monitoring in determining baselines for conservation and restoration.

Stratification and internal temperature oscillations near a coastal inlet - Sutara H. Suanda; Robert O. Smith (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
A vertical array of fast‐response temperature sensors was deployed to investigate interior ocean temperature and thermal stratification variability during Spring, 2018 near an inlet entrance on the Otago inner continental shelf (15 m water depth). Over the 24‐day observation period, the background water column structure evolved from supporting a near‐surface pycnocline, to being characterised by a deep surface mixed layer. Periods of mostly low stratification due to atmospheric‐ and surface wave‐driven mixing are also observed. Time‐varying normal‐mode projection demonstrates that the vertical structure of semi‐diurnal temperature oscillations evolves in response to this background stratification in a manner consistent with the interpretation of internal waves. At higher frequencies (supratidal) the projection is less consistent as vertically coherent oscillations from non‐linear internal solitons co‐exist with non‐coherent oscillations, a potential signature of stratified mixing. Although both processes are likely important contributors to the transport of coastal tracers and inlet‐ocean exchange, further measurements are needed to determine the origin and fate of internal waves on the Otago continental shelf.

Habitat suitability of Aotearoa New Zealand for the recently invaded gold clam ( Corbicula fluminea ) - Rose Somerville; Calum MacNeil; Finnbar Lee (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
The gold clam ( Corbicula fluminea) is a highly invasive freshwater mollusc, which was detected in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2023. Currently, C. fluminea has only been observed in the Waikato catchment, but there is significant concern it will spread across the country. There is an urgent need to identify suitable habitat for the species beyond the Waikato, given the high probability of spread. Here, we used a Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model to predict habitat suitability across Aotearoa for C. fluminea . The model was parametrised with 9,544 observations from across the species’ native and invaded ranges and seven climate, environmental and habitat variables associated with the species’ distribution. The highest risk area are mostly located in Te Ika‐a‐Māui (North Island), in particular, northern Waikato, Auckland, Northland, Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay and in Te Waipounamu (South Island) areas with the highest habitat suitability included Marlborough, North Canterbury and Christchurch. Our findings suggest there are many invadable areas beyond the Waikato and a strategy of containment and suppression of existing C. fluminea populations should now be a priority, given the difficulty of eradication once further spread has occurred and new populations are well established.

Shallow estuarine reef as nursery habitat for Australasian snapper ( Chrysophrys auratus ) - Jessica L. Campbell; Mark A. Morrison; Richard B. Taylor (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Estuaries are important recruitment sites for many fish species, with structurally‐complex habitats such as subtidal seagrass beds on soft sediments particularly valuable due to their provision of food and shelter. Soft sediments dominate most estuaries, but where hard‐bottom reefs are present they have the potential to act as nursery habitats for juvenile fish. We document recruitment of juvenile Australasian snapper ( Chrysophrys auratus ) to a shallow linear sandstone reef in Whangateau Harbour, a small estuary in north‐eastern New Zealand. Up to several hundred 0 + juveniles (∼20–70 mm fork length) were present on the reef during early summer to mid‐late autumn each year from 2018 to 2021. Numbers were consistently highest at the seaward end of the reef, facing into incoming tidal currents, and lowest in the deeper central part of the reef, where larger, potentially cannibalistic, snapper were common. Juveniles disappeared from the reef fairly abruptly at the end of each season, with departure in at least two of the years appearing to follow a sudden decrease in water temperature rather than being associated with body size or absolute temperature. Although relatively small in area, estuarine reefs may be increasingly important nursery habitats in the future given the widespread loss of subtidal seagrass beds.

The impact of high rainfall events on the submesoscale salinity field in a coastal sea: Greater Cook Strait, New Zealand - Khushboo Jhugroo; Joanne M. O'Callaghan; Craig L. Stevens (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
River inflow into the coastal oceanic environment can result in low salinity submesoscale features (LSMFs). The enhanced water column stability sustained within these coherent structures affects local biological productivity. With‐event and seasonal variability of LSMFs were investigated in a coastal sea — Greater Cook Strait — that is characterised by strong tidal and wind forcing as well as being forced at the land‐sea boundary by several major rivers. A combination of ocean glider and satellite observations revealed the existence of seasonal variability in temperature, chlorophyll and stratification in LSMFs. High rainfall from ex‐cyclone enhanced production of LSMFs in seasons when they would otherwise be less frequent. Stronger stratification was observed at the end of spring, in summer and at the beginning of autumn both in ambient shelf conditions and within LSMFs. Subsurface chlorophyll‐a maxima were found associated with summer and spring LSMFs, when temperature had a stronger contribution to vertical stratification. In the available samples, LSMFs were advected seawards when river discharges exceeded 600 m s . When river flows were lower than this threshold, other drivers such as wind or currents were required to advect the observed LSMFs offshore.

Suspended sediment properties and visual clarity of the Manawatū River, New Zealand - Rob J. Davies‐Colley; Andrew O. Hughes; Arman Haddadchi; John R. Dymond; Simon S. Vale; Hugh G. Smith (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Studies of river suspended sediment typically focus on mass loads with little attention devoted to sediment properties such as particle size distribution (PSD) or light attenuation. However, environmental behaviour and ecological effects of suspended sediment vary greatly with particle properties. Visual clarity is a particularly important attribute of waters that is strongly affected by particle properties. We studied the relationship between visual clarity and suspended sediment in the Manawatū River – by combining event auto‐sampling with long‐term state‐of‐environment monitoring. We fractionated stormflow samples into sand and ‘mud’ (silt + clay) by wet‐sieving at 63 μm, and the mud fraction was further analysed for organics, PSD and light beam attenuation (which controls visual clarity). Light beam attenuation correlated very closely with high‐frequency field turbidity – providing an absolute optical calibration. The ratio of light beam attenuation to mass concentration (known as ‘optical cross‐section’) averaged about 0.5 m 2 /g – somewhat higher than expected for silt particles in the measured size range, probably due to plate‐shaped clays. The visual clarity regime, estimated from field turbidity, was consistent with monthly direct observations. Our study illustrates how certain sediment ‘quality’ metrics can usefully extend sediment monitoring applications, and we encourage closer integration of sediment and water quality monitoring.

What temperature is best for the offshore farming of the Australasian snapper, Chrysophrys auratus ? A collective examination of growth, FCR, O 2 consumption and welfare - Selwyn P. Collins; Leonardo J. Magnoni; Denham G. Cook; Suzanne E. Black; Neill A. Herbert (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
The Australasian snapper ( Chrysophrys auratus ) is a candidate for offshore aquaculture in New Zealand. The culture of snapper requires knowledge of the best locations for farms and a key variable is water temperature. The oxygen‐ and capacity‐limited thermal tolerance (OCLTT) hypothesis suggests fish performance is optimised at the temperature that maximises absolute aerobic scope (AAS), whereas the ‘multiple performances–multiple optima’ (MPMO) idea, suggests AAS and other performance measures can have different optimal temperatures. Therefore, the applicability of the OCLTT for snapper was tested by holding juveniles at 15, 18, 21, or 24°C for two months and constructing thermal performance curves (TPCs) for specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and AAS, and an assessment of welfare indicators. We hypothesised that the OCLTT would apply with all TPCs optimised at 21°C. However, AAS showed no discernible peak with temperature (although lower at 15 than 18°C); SGR and FCR improved non‐linearly with temperature; and welfare indicators varied little with temperature. This lack of aerobic limitation and evidence of MPMO suggests snapper are amenable to culture across a significant temperature range with warmer water likely providing the highest levels of productivity with maintained welfare.

Rapid prey switching of juvenile snapper ( Chrysophrys auratus ) in response to fluctuating visibility - Jessica L. Campbell; Richard B. Taylor (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
This study investigates the feeding behaviour of juvenile (0+) snapper ( Chrysophrys auratus ) in an estuarine nursery habitat. Underwater video footage recorded across a range of tidal states and times of day revealed a shift in foraging mode that was strongly related to water clarity. Fish exclusively ate benthic prey when horizontal water visibility was

Effects of oxidation reduction potential levels on bacterial density in Portuguese oysters ( Crassostrea angulata ) utilising a sonoelectrochemical depuration system - Van Cam Thi Le; Thuy Thi Nguyen; Hong Lam Thi Pham; Tuyet Anh Tran; Dung Viet Le (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
The consumption of raw oysters is on the rise and poses a significant health risk because of the presence of bacteria such as Escherichia coli , Salmonella spp., and Vibrio spp. Sonoelectrochemical technology offers a promising solution by creating nanobubbles charged with negative ions, which effectively kill bacteria in oysters without affecting human health, and is also environmentally friendly. This study evaluated the bacterial reduction capability of this technology on Portuguese oysters ( Crassostrea angulata ) using different oxidation redox potential (ORP) levels of 450, 600 and 750 mV compared with clean seawater (control) after 8, 16 and 24 hours. The results showed that extended exposure time did not significantly decrease E. coli and Salmonella spp. densities, except for the 750 mV treatment. The ORP level of 750 mV for 16 hours was the most effective in reducing bacterial population in oysters with total Vibrio , E. coli and Salmonella spp. reduced by 1.14, 0.95, and 0.85 logCFU/g, respectively. Further research is needed to optimise oyster depuration using sonoelectrochemical technology to enhance its efficiency and practical application.

New records of nine monogenean parasites infesting non‐native freshwater fish species in New Zealand - Ethan D. Renner; Ian C. Duggan (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Twenty‐one non‐native freshwater fish species have established populations in New Zealand, yet only two have been reported with monogenean infestations; grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella (Valenciennes in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1844) and western mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis (Baird and Girard, 1853), each with two identified monogenean species. Based on the diversity of monogeneans known from New Zealand's non‐native freshwater fish species in their native and other invaded ranges, it is likely that many other monogeneans could be extant in the country. Accordingly, we surveyed monogeneans from seven freshwater fish species. Eleven monogenean species were found, including nine previously unreported from New Zealand. One represented a genus previously unrecorded in the country, the ancyrocephalid Ligictaluridus pricei (Mueller, 1936), infesting the gills of Ameiurus nebulosus (Lesueur, 1819). Six dactylogyrid monogenean species were found infesting Carassius auratus (L.): Dactylogyrus anchoratus (Dujardin, 1845), D. dulkeiti Bychowsky, 1936, D. formosus Kulweic, 1927, D. inexpectatus Izyumova, 1955, D. intermedius Wegener, 1909 and D. vastator Nybelin, 1924. Further, a Gyrodactylus species was observed from the gills of Carassius auratus , which could not be confidently identified to the species level. Finally, Dactylogyrus minutus Kulweic, 1927, was recorded from Cyprinus rubrofuscus Lacépède, 1803.

The effect of temperature and sand substrate in tanks on the growth and survival of the warty sea cucumber Neostichopus grammatus - Abigail John Onomu; Heleen Senekal; Matthew James Slater; Niall Gordon Vine (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Water temperature and the presence of sand substrate are considered critical environmental factors affecting the growth of cultured sea cucumbers. This study investigated the effects of water temperatures and the presence or absence of sand substrate in tanks on the growth of N. grammatus fed an equal ration of abalone waste for eight weeks. Sea cucumbers with a mean weight of 8.34 g were used for the study. The treatments used in the study were Ambient water temperature + sand (A + S), Ambient water temperature without sand (A‐S), Cold water temperature + sand (C + S), and Cold‐water temperature without sand (C–S). The cold/constant water temperature was 16°C and was representative of winter conditions while the ambient/fluctuating water temperature fluctuated between 16.4 and 18.7 °C and was representative of spring conditions. At the end of the study, the sea cucumbers in A + S and C + S treatment groups exhibited an overall weight increase of 21.08% and 6.18%, respectively. The sea cucumbers reared in ambient water temperature exhibited significantly higher mean weight than those reared in cold water ( F 1, 66 = 5.69; p = 0.02), and sea cucumbers reared with sand substrate had significantly higher mean weight compared to those without sand substrate ( F 1,66 = 19.06; p = N. grammatus in tanks were higher in ambient temperatures and that stress was reduced in the presence of sand, a habitat that mimics its natural environment. This implies that sand substrate may be necessary for the farming of N. grammatus .

Different temperature regimes during gastrulation and neurulation influence developmental larval plasticity and survival at mouth opening in longfin yellowtail ( Seriola rivoliana ) - Nairoby Pacheco‐Carlón; Danitzia A. Guerrero‐Tortolero; Ilie S. Racotta; Rafael Campos‐Ramos (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
We investigated if different temperature regimes during embryogenesis could influence the morphology, the occurrence of oedema, energy reserves, and survival in Seriola rivoliana larvae at mouth opening. Eggs were incubated at six constant (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 °C) and two oscillating (21⇄29 °C) temperatures: decreasing starting (DS) and increasing starting (IS), which resulted in two opposite temperature fluctuating waves: gastrulation and neurulation. Total body length, head length and height were significantly influenced by temperature. Oscillation temperatures reduced major and severe oedema incidence. Mouth gape size was neither influenced by temperature nor by oedema condition. Larvae in DS had the lowest survival (36%) and grew as larvae at 20–24 °C. In contrast, IS showed the highest survival (76%) with larval size similar to 26–28 °C. Constant 28 °C had the lowest survival (48%), which resembled the increase up to 29 °C in DS during neurulation. In contrast, 22–26 °C had higher survivals (55–61%), which resembled the decrease down to 21 °C in IS during neurulation. Larvae at 20 °C and DS had the highest lipids consumption, which suggested detrimental effects on metabolism during gastrulation. Gastrulation and neurulation were likely critical survival and growth‐developmental plasticity periods in this species.

Long‐term warming and record‐breaking marine heatwaves in the Hauraki Gulf, northern New Zealand - Nick T. Shears; Melissa M. Bowen; François Thoral (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
As global oceans warm, long‐term temperature records are critical in understanding and interpreting warming trends and the significance of marine heatwaves (MHWs) in coastal environments. Daily measurements of sea surface temperature (SST) have been taken since 1967 at the Leigh Marine Laboratory, Hauraki Gulf, northern New Zealand. We analyse long‐term trends in SST anomalies and MHWs at Leigh from 1967 to 2023. We find a significant long‐term warming trend in annual SST anomaly, with warming evident in autumn and winter, but not summer and spring. SST has been consistently and anomalously warm over the last decade, with 2022 being the warmest year in the 57‐year record and having record high temperatures for six months. There were no long‐term trends in the number of MHW days and cumulative intensity of MHWs annually, but break point analysis revealed a significant and sharp increase in both metrics since 2012. 2022 had the greatest number of MHW days (313 days) on record, including the two longest and cumulatively intense MHWs which had numerous unpredicted impacts on coastal ecosystems. The long‐term data analysed here provides a unique long‐term perspective on warming trends in the Hauraki Gulf and demonstrates the unprecedented nature of recent MHWs.

Bryde's whale ( Balaenoptera edeni ) occurrence and foraging behaviour along the east coast of Australia - Vanessa Pirotta; Daniele Cagnazzi; Brett Dixon; Simon Millar; Jessica Millar; Greg Pickering; Paul A. Butcher; Karen A. Stockin; Katharina J. Peters (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Despite their global occurrence in warm‐temperate waters and their suspected non‐migratory lifestyle, Bryde's whales ( Balaenoptera edeni spp.) are considered the least‐known large baleen whale species. In Australian waters, information on their distribution, ecology and behaviour is scarce. This study documents Bryde's whale occurrence and foraging behaviours along the Australian East Coast using opportunistic citizen science sightings via drone aerial photography, vessel and land‐based observations. We observed foraging in both shallow (seafloor visible, beach and breaking waves present) and deep waters. We observed a range of foraging behaviours including lunge feeding (exhibited by individual whales and in pairs), sub‐surface and surface skim feeding (shallow waters only) and described multispecies associations. We describe a potentially novel feeding behaviour in shallow waters, where Bryde's whales are feeding directly within or behind the surf break ( shallow water surf feeding ). We quantify the presence of mother‐calf pairs in Australian waters, highlighting the use of these waters for potential calving. This study provides insights into Bryde's whale occurrence and foraging behaviour in both shallow and deep waters of eastern Australia.

The potential role of exopolysaccharide from Graesiella sp (chlorophyte Microalga) as dietary supplement against Bisphenol A‐induced hepatotoxicity in gilthead sea bream ( Sparus aurata ) - Zied Bouraoui; Mohamed N. Dhraief; Afef Amri; Mohamed A. Smach; Jihene Ammar; Tahar Gharred; Jamel Jebali; Hamadi Guerbej; Hatem Ben Ouada (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Bioactive compounds derived from microalgae exhibit beneficial biological activities for human and animal health. The present study was conducted to assess the potential protective effect of exopolysaccharide EPSs extracted from Graesiella sp, against Bisphenol‐A toxicity in gilthead sea bream ( Sparus aurata ). Fish were divided into two groups, the first group was fed a basal diet without EPSs and the second one was fed a supplemented diet (1.5% of EPSs) for 55 days. Subsequently, a random sample from each group were intraperitoneally injected with Bisphenol A (BPA) at a concentration of 50 mg/kg body weight. The antioxidant status, plasma biochemistry, tissue histopathology and flesh quality were then assessed after five days of BPA injection. Our results show that EPSs supplementation didn't induce negative effects for all tested parameters. BPA exposure caused a significant increment of hepatic lipid peroxidation and drops by more than 50% in the catalase (CAT), isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) and reduced glutathione (GSH) activities. BPA induced also a significant increase in plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities and numerous hepatic alterations. Interestingly, the BPA damage was reduced in fish fed with EPS‐enriched diets suggesting that Graesiella ‐EPS can be supplemented to prevent BPA damage.

Adaption of a traditional Māori fishing method for biomonitoring: using whakaweku for sampling benthic macroinvertebrates in streams - Hanatia Marsh; Richard Storey; Ian Kusabs; Brian Smith (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Whakaweku are bundles of bracken fern ( Pteridium esculentum ) traditionally placed in lakes and rivers by Māori to harvest kōura (freshwater crayfish, Paranephrops spp.) in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Previous studies show they are effective for monitoring populations of kōura and toitoi (small eleotrid fish, Gobiomorphus spp.). We wanted to determine whether whakaweku are also effective for monitoring benthic macroinvertebrate communities in streams. We placed whakaweku in a hard‐bottomed and a soft‐bottomed reach of a rural stream in the Waikato, and took standard ‘kick‐net’ samples from the same locations. We retrieved whakaweku after two and four weeks submerged. Whakaweku gave comparable results to kick‐net sampling for common macroinvertebrate metrics (MCI, SQMCI, total richness and EPT* richness). Macroinvertebrate community composition was significantly different between the two methods, but most taxa were common to both. Macroinvertebrate metrics did not change significantly between two‐week and four‐week colonisation periods. A wider study would show whether whakaweku can distinguish between sites over a gradient of human impact. We recommend whakaweku in Māori cultural and community stream monitoring as it is inexpensive, simple to use, captures many macroinvertebrate taxa used in biomonitoring, works in different stream types and can be used to monitor kōura, toitoi and macroinvertebrates simultaneously.

Biochemical composition of biofilms and gastropod grazers; informing biological control efforts from a nutritional perspective - Rebecca M. McMullin; Matthew R. Miller; Lauren M. Fletcher; Grant A. Hopkins (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Considerable interest exists in the development of marine biological control (biocontrol) approaches to biofouling management. For most conceivable applications, the effectiveness of biocontrol at an operational scale is largely unproven, and considerable knowledge gaps and challenges remain. An important consideration for any biocontrol application is whether control agents will persist and remain effective over a reasonable timeframe (months to years). For biofouling management on artificial structures, this will be influenced by the biomass and composition of biofouling communities being consumed by control agents, and their rate of replenishment. Here we review the tissue composition and feeding rates of the gastropod grazers, Cookia sulcata and Lunella smaragda ; two species identified as candidates for biocontrol on static artificial structures. The nutritional composition of biofilms is also discussed in consideration of the likely nutritional requirements of these species. Carbohydrates, notably glycogen, long‐chain essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, and essential amino acids influence the nutritional value of biofilms and larger biofouling organisms. These components also provide information about energy reserves, reproductive fitness, resistance to starvation, and metabolic requirements of grazing species. This review informs biocontrol approaches using gastropods in marine environments.

Population structure and genetic diversity of false killer whales ( Pseudorca crassidens ) in New Zealand waters: preliminary results - Gabriela Tezanos‐Pinto; Laura Bohorquez; Jochen R. Zaeschmar; Karen Stockin; Emma L. Carroll; Susana Caballero‐Gaitán (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
False killer whales ( Pseudorca crassidens ) are globally distributed cetaceans, often found in deep oceanic waters but occasionally near coastlines. Despite their broad distribution, information on their abundance, genetics, and ecology remains limited. In New Zealand waters, these whales occur year‐round, with increased sightings during the warmer months due to the East Auckland Current. This study investigates the genetic diversity and population structure of New Zealand false killer whales using 17 samples collected from 2005 to 2018 in four locations, comparing them to global studies. New Zealand samples revealed four unique haplotypes with low genetic diversity ( h = 0.42 ± 0.141; π = 0.29%± 0.002). No genetic differentiation was observed between South Pacific and New Zealand populations (. These findings suggest low genetic diversity for New Zealand false killer whales, but within values expected for other cetaceans with matrilineal social structures. The presence of shared haplotypes suggests potential historical or ongoing connections with wider Pacific populations. However, further research is needed due to the short mtDNA‐CR fragment analysed and small sample size, which may have resulted in an inability to capture the full extent of the genetic variation. This study contributes to our understanding of this species and its conservation within New Zealand.

Aotearoa New Zealand’s marine carbon cycle in a changing climate – Current understanding and future directions - Scott D. Nodder; Cliff S. Law; Erik Behrens; Sarah J. Bury; Antonia Cristi; Charine Collins; Kim I. Currie; Moira Décima; Alain De Verneil; Pablo C. Escobar‐Flores; Denise Fernandez; Mark P. Gall; et al. (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
The marine system plays a critical role in the global climate cycle, as a major control of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). Marine primary production (photosynthesis) and remineralisation of organic carbon (respiration, degradation) determine the amount of CO 2 sequestered in marine sediments and deep‐water environments on century to millennial timescales. The stocks and fluxes of the marine carbon cycle are susceptible to global climate change impacts and other anthropogenic activities that modify key processes. Oceanographic studies of the marine carbon cycle in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (NZ EEZ) and Territorial Seas over past decades have provided broad knowledge across a complex and dynamic seascape, but there remain fundamental knowledge gaps that limit identification of and response to present and future anthropogenic threats. In particular, several areas of the EEZ have been under‐sampled and there are currently insufficient data to establish baselines and variability for the marine carbon cycle. We recommend that new observational technologies and ocean modelling applications be fully developed and utilised to enable development of robust predictive capability of our ocean’s response to human‐induced perturbations. Future focus on oceanic nature‐based solutions to accelerate CO 2 uptake will require improved knowledge of the marine carbon cycle in NZ’s EEZ.

Effects of sediment pulses on the deep‐sea coral Goniocorella dumosa - Valeria Mobilia; Dianne M. Tracey; Vonda Cummings; Malcolm R. Clark; Lisa Woods; James Bell (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Seabed‐contact activities operating in the deep sea can generate sediment plumes that pose varying levels of threat to benthic fauna. Corals are important components of deep‐sea ecosystems and can be particularly sensitive to elevated suspended sediment concentrations. In this study, we exposed colony fragments of the New Zealand deep‐sea scleractinian Goniocorella dumosa to four‐day pulses of four target sediment concentrations: 0 mg l −1 (representing control conditions) and 45, 102 and 435 mg l −1 (targeting concentrations expected from mining and trawling disturbance). All coral fragments survived. Oxygen consumption rates were not affected by treatments and time. No visible detrimental effects on coral health were noted after the first pulse of sediment exposure. However, both a loss of coenosarc and instances of polyp mortality were observed on fragments exposed to suspended sediments during the following sediment pulses. This observed decline in coral health over time indicates that G. dumosa could cope with sediment disturbance from human activities that disturb the seafloor for periods of up to four days, but that repeated, or prolonged sediment exposure could cause a deterioration in the health condition of this species. This hypothesis should be further investigated in following studies.

The role of wind and buoyancy forcing on mixed layer depths and productivity on the Chatham Rise from ocean glider and ship‐based observations - Charine Collins; Joe O’Callaghan; Malcolm R. Clark; Scott D. Nodder (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
The Subtropical Front (STF) and associated biological productivity are topographically locked to the Chatham Rise. Year‐to‐year differences of upper ocean dynamics and associated responses of phytoplankton are valuable for understanding variability in fisheries biomass as well as providing new knowledge of environmental condition for potential seabed mining in this keystone ecosystem. In‐situ observations collected over three consecutive years are used to examine the oceanographic variability on Chatham Rise and its potential causal mechanisms are evaluated from satellite observations and a global atmospheric reanalysis. The water column over Chatham Rise consists of a three‐layer structure comprised of a stable intermediate layer sandwiched between a well‐mixed surface and bottom layer. The in‐situ data showed that different water masses can dominate the surface mixed layer at different times. This variability in surface water masses appears to be related to the position of the STF modulated by wind forcing. Spatial and temporal variability was also observed in the mixed layer depth with the temporal variability driven mainly by wind forcing. A strong relationship was observed between phytoplankton biomass and the depth of the mixed layer with implications for the distribution of biological communities and fisheries at the year‐to‐year timescale on the Chatham Rise.

The effects of water motion on fragmentation of Asparagopsis armata - Ailise M. Hall; Paul M. South; Jordan E. Elvy; Andrew G. Jeffs (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
The red seaweed Asparagopsis armata presents a promising solution to reducing methane production in ruminant livestock when included in their daily diet. To effectively address these emissions from ruminants in an effort to meet crucial climate targets, the development of efficient cultivation methods for the large‐scale aquaculture of this species is imperative. This study examined the effects of water motion, specifically the effect of water turbulence and laminar velocity on fragmentation of two key life stages of A . armata to understand the potential for fragmentation to contribute to vegetative propagation for commercial cultivation and to assess the potential for losses from marine farms. Increased water motion generally resulted in greater fragmentation in the tetrasporophyte and gametophyte life stages of A. armata . Greater seawater turbulence and velocities led to a greater number, biomass and size of fragments from tetrasporophytes, resulting in an increased number of potentially viable vegetative propagules. The findings of this research contribute to the understanding of fragmentation of A. armata to inform the development of efficient and sustainable aquaculture, contributing to the goal of reducing agricultural methane emissions.

Seaweed aquaculture research in New Zealand: current advances, benefits, challenges, and perspectives - Cecilia Biancacci; Andrew Jeffs; Marie Magnusson; David Taylor (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)

Experimental assessment of growing substrates for the early life stages of five large brown seaweeds - Dan Crossett; Cecilia Biancacci; Dana E. Clark; Paul M. South (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Seaweed cultivation, especially for large brown algae (LBA; e.g. Laminariales, Fucales) is in development in many regions worldwide. Identifying appropriate growing substrates is a key step for establishing successful seaweed cultivation. We investigated the effects of four substrates with aquaculture and restoration potential on the density and length of recruits of five LBA in a series of 42‐day‐long experiments. The substrates assessed were green‐lipped mussel shells ( Perna canaliculus ), concrete gravel, fibreglass, and polyester twine. Reproductive material used to produce spores or gametes for experiments was sourced from the wild and collected in three seasons: early winter (June), late winter (August) and spring (October) in 2023. The LBA recruited and grew on all substrates. Ecklonia radiata had the greatest density and length on mussels and fibreglass. Macrocystis pyrifera had the lowest density and length on fibreglass. Landsburgia quercifolia had the greatest density and length on concrete and mussels. Cystophora retroflexa were most dense on fibreglass and twine but were longest on concrete and mussels. Cystophora scalaris were most dense on twine but grew the longest on mussels. Our study demonstrated that optimal growing substrates for LBA are species‐specific and identified novel, recycled materials for growing LBA for aquaculture or restoration purposes.

Assessment of the potential of the fucoid seaweed, Hormosira banksii , as a source of fucoidan and coculture on a Pacific oyster farm in New Zealand - Candace Loy; Andrew Jeffs (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
This study investigated the potential for developing a new seaweed species for aquaculture by assessing its fucoidan yield and coculturing in an intertidal hanging basket culture system with Pacific oysters. Hormosira banksii , or Neptune's necklace, is a common intertidal seaweed found throughout temperate Australia and New Zealand, which is highly tolerant of a wide range of environmental conditions, is easily bred and grows vegetatively, making it a good species for potential aquaculture development for the region. Analyses of fucoidan yield of samples from six sites in northern NZ found it was comparable to commercial yield from other fucoid species (i.e. 2.1%–7.7% of dry biomass), with fucoidan yield varying with seaweed source location. The hanging intertidal oyster baskets were not suitable for the culture of this seaweed (assessed at 200 and 149 days after outplanting). However, the seaweed showed variable resilience linked to source location. There is potential to advance H. banksii aquaculture in light of favourable fucoidan yield, provided a suitable culture method can be developed.

The significance of microbiota in New Zealand seaweed aquaculture - Olivia C. Macrae; Chelsea J. Vickers (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Seaweed‐associated microbes are the metabolic heavy lifters in the symbiotic relationship between the seaweed microbiome and their host macroalgae. In exchange for fixed carbon and an exclusive niche habitat offered by the host, the microbial consort performs a litany of crucial metabolic functions including vitamin production, nitrogen fixation, growth and reproductive signalling, pathogen resistance and mitigation of environmental stressors. Metabolic dependence and interactions of terrestrial plants and their associated microbiome have been leveraged in agriculture with great success. The growing New Zealand Seaweed aquaculture industry is poised to benefit similarly from the identification and utilisation of seaweed beneficial bacteria (SBB) releasing, for example, alga growth‐ and morphogenesis‐promoting factor. The capability of SBB in ameliorating growth of seaweed in aquaculture, and as innate modulators of seaweed components, also demonstrates potential in extracting desired products during processing of aquaculture biomass. Here, we present the current position of knowledge regarding SBB, and their applications in enhancement of aquaculture and processing of seaweed biomass to generate high‐value products. We also outline future directions required to leverage the potential of SBB in New Zealand aquaculture.

Assessing new microalgae species as potential feed for bivalve spat in nursery culture - Leslie T. Sampollo; Lesley L. Rhodes; María Múgica; Andrew G. Jeffs (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Microalgae remains a primary food source for hatchery and nursery culture of juvenile bivalves. However, there is a mismatch between the characteristics of the microalgae currently used in nursery culture and the feeding abilities and nutritional requirements of juveniles of some bivalve species, such as the green‐lipped mussel, Perna canaliculus . Therefore, there is a need to identify new species of microalgae for this purpose that have favourable cell size, good growth performance under culture conditions and appropriate nutritional content for juvenile bivalves by using these characteristics as primary selection criteria. In this study, the growth performance under standard culture conditions of four microalgae species ( Chrysochromulina camella , Gymnodinium simplex , Pyramimonas parkeae and Stephanodiscus niagarae ) which are of a sufficiently large cell size to meet the needs of juvenile mussels (i.e. 10–20 µm size range) were tested in comparison to three commonly cultured commercial species ( Chaetoceros muelleri , Diacronema lutheri and Tisochrysis lutea ). Results show that G. simplex , S. niagarae and the two strains of P. parkeae ( P. parkeae (C) and P. parkeae (I)) can achieve similar biomass as the reference species in the intermediate (1 L) culture stages despite the large difference in cell densities. The poor growth of C. camella in F/2 media indicates a necessity of determining its appropriate culture conditions before further assessing its suitability as a nursery feed for juvenile bivalves. The proximate analysis of S. niagarae , G. simplex and P. parkeae (I) reveals nutritional profiles conducive to spat development. However, the P. parkeae (C) strain contained low carbohydrate content, suggesting inferior nutritional value compared to the P. parkeae (I) strain, showing that variants of the same species can have different biochemical composition and suggesting the former might have limited suitability for feeding in nursery culture. The findings indicate that G. simplex , S. niagarae and P. parkeae (C) hold sufficient promise as spat feed in nursery culture to warrant further testing to confirm their efficacy as live microalgal feed for bivalve spat.

Nutritional composition of common, coastal seaweeds from northeastern New Zealand - Georgia Hrstich‐Manning; J. David Aguirre (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Seaweeds provide important macronutrients for marine herbivores and potential for aquaculture. However, the nutritional content of most New Zealand seaweeds is undocumented. Here, the nutritional composition of eleven common, littoral seaweed species in northeastern New Zealand was examined using proximate composition analysis. Overall, red seaweeds were highest in protein and insoluble fibre, brown seaweeds were highest in lipids and soluble carbohydrates, and green seaweeds were highest in moisture and ash. More specifically, red seaweeds Asparagopsis armata and Pterocladiella capillacea were highest in protein, while Corallina officinalis was highest in ash and much lower in other macronutrients. Brown seaweeds Carpophyllum maschalocarpum and Cystophora retroflexa were highest in soluble carbohydrates, C. retroflexa was highest in lipids, and Xiphophora chondrophylla was highest in insoluble fibre. Across all species, green seaweeds Codium fragile and Ulva cf. lactuca were highest in moisture. In summary, this study provides a baseline of the nutritional composition of various common seaweeds in northeastern New Zealand, encourages research examining drivers of variability in nutritional composition and highlights commercial opportunities in New Zealand's burgeoning seaweed sector.

Intrapopulation variation in reproduction of Lessonia variegata J. Agardh - Cecilia Biancacci; Paul M. South; Nicholas Scott; Daniel Crossett; Kevin Heasman (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Lessonia variegata is an Aotearoa‐New Zealand (A‐NZ)‐endemic kelp with significant commercial potential. Overseas, Lessonia spp. are harvested for use as human and animal food, cosmetics, and bioactives for biomedical applications. In A‐NZ, interest in developing cultivation methodologies and commercial applications for L. variegata is growing, especially because it is an exposed‐shore species which makes it an ideal candidate for exposed‐coast or open‐ocean aquaculture. However, establishing cultivation of L. variegata in A‐NZ is currently challenging because essential knowledge about its reproduction and sporophyte development is generally unknown. This preliminary study investigated the intrapopulation variation in the reproductive output of L. variegata individuals collected from one population on the north‐east coast of the South Island, A‐NZ by quantifying the number of spores released, the percentage and number of spores settling, their germination, sex ratio, sporophyte production and growth. There were significant differences among individuals in the number of spores released and germinated, as well as the production of sporophytes and their growth. However, the sex ratio and the percentages and numbers of spores settling were similar among individuals. Evident differences reported in spores released and development can have possible implications for aquaculture including biobanks or sporophytes production.

Notes on the experimental laboratory and field culture of Lessonia variegata (Laminariales) - Kate Neill; Sheryl Miller; Wendy Nelson (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
The kelp Lessonia variegata J. Agardh (Lessoniaceae) is a potential aquaculture target for bioactive compounds. We investigated the control and management of Lessonia gametogenesis, the settlement and retention of sporophytes on various culture strings, and the upscaling of string settlement for field trials. In the laboratory we held gametophytes at low light conditions for 2.5 months before altering conditions to stimulate them into the next part of the life cycle. Settlement and development of sporophytes was highest on Korean culture string, followed by Builders Line, however after agitation, fewer sporophytes were dislodged from the Builders Line. Larger scale settlement of spores onto 15 m lengths of Builders Line was successful, with sporophytes reaching ∼5 mm length in 46 days. Eight weeks after out‐planting, the sporophytes were heavily fouled with other algae. Although the results presented here were small‐scale and lack replication, they add to the existing knowledge on the biology and cultivation of this species.

Line configuration and farming depth markedly affect survival and growth in the kelp Ecklonia radiata - Jacob Nepper‐Davidsen; Marie Magnusson; Christopher R. K. Glasson; Rebecca J. Lawton (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
The native kelp Ecklonia radiata is a target species for the emerging seaweed aquaculture industry in New Zealand, however, the effect of line configuration on survival and growth of farmed seaweed is unknown. In this study, we outplanted nine seaweed growth lines (with 20 individuals each) in three line configurations (vertical, horizontal 2 m depth, and horizontal 4 m depth) in northern New Zealand for grow‐out between August 2021 and April 2022. Initial survival rates were similar between line configurations, but only individuals growing on vertical lines survived after four months (38% ± 12 SD). Similarly, on vertical lines, average juvenile growth by elongation was 85% higher (0.11 cm day −1 ± 0.03 SD) and maximum average weight of individuals was 77% higher (106 g WW ± 73 SD), compared to horizontal lines. Unusually warm water temperatures were likely a central driver for the overall high mortality of E. radiata observed from January to April, while a combination of temperature and light stress was likely a central driver for higher mortality observed on vertical lines at shallow depths compared to deeper depths. In conclusion, this study supports farming E. radiata on vertical dropper lines rather than horizontal lines.

Research Progress on the Roles of Mitochondria and Mitophagy in Fish Innate Immunity - Yunli Zhang; Chen Li; Xianghui Kong (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Mitochondria, known as the energy powerhouses of cells, also have a significant role in the innate immune response. Consequently, maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis is crucial for overall organismal health. Mitochondrial quality is tightly regulated through processes such as mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy. However, compared to mammals, the regulatory roles of mitochondria and mitophagy in fish immunity have been less extensively studied. This article provides a comprehensive review of mitochondrial quality control and mitophagy mechanisms, with a particular focus on summarizing the mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS) pathway and its interactions with viruses in fish. Additionally, it explores the interplay between MAVS and innate immunity, the association between mitophagy and viral infections in fish, and how the regulation of mitophagy can promote fish health. By enhancing the understanding of the functions of mitochondria and mitophagy in fish immunity, this review offers valuable insights for disease prevention, control, and the sustainable development of fish populations.

Mariculture Narratives in Climate Change Research and Policy: Alignment, Mismatch, and Opportunities for a Climate‐Resilient Industry - Elizabeth O. Ruff; Lillian M. Bradshaw; Sarah E. Lester (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Like other sectors of our global food system, marine aquaculture (mariculture) is threatened by a myriad of stressors resulting from a changing climate. Increasing attention has been given to the impact of these stressors on mariculture across a variety of taxonomies and geographies. Alongside this perspective of mariculture as vulnerable to climate change impacts, another narrative has also emerged framing mariculture as a potential mitigation and adaptation measure against climate change. Here, we evaluate the scope and context of these differing narratives across the peer‐reviewed literature and how they are reflected in national mariculture and climate change policy across 31 representative countries. Our literature review identifies a strong research bias toward mariculture being impacted by climate change (75%), with a similar trend present across the small number of relevant policies. While there is broad narrative alignment between science and policy at a global level, in comparing country‐level case studies to their corresponding national policies, we find that five countries have no alignment between research and policy with respect to individual climate change stressors; though most countries have at least some degree of alignment. Strategic governance is a critical tool for responding to climate change and has been shown to play a significant role in shaping the marine aquaculture industry. Our analysis highlights a pattern of science and policy mismatch that could lead to missed opportunities to leverage mariculture's potential as a climate change mitigation and adaptation tool as well as bolster the industry's resilience to climate impacts.

Reviewing the Severity of Handling‐Induced Injuries in the LAKSVEL Protocol for Salmon Welfare - Lars Helge Stien; Chris Noble; Angelico Madaro; Jonatan Nilsson; René Alvestad; Kristine Gismervik; Ewa Harasimczuk; Hogne Bleie; Karoline Skaar Amthor; Marc B. M. Bracke (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Injuries from lice treatments are ranked as a major cause of mortality and poor welfare for Atlantic salmon in marine net pens. As a result, scoring schemes based on the external appearance of injuries and severity are now frequently used. One such recently developed scheme for farmed salmon is the LAKSVEL protocol, inspired by previous schemes such as the SWIM models and the FISHWELL scoring system. Here we review the injury‐based welfare indicators (WIs) in the LAKSVEL protocol that can be associated with and induced by handling: Scale loss, Skin bleeding, Body wounds, Snout wounds, Eye injuries, Operculum damage, Gill status, and Fin damage. We used semantic modeling as a formalized procedure to attain information from the literature on how each of these injury‐based WIs is likely to affect the injured fish in the days and weeks to come. Based on the reviews, we then followed the semantic modeling procedure to define weighting categories and score the welfare consequences of each WI and their levels. Results showed that injuries to eyes, gills, and snout are particularly harmful to the fish, followed by penetrating body wounds, operculum damage, and fin damage; but also injuries such as scale loss and skin bleeding can have severe consequences, especially if they indicate unseen internal injuries. It is our hope that the presented reviews and modeling of welfare consequences will be a valuable resource for fish farmers and fish health personnel in their decision‐making processes and thereby contribute to improved fish welfare in the salmon aquaculture industry.

Nitrite Toxicity in Shrimp Aquaculture: Mechanisms, Health Impacts, and Sustainable Mitigation Strategies - Dan‐Dan Bian; Yan‐Xia Shi; Xue Zhang; Xin Liu; Jun‐Jie Jiang; Xi‐Rong Zhu; Dai‐Zhen Zhang; Qiu‐Ning Liu; Bao‐Jian Zhu; Bo‐Ping Tang (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The rapid expansion of intensive aquaculture systems has caused escalating environmental challenges due to excessive nitrogenous waste accumulation, which surpasses the metabolic capacity of aquatic microbiota and elevates nitrite concentrations. As a pervasive environmental toxin, nitrite induces oxidative stress, disrupts metabolic homeostasis, and compromises gut microbiota and immune function in shrimp, leading to mass mortality, economic losses, and ecological disruption. These impacts threaten both aquaculture productivity and ecological sustainability. This review synthesizes three decades of research to elucidate the multifactorial mechanisms of nitrite toxicity, including genotoxicity, apoptosis, growth impairment, and dysregulated cellular signaling pathways. Key findings highlight that nitrite overload impairs mitochondrial function, dysregulates apoptosis pathways, and interferes with growth and reproductive processes, thereby undermining shrimp development and reproduction. To address these challenges, the review evaluates emerging mitigation strategies such as antioxidant‐enriched feeds, probiotic modulation, and biofloc technology, which optimize nitrogen cycling, enhance detoxification capacity, restore microbial equilibrium, and improve survival rates in experimental trials. Unlike prior fragmented studies, this review integrates mechanistic insights into nitrite toxicity with scalable interventions, proposing a novel decision framework for system‐specific nitrite management. This framework offers actionable recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders to balance aquaculture productivity with ecological sustainability. By advancing the understanding of nitrite's ecotoxicological impacts, this review charts a path toward resilient and sustainable aquaculture systems, transforming mechanistic insights into preventive protocols and offering a holistic perspective on nitrite pollution control that reconciles economic objectives with ecological sustainability.

Essential Oil Compounds as Antibiotic Alternatives: A Comprehensive Review of Antibacterial, Anti‐Quorum Sensing, and Antibiofilm Effects Against Vibrio spp. in Aquaculture - Ramanathan Srinivasan; Xingkun Jin; Xiangmin Lin; Zhe Zhao (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
As global food demand rises, land‐based production faces challenges such as limited arable land and sustainability concerns, whereas seafood offers a nutritionally diverse and environmentally sustainable alternative for future food security. Intensified farming has increased Vibrio spp. infections due to their genetic diversity and adaptability to environmental changes. The misuse or overuse of antibiotics in aquaculture exacerbates this issue, contributing to antibiotic resistance, environmental contamination, and residue accumulation in aquatic ecosystems. Given these challenges, exploring alternatives such as essential oil compounds with antibacterial, anti‐quorum sensing, and anti‐biofilm properties presents a promising approach to enhancing disease management in aquaculture while minimizing environmental impact. Although several studies have investigated the antipathogenic potential of essential oil compounds against Vibrio spp., a comprehensive review specifically addressing their antibacterial, anti‐quorum sensing, and antibiofilm activities in aquaculture is lacking. This review aims to fill that gap by providing an in‐depth analysis of essential oil compounds, focusing on their mechanisms of action, protective efficacy in aquatic animals, and potential to combat Vibrio‐ related infections. It also examines how nanoencapsulation systems enhance the stability and functional efficacy of essential oil compounds in seafood applications and reviews recent patents targeting their use against Vibrio spp. Additionally, this review identifies current research gaps. It proposes future directions for the sustainable use of essential oil compounds in aquaculture, emphasizing their potential as natural, eco‐friendly alternatives to antibiotics and synthetic chemicals. Ultimately, it seeks to guide researchers in developing environmentally sustainable strategies for managing infectious diseases and improving the health of aquatic animals.

Unlocking the Potential of Organic Aquaculture in the EU : A Review of Policy Support and Supporting and Constraining Factors - Lola Toomey; Sébastien Alfonso; Pierluigi Carbonara; Ingrid Jahrl; Elena Mente; Nicolas Lampkin; Giuseppe Lembo (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Organic aquaculture remains a niche market within the European Union (EU), despite Europe being one of the regions where it receives most attention. This study aimed to identify the factors limiting its growth by (i) reviewing EU and national policies on organic aquaculture within the Farm‐to‐Fork strategy context and (ii) examining the supporting/constraining factors influencing organic aquaculture in the EU. Results showed that while EU policy support has increased over time, national implementation remains constrained. Organic aquaculture is incorporated in aquaculture multi‐annual strategic plans, but its development is less delineated than conventional sustainable aquaculture, and the same applies to national operational programmes. Globally, there is a need for enhancement in the configuration and execution of organic support, involving all sector actors. Secondly, a literature review identified key impact factors that were categorised as supporting or constraining and analysed quantitatively. Consumer demand for organic aquaculture products appears to be increasing, which could stimulate sector growth. However, significant barriers persist, including price differences between organic and conventional products for consumers, lack of consumer awareness about organic practices/product added‐value, and the perceived feasibility of organic aquaculture by farmers. This latter is linked to other constraining factors, such as the high costs and limited availability of organic inputs and complex bureaucracy. To overcome these barriers, the sector requires targeted marketing strategies, financial incentives (both addressed to farmers and consumers), streamlined regulations, and increased research funding to drive innovation. The study also offers insights into the species‐specific constraints faced by key farmed species.

Bivalve Farming Is Not a CO 2 Sink: From Myth to Legend, Where Is Science? - Fabrice Pernet; Sam Dupont; Jean‐Pierre Gattuso; Marc Metian; Frédéric Gazeau (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)

Environmental Pollutant‐Induced Disruption of Lipid Droplet Homeostasis in Aquatic Animals: Molecular Mechanisms and Cross‐Scale Health Effects - Xiaoping Huang; Dizhi Xie; Jun Wang (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The disruption of lipid metabolic homeostasis in aquatic animals under pollutant stress has become a pivotal research frontier in environmental toxicology. As a crucial adaptive strategy, aquatic animals employ lipid droplet (LD)‐mediated metabolic reprogramming to facilitate energy reallocation and oxidative stress defense in response to environmental pressures. This review analyzes the regulatory mechanisms of LDs, focusing on molecular pathways for their biogenesis, storage, and catabolism. We also explore how pollutants like heavy metals, micro/nanoplastics (MNPs), and fungicides cause LD abnormalities by interfering with multiple targets. Key mechanisms include disrupted lipid metabolism, altered redox signaling, impaired organelle communication, and endocrine interference. By integrating multiscale evidence from cellular dysfunction to population adaptability decline, we establish a novel “pollutant‐LD homeostasis‐health effect” framework that delineates the spatiotemporal cascade effects of LD homeostasis disruption. This study identifies LD‐associated biomarkers as sensitive indicators for monitoring aquatic pollution. These findings establish critical connections between subcellular metabolic responses and ecosystem‐level health outcomes.

In Situ Biofilm Aquaculture Systems (In Situ BFSs ) for Litopenaeus vannamei : A Review - Wei Zhu; Guangnian Yuan; Zhiwen Song; Qiufen Li; Chao Liu; Ailing Xu; Yazhi Luan; Yongxin Liu (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The scale of intensive Litopenaeus vannamei aquaculture has increased over the past few decades. However, the inorganic nitrogen and suspended solids (SSs) generated during the aquaculture process are toxic to shrimp and have negative environmental effects. Therefore, removing these pollutants from aquaculture systems is a critical issue that must be addressed. In addition to the widely used recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) and biofloc technology (BFTs), the addition of submerged substrates to L. vannamei aquaculture tanks to construct in situ biofilm aquaculture systems (in situ BFSs) is an alternative that results in favorable water quality and enables low or zero water exchange, significantly improving shrimp performance and decreasing the feed conversion ratio (FCR). This review highlights the principles, construction methods, water treatment effectiveness, and impact of in situ BFSs on L. vannamei growth as well as pathogen control. The selection of appropriate substrates and methods for nitrifying biofilm cultivation and substrate fixation can significantly affect water treatment efficiency, reduce the concentrations of harmful substances (SSs, ammonia and nitrite) and provide additional nutrients and habitats for L. vannamei , thereby increasing their survival rate and enhancing their growth performance. In addition, the integration of in situ BFSs with BFTs and algal‐symbiotic systems is discussed. In this paper, the potential for further increasing the treatment capacity of in situ BFSs through sulfur autotrophic denitrification (SAD) and electric field‐assisted biofilm systems is proposed. The application of these innovative technologies is expected to provide new insights and solutions for achieving sustainable development in L. vannamei aquaculture.

The Vertebral Column of Flatfish: A Review - A. M. de Azevedo; A. P. Losada; S. Vázquez; P. E. Witten; M. I. Quiroga; P. J. Gavaia (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Flatfish (Pleuronectiformes) encompass fascinating fish species known for their high gastronomical value, rearing performances, and market prices, which attract both economic and scientific interest. Despite these attributes, flatfish exhibit unique morphological, developmental, and biological features, as well as distinctive swimming movements, which require special approaches in skeletal biology research, an area that remains relatively unexplored for this diverse group of fishes. These unique features emerge during metamorphosis, at the end of the larval period, when bilateral symmetric pelagic larvae gradually become asymmetric and undergo various morphological and physiological changes. Consequently, the skeletal characteristics of these species include a certain degree of asymmetry in the skeletal structures. These fish also present acellular bone (bone devoid of osteocytes). Research on flatfish skeletons is crucial for improving animal welfare and promoting sustainable farming, as the literature indicates that more than 50% of the larvae and juveniles of different cultured flatfish can be affected by skeletal deformities. This review aims to compile the available studies on the development of vertebral column deformities in flatfish in an integrative manner, addressing state‐of‐the‐art research on the etiology, diagnostics, and innovative studies on this issue. It also covers the fundamental aspects of teleost skeletal development, particularly the flatfish vertebral column.

Navigating Nitrofuran Challenges in Farmed Prawn ( Macrobrachium rosenbergii ): Strengthening Safety and Export Potentials in Bangladesh - S. M. Nazmul Alam (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Nitrofuran metabolites, including semicarbazide, pose significant risks to food safety, particularly in the aquatic industry. Bangladesh's shrimp industry faced major challenges due to nitrofuran contamination, leading to a voluntary export suspension to the European Union (EU). Despite improved hygiene practices, significant levels of nitrofuran residues were detected in prawns, leading to numerous EUs Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) notifications in 2009. This crisis has led to economic losses, job reductions, and damage to Bangladesh's international reputation. In response, Bangladesh implemented a comprehensive national plan, including a temporary export ban, extensive testing, and significant regulatory reforms. The government focused on improving laboratory testing capabilities, establishing new laboratories, and enhancing the monitoring of shrimp production. Additionally, extension materials and training programs were developed to promote sustainable aquaculture practices and reduce antibiotic use. The collaborative efforts between the government and industry stakeholders have improved compliance with international food safety standards, restored confidence in Bangladesh's shrimp exports, reduced RASFF notifications and non‐compliant samples under the national residue control plan. These achievements emphasized the critical importance of continued vigilance and sustainability in maintaining and expand global market access for the Bangladesh's shrimp industry.

mTOR Signaling in Aquaculture Animals: A Central Nutrient‐Sensing Hub Orchestrating Growth, Metabolism, Health and Quality - Yue Liu; Kangsen Mai; Wenbing Zhang (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Functioning as a master coordinator, the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) coordinates nutrient availability and energy status to fundamental biological processes including growth, metabolism, and physiological homeostasis through evolutionarily conserved mechanisms. The capacity of mTOR to assimilate nutritional and metabolic signals places it as a central focus in aquaculture nutrition research. This review systematically synthesizes current knowledge on the regulatory mechanisms mediated by the mTOR in various physiological processes of aquatic animal species, with particular emphasis on the mTOR networks regulated by diverse dietary nutrients. It provides a comprehensive summary of the regulation of various feed ingredients in growth performance, metabolic homeostasis, immune responses, product quality optimization, and health maintenance via mTOR. Moreover, this review analyzes interspecies variations and dietary adaptations across aquatic animals and outlines future research prospects focusing on the mTOR networks. It aims to establish a scientific framework for advancing precision nutrition research by integrating molecular regulatory insights with dietary nutrients, ultimately facilitating efficient and sustainable aquaculture.

The Shrimp Welfare Dilemma: A Scientific Perspective on Eyestalk Ablation - Dana L. M. Campbell; Greg J. Coman; Caroline Lee; Sabine Schmoelzl; Artur N. Rombenso (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)

Application of Medicinal Herbs and Plants to Control Ciliate Infection in Finfish for Sustainable Aquaculture: A Review - Soo Ji Woo (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Ciliate protozoa are highly contagious pathogens causing significant economic losses in global finfish aquaculture. While conventional chemotherapeutics like formalin offer control, their overuse raises environmental and safety concerns, creating an urgent need for sustainable alternatives. This review systematically synthesizes research from the past two decades, evaluating the antiparasitic efficacy of 29 medicinal plants against major ciliate pathogens such as Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and Cryptocaryon irritans . The analysis reveals that numerous plants, particularly Sophora flavescens , Cynanchum atratum , and Curcuma longa , exhibit exceptional efficacy. Their bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins, effectively eliminate parasites by disrupting cell membranes and metabolic pathways, often with substantial safety margins compared to chemical drugs. Despite this potential, significant barriers hinder their practical application. These include a scarcity of large‐scale field trials, a lack of standardized formulations leading to inconsistent results, and complex, divergent regulatory hurdles that impede commercialization. This review concludes that while medicinal plants are a highly promising tool for sustainable aquaculture, realizing their full potential requires a concerted effort to bridge the gap between laboratory research and practical, regulated application through field validation and standardized product development.

The Disease Burden in Fish Farm Management: An Integrative View and a Specific Vision in Europe - Francesc Padros; Hamish Rodger; Maria Constenla; Ana Herrero; Maurice Glucksman; Alberto Allepuz; Carlos Zarza (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
In aquaculture, the interactions and balance—or imbalance—between the fish, the rearing environment, pathogens, and farm management determine the occurrence and impact of clinical diseases. The global assessment of the factors related to disease impact is commonly referred to as disease burden. This assessment goes beyond the economic consequences of mortality and morbidity, encompassing additional economic factors related to disease management, as well as broader social and political consequences. The concept of disease burden is gaining relevance in aquaculture, where disease poses serious threats to animal welfare, productivity, and economic sustainability. At the farm level, the consideration of fish as living assets includes aspects such as direct mortality, indirect effects of mortality, and morbidity. Furthermore, the impact of disease on key performance indicators, routine operations, and planned productivity are important consequences. Diseases on fish farms also require effective management, whether through the implementation of treatments or through preventive and biosecurity measures, both of which can have indirect impacts that must be properly analyzed. In many cases, the risks associated with disease necessitate appropriate surveillance by farms or regulatory authorities, and the cost of such surveillance and insurances should be considered part of the overall disease burden. Other important aspects such as the impact on animal welfare, wellbeing of farm staff, integration of the concept into certification schemes, and issues related to social perception, acceptance, and prestige are also examined. In addition, macroeconomic factors such as market impacts, governance, and a special emphasis on the One Health approach are addressed.

The Issues of Micro‐Nanoplastics in the Oyster and Mussel Aquaculture Sector - Arnaud Huvet; Morgane Le Gall; Hippolyte Gilante; Ika Paul‐Pont (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Over 90% of plastic debris in marine environments consists of microplastics smaller than 5 mm. This is a growing global concern, especially given the emerging but largely unquantified presence of nanoplastics. This review synthesizes current knowledge on micro‐ and nanoplastic contamination in coastal areas and its effects on bivalve species, particularly oysters and mussels, whether in aquaculture or the wild. Drawing on 316 references, notably case studies of (micro)plastic waste contamination of surface waters, sediments, and animals in coastal areas, and experimental data on ingestion, fate, and impacts of micro‐nanoplastics on organisms. Microplastic levels range from a few particles per cubic meter of seawater (> 300 μm) to several hundred per kilogram of sediment. Between 60% and 93% of oysters and mussels are contaminated, with concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 2.9 particles per gram of tissue; over 80% of these particles are smaller than 50 μm. After ingestion, most microplastics are excreted, but smaller nanoplastics (

Environmental Impacts of Salmonidae Farming: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis of Life Cycle Assessment Studies - Mausam Budhathoki; Sudikshya Phuyal; Sujita Pandey; Marianne Thomsen (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Salmonidae farming is a cornerstone of global aquaculture, but growing concerns about its environmental impacts highlight the urgent need for improved understanding and mitigation strategies. To address this, a systematic review of 31 life cycle assessment studies was conducted, with 15 providing sufficient data for in‐depth meta‐analysis. The global warming potential ( GWP ) results indicate that Salmonidae farming generates a median of 2570 kg CO 2 ‐eq per tonne of live weight, with an interquartile range of 2032–3802 kg, of which approximately 65% is attributed to feed production. Eutrophication potential ( EP ) was measured at 42.6 g PO 4 3− ‐eq/t (range: 23–66), with 24% linked to feed, while acidification potential ( AP ) was 15.85 g SO 2 ‐eq/t (range: 10–28), with 68% from feed. Energy demand ( ED ) was found to be 54,365 MJ /t (range: 32,576–113,000), with 48.6% attributed to feed inputs. The feed conversion ratio significantly influenced GWP , EP , and AP outcomes. Meta‐analysis revealed that flow‐through systems have a lower GWP (effect size = −0.24) compared to recirculating aquaculture systems ( RAS ), which showed a notably higher GWP (4.31). While RAS systems significantly reduce EP (−5.11), net‐pen systems contribute moderately to EP (0.38). However, differences in GWP and EP between production systems were not statistically significant. Notably, most reviewed LCA studies lacked detailed feed composition data and did not fully quantify nitrogen emissions, limiting the accurate assessment of marine eutrophication impacts. Future research should prioritize improving LCA data quality, optimizing feed efficiency, and developing sustainable farming practices to further reduce its environmental footprint.

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)

A Review of Seriola lalandi Aquaculture With a Focus on Recirculating Aquaculture Systems: Synthesis of Existing Research and Emerging Challenges - Alexander Chong Shu‐Chien; Alvin Setiawan; Mark Camara; Carly Wilson; Andrew Forsythe; Steve Pether; Dave McQueen; Glen Irvine; Yann Gublin (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
This review presents a comprehensive synthesis of research on yellowtail kingfish ( Seriola lalandi ) aquaculture, with a particular focus on production in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Significant progress has been made in reproductive biology and captive spawning, which are critical for ensuring a reliable juvenile supply. Key factors influencing larval development, including temperature, photoperiod, and feeding strategies, are reviewed alongside nutritional requirements for optimal growth and health. The efficacy of alternative feed ingredients aimed at reducing dependence on fish meal and fish oil is discussed, along with issues related to digestibility, fecal waste management, and nutrient retention in RAS. The review explores studies on the S. lalandi microbiota, highlighting associations between microbial composition and predicted functional profiles under varying RAS parameters. Physiological traits that support the species' suitability for RAS, such as resilience to handling stress and environmental fluctuations, are evaluated with an emphasis on tolerance to carbon dioxide, ammonia, salinity, and oxygen levels. The species' thermal sensitivity and implications for metabolic performance are also addressed. Advancements in genetic research are discussed, including the development of microsatellite markers, single nucleotide polymorphisms, and linkage maps. Findings in taxonomy, phylogeography, and population genetics are reviewed with a focus on potential applications in selective breeding for production traits. The review also covers current and emerging pathogens affecting S. lalandi , the risk of outbreaks in RAS, and key welfare considerations. An economic outlook for yellowtail kingfish production in RAS highlights the need for integrated approaches for sustainable and cost‐effective aquaculture of S. lalandi .

Cover Image (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The cover image is based on the article Energetic Adaptations of Bivalves Under Environmental Stress: A Comprehensive Review on Bioenergetics and Aquaculture Sustainability by Liu et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.70052 . image

The Growing Importance of Aquaculture: The Case of Norwegian Salmon - Audun Iversen; Frank Asche; Thomas Nyrud; Roy Robertsen; Bjørn Inge Bendiksen; Roberto Cárdenas‐Retamal; Silje Steinsbø (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
While the rapid growth in global aquaculture production has made the industry a success story in terms of providing nutritious food, it is often criticized for its limited socioeconomic effects. While there is a burgeoning literature investigating socioeconomic impacts, this is a difficult topic due to limited data availability. In this paper, we will review the socioeconomic impacts of the Norwegian salmon aquaculture industry using economic impact analysis, focusing on two impact measures: employment and value added. In contrast to earlier studies, we will cover the whole supply chain from input suppliers to sales rather than focusing on one part of the chain and accounting for ripple effects in several rounds. This is highly important as there, in 2022, were 11,175 direct jobs in production, 8500 jobs in additional core activities related to processing and sales, and 38,000 jobs with different suppliers and service providers, for a total of 57,800 jobs in the industry. The production activities are highly dispersed geographically and mostly conducted in coastal communities. While this is also true for some types of services, the employment in the industry becomes more concentrated and moves toward larger communities and cities as one moves downstream or away from the core activities.

Artemia Enrichment Strategies: A Comprehensive Review of Nutritional Enhancements With Emphasis on Fatty Acid Profiles in Aquatic Species - Yathish Ramena; Ram Babu Kurapati; Thomas Bosteels; Grace Ramena (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Artemia (brine shrimp) is a foundational live feed in global aquaculture, renowned for its adaptability, ease of production, and favorable nutritional profile. However, in its natural state, Artemia contains suboptimal levels of highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs), particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are vital for supporting growth, survival, and immune function in both marine fish and freshwater fish. To enhance its nutritional efficacy, various enrichment strategies have been developed, utilizing oil emulsions, microalgae, yeasts, probiotics, soy lecithin, and trace elements such as selenium and zinc. Each enrichment method offers unique physiological benefits: oil emulsions and microalgae increase PUFA concentrations; soy lecithin enhances fatty acid absorption and digestive efficiency; yeasts improve immune response and pigmentation; probiotics promote gut health and pathogen resistance; and trace minerals contribute to improved metabolic and reproductive performance. Although Artemia is extensively used in crustacean hatcheries, its use as live feed in shrimp larviculture is comparatively limited, despite its well‐documented benefits. This review highlights the need for greater inclusion of enriched Artemia in shrimp culture, emphasizing its potential to improve larval performance and overall production outcomes. Optimized enrichment protocols are essential to advancing sustainable and resilient aquaculture systems. Future research should focus on cost‐effective, species‐specific enrichment strategies to meet the evolving nutritional requirements of modern aquaculture.

Serotonin: A Multifunctional Molecule in Crustaceans - Noah Esmaeili; Sunil Kadri; Vikas Kumar; Hongyu Ma (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Serotonin is an ancient monoamine neurotransmitter and hormone that has existed for millions of years, from prokaryotic life forms to modern humans. It is also commonly known as 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT). In mammals, it is well known for its actions in depression, aggression, anxiety, stress, and sexual behavior. In crustaceans, this molecule plays some vital roles in agonistic behavior, which is the main cause of economic loss in many crustacean (e.g., crayfish and crab) farms. 5‐HT is commonly used to induce reproduction and can potentially be used as an alternative treatment for unilateral eyestalk ablation. This neurotransmitter has direct effects on development, molting, growth, feeding, digestion, and gut microbiota. It is also the main regulator of stress response, osmoregulation, and, to a lesser extent, energy homeostasis in crustaceans. Further, the immune and antioxidant systems and intermediary metabolism are affected by 5‐HT administration. 5‐HT regulates almost all physiological mechanisms in crustaceans. Antidepressant drugs that inhibit 5‐HT reuptake are used for treating behavioral disorders, but their toxicological impacts on the environment are a severe threat. Despite this massive range of actions, no review has ever been conducted to provide an overview of 5‐HT roles in any aquatic species. In this review, these physiological mechanisms are discussed, and suggestions for future directions for research and aquaculture are provided.

Ethics, Laws, and Research: The Case of Mediterranean Seahorses ( Hippocampus hippocampus and Hippocampus guttulatus ) - Claudia Gili; Daniele Canestrelli; Eva Salvati; Graziano Fiorito; Adriana Federica Cerizza; Paola Cirino; Fanny Mille; Luigi Musco; Giovanni De Martino; Antonino Pace; Luciano Bosso; Raffaele Panzuto (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Conservation projects seek to protect species, restore habitats, and mitigate threats such as habitat loss, climate change, and unsustainable resource use. These projects often rely on acquiring ecological data from the wild to support biodiversity management and promote resilience through informed management decisions. Animal use is usually crucial for investigating ecosystem dynamics, species ecology, and management strategies amidst growing human pressures. Field research in natural habitats, along with captive breeding programs, remains fundamental in addressing complex global ecological challenges in this sense. Projects involving live animals provide critical insights into practical management; however, ethical considerations become central, particularly for protected species, necessitating research protocols that prioritize animal welfare while balancing scientific objectives. Nevertheless, animal research presents ethical, legal, and practical challenges, and traditional laboratory systems “might not fit all” species. This paper explores conservation research projects on marine fish from legislative and practical perspectives by looking at current norms, animal welfare aspects, and conservation outcomes. The two iconic Mediterranean species, Hippocampus hippocampus and Hippocampus guttulatus, are analyzed as model examples to produce best practice indications and provide researchers with a practical path to outline scientific project design in marine conservation studies.

Correction to “The Local Turn in a Global Sea: Identifying Sustainability Trade‐Offs in Regionalized Marine Aquaculture Systems” (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)

The Complexity of Aquaculture Sustainability - Giovanni M. Turchini (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)

Genomic Approaches to Enhance Disease Resistance in Large Yellow Croaker: Recent Progress and Future Perspectives - Zhou Jiang; Yulin Bai; Ning Li; Lin Chen; Ji Zhao; Yin Li; Tao Zhou; Peng Xu (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Large yellow croaker is an important marine aquaculture species in China, but frequent disease outbreaks have led to significant losses in the aquaculture industry. Although traditional genetic selection methods have long been applied in fish breeding, an increasing number of studies are introducing genomic selection methods into large yellow croaker breeding to target complex traits such as disease resistance. Recent advancements in genomic resources, including an updated reference genome and SNP array, have opened up new opportunities for genetic and evolutionary research on this species. This review provides an overview of the current status of the large yellow croaker aquaculture industry and the existing approaches to addressing disease challenges. It also summarizes genomic selection techniques, the genetic mechanisms underlying disease resistance traits, and potential improvements in genomic selection methods. Furthermore, we summarize future directions for large yellow croaker breeding, incorporating the application of genetic research, multi‐dimensional data integration, standardized testing protocols, and artificial intelligence for phenotypic measurement. These strategies have opened new pathways to enhance disease resistance in large yellow croaker and to promote the sustainable development of its aquaculture industry.

Beyond the Binary: Controlling Natural Sex‐Change in Hermaphroditic Fishes - Roni Chandra Mondal; Jarrod L. Guppy; Maria A. Villacis‐Escobar; Dean R. Jerry (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Sex‐change in hermaphroditic fishes is a complex but natural biological phenomenon that has significant implications for aquaculture fingerling production, selective breeding, and grow‐out. Understanding the physiological, endocrinological, and molecular pathways underlying hermaphroditism in fishes offers unique opportunities to manipulate male‐to‐female and female‐to‐male transitions and maintain desired sex‐ratios in hatcheries. Control over natural sex‐change in hermaphroditic fishes can be achieved in vivo through socio‐environmental manipulation, neuro‐endocrine regulation, exogenous steroid treatment, or inhibition of aromatase activity with aromatase inhibitors (AIs). This review synthesises the current body of literature and knowledge of the tools associated with controlling sex‐change, specifically in hermaphroditic fishes. Importantly, the recent advances in applying steroidal and non‐steroidal hormones/compounds to control sex‐change are described, as well as the effect of these approaches on gamete quality, fertility, and reproductive success of fishes in this unique group. Through investigating current practices and potential side‐effects of controlling natural sex‐change, we aim to guide the development of more effective and viable methods for maintaining desired sex‐ratios in aquaculture selective breeding. This review highlights the need for further research to optimise control strategies, minimise unintended impacts, and promote best practices in controlling sex‐change in hermaphroditic fishes.

Energetic Adaptations of Bivalves Under Environmental Stress: A Comprehensive Review on Bioenergetics and Aquaculture Sustainability - Chunhua Liu; Yueyong Shang; Shanza Gul; Menghong Hu; Youji Wang (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Bioenergetics, or scope for growth (SFG), is a model used to assess the health and adaptability of mollusks to external factors. It achieves this by converting physiological responses, such as clearance rate (CR), respiration rate (RR), excretion rate (ER), absorption efficiency (AE), and oxygen–nitrogen ratio (O:N ratio), into energy equivalents. This biomarker reflects the energy available for growth and reproduction, indicating an organism's potential to adapt to environmental change and revealing the energetics behind growth. It has been a significant focus in marine ecology, biology, and aquaculture of mollusks. To understand the effects of various factors on the bioenergetics of bivalves, the effects of temperature, ocean acidification (OA), salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), trace elements (e.g., copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd)), micro/nanoparticles (MPs/NPs), harmful algae, and other factors on the physiology and energy budget of bivalves were summarized and analyszed in this paper. We found that some influencing factors (e.g., OA, trace elements, and harmful algae) serve as selective pressures that make bivalves adapt to environmental changes, and the impacts of various stressors on the SFG in bivalves are diverse. However, under hypoxia and salinity changes, exceeding bivalve tolerance can lead to metabolic disorders and reduced SFG, impacting populations and aquaculture. At the same times, we analyzed WOS literature from 1980 to 2023 using VOS‐viewer software to assess how climate change and pollutants affect bivalve energy assimilation and consumption, offering insights for bivalve biology and aquaculture research.

A PESTEL ‐ SWOT Matrix Analysis of Sustainable Aquafeed Sector: A Case of Kenya's Fish Feed Sector - Esther Magondu; Lucy Njogu; Kevin Ouko; Jimmy B. Mboya; Mavindu Muthoka; Rodrigue Yossa; Jonathan Munguti; Mary A. Opiyo; Menaga Meenakshisundaram; Chrysantus M. Tanga; Kevin Obiero (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Global demand for seafood continues to rise, positioning aquaculture as a critical pathway for improving food security, nutrition, and rural livelihoods. In Kenya, the aquaculture sector remains constrained by structural challenges, with fish feed accounting for 60%–70% of production costs and limiting sectoral growth, particularly for smallholder farmers. This review critically analyzes Kenya's fish feed sector through an integrated PESTEL‐SWOT framework, drawing on a scoping review of academic literature, policy reports, and sector development studies. The paper highlights key macro‐level drivers, including fragmented policy implementation, dependency on imported ingredients, and climate‐related risks, and connects these with internal industry dynamics such as innovation gaps and regional disparities in aquafeed accessibility. It presents a conceptual model illustrating how external and internal factors interact to shape aquafeed sector outcomes, positioning Kenya's experience within a broader Sub‐Saharan Africa aquaculture context. The review identifies missed opportunities in scaling insect‐ and microalgae‐based feed innovations, constrained by regulatory, technical, and market barriers. The discussion offers actionable recommendations for researchers, policymakers, donors, investors, and industry stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of integrated policy reforms, investment in local aquafeed technology development, and regional collaboration to strengthen feed supply resilience and address production bottlenecks.

White Spot Syndrome Virus: A Detailed Review of Early Infection Events, Structural Protein Trafficking, and Innate Immune Evasion - Ling‐Ke Liu; Shan‐Shan Jing; Hai‐Peng Liu (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
White spot syndrome virus (WSSV), the highly pathogenic double‐stranded DNA virus affecting crustaceans particularly shrimp and crayfish, has been causing severe diseases that result in significant economic losses in aquaculture. Despite various treatment efforts, current methods remain inadequate in effectively controlling the onset and transmission of the disease, underscoring the urgent need for innovative and efficient control and therapeutic strategies. Successful WSSV infection, along with the production of essential viral components, depends on continuous viral evolution, which serves as a key strategy to manipulate the host cellular environment, including host‐intrinsic factors and systems, as well as the antiviral immune responses. Research to date has primarily focused on WSSV structural characterization, initial cellular events following infection, functional analysis of viral components in regulating antiviral signaling pathways, and host cellular responses elicited by viral invasion. These studies shed light on critical pathogenic processes, including viral entry and intracellular transport events, trafficking of expressed viral structural proteins, and immune evasion mechanisms driven by virus‐host interaction. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent progress in the development of WSSV infection cell models and elucidation of innate immune evasion strategies driven by virus‐host interplay. By consolidating current knowledge, it aims to enhance our understanding of WSSV pathogenesis and lay a solid foundation for development of innovative therapeutic approaches.

Evaluating Fertilization Control and Reproductive Manipulation Techniques for Enhancing Crustacean Reproductive Performance: A Review - A. Hidir; M. A. Aaqillah‐Amr; S. N. Baiduri; N. M. A. Aina Liyana; H. Ma; M. Ikhwanuddin (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Crustacean aquaculture nowadays continues to rely heavily on wild broodstock. Various fertilization control and reproductive manipulation techniques, such as artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF), eyestalk ablation, hormonal injections, and culture condition manipulation, can improve crustacean reproduction as part of the domestication effort; however, the existing knowledge on these techniques is scattered. Therefore, this review paper gathers and consolidates fragmented knowledge on crustacean breeding, serving as a valuable reference for managing hatchery seed production. Artificial insemination involves introducing male sperm into the female genitalia to achieve in vivo fertilization, while IVF involves collecting oocytes and sperm and then using the sperm to fertilize the oocytes outside the body. Eyestalk ablation refers to the removal of one ocular globe from the crustacean's eyestalk to accelerate ovarian maturation. Other techniques, such as hormonal injections, use hormones like estrogen, GnRH, MF, MIH, pregnenolone, and 5‐HT, which have proven effective in stimulating gonad maturation. Controlling culture conditions, such as adjusting temperature and light, can also enhance ovarian development and increase spawning rates. Overall, these advanced fertilization control and reproductive manipulation techniques aid in increasing seed stock for commercial crustacean farming in the future.

A Systematic Review of Brycon Genus Sperm Cryopreservation Protocols: Challenges on Ex‐Situ Conservation for Sustainable Aquaculture - Danilo Pedro Streit; Rômulo Batista Rodrigues; Jhony Lisboa Benato; Gregory Brayan Valdívia‐Gutiérrez; Eduardo Thomé Nicoleti; Leonardo Queiroz de Alencar; Thales Lysakowski Flores Machado; Larise Caroline Oliveira Lima; Marco Aurélio Rotta; Thales de Souza França (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
This systematic review shows an overview of the history of protocols used for genus Brycon sperm cryopreservation. Relevant studies were identified from Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Scielo databases. Thirty‐four studies published between 2001 and 2021 were included in the systematic review following the eligibility criteria. Selected studies showed cryopreservation protocols of nine species of the genus Brycon , with Brycon orbignyanus being the most studied species. The studies were conducted by Brazilian (76.5%) and Colombian (23.5%) researchers, with the majority (68.6%) carried out in hydroelectric plants promoting fish restocking programs. Two main protocols were extensively investigated across nine studied species: 10% methyl glycol +5% Beltsville Thawing Solution and 10% dimethyl sulfoxide +5% glucose. However, the protocols lacked standardization regarding equilibrium time and temperature, freezing and thawing curves, or sperm‐to‐cryoprotectant solution ratios. Limited collaboration among research groups from the two South American countries was identified as a significant factor in this lack of standardization. In addition, emerging approaches for sperm cryopreservation are necessary, such as developing less toxic alternative cryoprotectants. Implementing advanced cryopreservation methodologies and using artificial intelligence and machine learning can optimize protocols by modeling key parameters and enhancing post‐thaw sperm quality. These findings underscore the need for collaboration between research groups to develop standardized cryopreservation protocols and establish functionally accessible germplasm banks. Such measures are essential for the ex‐situ conservation and long‐term sustainability of aquaculture involving species of the genus Brycon .

The Local Turn in a Global Sea: Identifying Sustainability Trade‐Offs in Regionalized Marine Aquaculture Systems - Gesche Krause; Ramón Filgueira; Nesar Ahmed; Karen A. Alexander; Furqan Asif; Lucia Fanning; Sebastian C. A. Ferse; Nike Fuchs; Jon Grant; Jordi Guillen; Christina Hörterer; Teresa R. Johnson; et al. (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Marine aquaculture, like the broader seafood industry, relies heavily on international trade and global supply chains for both production and sales. Recent global disruptions, including the COVID‐19 pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the conflicts in the Middle East, and trade tensions, have exposed the social and economic vulnerabilities inherent in a globalized production system. In response, these events have sparked growing interest in transitioning to localized and regional supply chain models. Calls to “buy national” and support domestic economies highlight this trend toward regionalization. This study explores the sustainability implications of regionalizing marine aquaculture by examining the four key segments of the supply chain. These are (1) upstream inputs and resources (2) aquaculture production (3) downstream added value‐processing and (4) distribution–transportation. Potential benefits of regional production models include increased resilience to disruptions, lower transportation‐related carbon emissions, and support for local economies. However, such models may also introduce trade‐offs, including reduced production efficiency, supply and sales limitations, and implications for social, cultural, and governance structures. Our analysis reveals that the sustainability outcomes of regionalization are complex and context‐dependent. It is influenced by the specific characteristics of existing supply chains and the regional contexts in which they operate. While regionalization may offer advantages in certain contexts, it does not guarantee improved sustainability. Thus, it is crucial to critically assess the assumption that regionalization inherently leads to improved sustainability outcomes. Proactive evaluation of these dynamics is essential to develop strategies that maximize benefits while addressing potential trade‐offs.

Nutrition and Nutraceutical Values of Commercially Important Oysters: A Systematic Review - Hong Zhang; KhaiHang Choong; Zexin Li; Yu Hao; Kit‐Leong Cheong; Karsoon Tan (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Oysters are a nutritious source of animal protein. While previous reviews have examined certain specific nutrients in bivalves, they often overlook nutrient interactions (proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates) and their broader implications for human health. Furthermore, as emerging research continues to explore bivalve nutrition, there is a pressing need for a comprehensive review consolidating the latest findings in this rapidly advancing field. In this context, this study evaluates the protein and lipid quality of oysters worldwide, as well as the nutraceutical potential of their polysaccharides. It also examines trends in oyster nutrition research and identifies key areas for future studies. The findings revealed that most oysters are rich in essential amino acids and omega‐3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, with amino acid profiles closely matching human dietary requirements, and lipid quality indices (EPA + DHA, PUFA/SFA, n‐3/n‐6) exceeding recommended values. Additionally, polysaccharides derived from oysters exhibit various bioactive properties, including anti‐cancer, anti‐inflammatory, immunomodulation, antioxidant, and prebiotic effects, underscoring their potential as nutraceuticals. However, the nutritional composition of oysters varies considerably by species and geographic origin, necessitating careful selection for dietary and nutraceutical applications. The findings of this study not only synthesize existing data to identify promising oyster candidates for functional foods and nutraceuticals but also provide guidance for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers in optimizing oysters for health‐focused diets and supplements, given their species‐ and origin‐dependent nutritional variability.

Asian Seabass ( Lates calcarifer ): A Versatile Species for Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture - Gen Hua Yue (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Aquaculture has undergone unprecedented growth in recent decades, driven by the increasing global demand for seafood. However, this expansion brings environmental challenges and underscores the need for species diversification and sustainable farming practices. Among the rising stars of aquaculture, the Asian seabass ( Lates calcarifer ) stands out as a prime candidate due to its remarkable adaptability, high market value, and strong biological traits. This review provides an in‐depth exploration of eight key aspects of Asian seabass aquaculture: (1) species biology and distribution, (2) the current status of its global aquaculture, (3) nutritional value and health benefits, (4) genetic improvement through selective breeding, molecular techniques, and genome editing, (5) environmental sustainability and ecological impact, (6) disease management and health challenges, (7) market trends and economic viability, and (8) future prospects and research directions. Advances in genetics and breeding technologies have significantly enhanced key traits such as rapid growth, disease resistance, and omega‐3 content, further cementing its role as a species of high commercial importance. To fully unlock its potential, ongoing research in disease prevention, climate resilience, optimized nutrition, and advanced breeding strategies is crucial. Coupled with strategic investments in farming technologies, branding, and market expansion, Asian seabass is well‐positioned to become a versatile species of both marine and freshwater aquaculture.

Single‐Cell Sequencing: A Sharp Sword for Deciphering Biological Innovations and Evolutionary Adaptations in Lower Vertebrates and Invertebrates - Chongbin Hu; Yun Hong; Lixin Xiang; Ye Chen; Jianzhong Shao; Hangjun Zhang (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Single‐cell sequencing (SCS) technology has revolutionized the study of cellular heterogeneity by enabling the exploration of biological processes at high resolution. While traditionally applied to mammalian models, recent advancements have extended SCS to ecologically and evolutionarily crucial lower vertebrates (particularly fish) and diverse invertebrates (including Urochordata, Echinodermata, Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Coelenterata). These non‐mammalian organisms exhibit unique cellular and molecular adaptations, serving as pivotal models for developmental biology, immune mechanisms, hematopoiesis, and environmental adaptation, yet remain underrepresented in genomics. This review highlights how SCS has been instrumental in uncovering novel cell types, defining intricate developmental trajectories, revealing unprecedented complexity in hematopoiesis, and elucidating diverse immune landscapes (including cell heterogeneity, functional specialization, pathogen responses, and tissue‐specific adaptations) in fish. Furthermore, it details the construction of foundational cell atlases across fish and invertebrate species and showcases SCS applications in mapping invertebrate development, characterizing cellular heterogeneity under varying conditions, and revealing unique environmental adaptations. Cross‐species SCS analyses provide powerful tools for tracing the evolution of critical systems, such as immunity. While addressing challenges like incomplete reference genomes and technical complexity, we discuss SCS's transformative potential in aquaculture and biotechnology, emphasizing future directions in multi‐omics integration and computational tool development to decipher biological innovations and evolutionary adaptations.

Seaweed Research and Production in Kenya: Unveiling Opportunities and Current Research Gaps - Gladys Mwaka Holeh; Jan Mees; Jana Asselman; James Njiru; David Mirera; Colin Janssen; Ilias Semmouri (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
This study reviews seaweed research activities and production in Kenya, serving as a case study to demonstrate the untapped potential and applicability in East Africa, especially in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Given the lack of consolidated scientific information and the fragmented nature of current seaweed farming efforts in Kenya, this review was undertaken to assess past and current research, identify production gaps, and offer direction for future development of a sustainable and competitive seaweed aquaculture industry in the region. In an extensive literature review, we identified 69 relevant manuscripts, primarily focusing on seaweed floristics and taxonomy, ecology, aquaculture and bioprospecting in the broadest meaning. Results reveal seaweed production was found to be minuscule compared to major global producers, despite a shifting research focus toward aquaculture in the last two decades. Seaweed farming faces environmental challenges such as unfavorable weather conditions and pathogen outbreaks, strongly impacting growth rates and production levels. The species currently commercially cultivated are used primarily for hydrocolloid extraction (carrageenans), explaining the limited interest in biochemical characterization of seaweed diversity, as most ‘bioprospecting’ studies focus on carrageenan and/or agar yields. With increasing investments into seaweed farming, concerns are rising regarding implications for the marine environment due to observed changes in sediment accumulation, changes in water quality, deforestation rates and shifts in marine biota. In conclusion, this study underscores seaweed's potential in Kenya, but also emphasizes the need for continued research and sustainable development practices to fully exploit this untapped resource.

Status of Red Swamp Crayfish Aquaculture and Genetic Improvement in China - Gen Hua Yue; Bao Lou; Zhiqiang Xu (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
China is the world's leading producer of red swamp crayfish ( Procambarus clarkii ). The aquaculture of P. clarkii and its related industry generated annual value over 458 billion Chinese yuan in 2022, contributing significantly to food security, livelihoods, and economic development. This review analyzes the status of the industry, highlighting its biological characteristics, farming practices, economic importance, and challenges. P. clarkii is adaptable and reproduces rapidly, but it is also invasive and disrupts native species diversity. Environmental concerns include water quality degradation and habitat loss. Disease outbreaks and regulatory issues pose additional challenges. Research is ongoing to improve broodstocks, seed production efficiency, and sustainability through breeding programs, better management practices, and technologies. China's crayfish aquaculture can achieve long‐term growth and contribute to a sustainable future. This can be done by overcoming challenges and embracing key innovations. These include selective breeding, genomic selection, monosex production, genome editing technologies, and improved production systems.

Cover Image - Yuanliang Duan; Wenqiong Wu; Zhipeng Huang; Lu Zhang; Chengyan Mou; Zhongmeng Zhao; Han Zhao; Jun Du; Jian Zhou; Qiang Li (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The cover image is based on the article Research on Longsnout Catfish ( Leiocassis longirostris ) Worldwide: Current Status and Future Prospects by Qiang Li et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.70092 . image

Revisiting Vitamin and Trace Mineral Nutrition in Atlantic Salmon Farming With Emphasis on Fish Health - Antony J. P. Philip; Trond M. Kortner; Pauline Wischhusen; Kristin Hamre; Åshild Krogdahl; Kaja H. Skjærven; Guro Løkka; Gerd M. Berge; Marit Espe; Nini H. Sissener (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Atlantic salmon farming is faced with numerous environmental and production‐related challenges affecting fish health and welfare, globally and in Norway. An animal's requirement for a nutrient is the sum of the required supply of available nutrients for maintenance, growth, reproduction, health, and disease resistance. Available literature on micronutrient requirements (vitamins and trace minerals) was reviewed to identify knowledge gaps with a focus on health and disease resistance, potential life stage and production system‐specific differences. Atlantic salmon's minimum requirement estimate for vitamin A was not available, while data on vitamins C, D, E, and K differ greatly between studies due to factors such as feed composition and rearing conditions (stress). Knowledge of the requirements of B‐vitamins is also scarce. Choline requirement in Atlantic salmon was recently estimated and is strongly affected by dietary lipid consumption. Dietary trace mineral needs differed with diet composition and between freshwater and seawater, largely influenced by differences in availability. Dietary trace mineral availability in practical feeds is a concern, especially for zinc and selenium being the most limiting in plant ingredient‐based feeds and supplementation restricted by maximum limits that are too low for optimal fish health. Hence, there is a need for renewed focus on how vitamin and trace mineral recommendations in Atlantic salmon feeds are assessed (research) and managed (regulation). Recommendations will have to be revised considering specific life stages, environmental and physiological changes, health status, and evolving production methods in commercial Atlantic salmon farming.

Research on Longsnout Catfish ( Leiocassis longirostris ) Worldwide: Current Status and Future Prospects - Yuanliang Duan; Wenqiong Wu; Zhipeng Huang; Lu Zhang; Chengyan Mou; Zhongmeng Zhao; Han Zhao; Jun Du; Jian Zhou; Qiang Li (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The longsnout catfish ( Leiocassis longirostris ) is primarily found in the Yangtze River Basin in China. This species has been studied for more than 40 years, predominantly by researchers at the Fisheries Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences (Sichuan Fisheries Research Institute), Southwest University, and the Institute of Hydrobiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Concurrently, multiple research institutions worldwide have also conducted studies on this species, including Aberystwyth University and the University of Copenhagen in Europe, the University of Hawaii and the University of Prince Edward Island in North America, Korea Maritime and Ocean University and the ICAR National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources in Asia, and the University of Adelaide in Oceania. Most studies on L. longirostris have focused on aquaculture techniques. In this review, we consider all studies on L. longirostris from 1974 to 2023, providing a detailed analysis of the current research status regarding its aquaculture, physiological characteristics, germplasm resources, new variety development, and deep processing. We also speculated on potential future research directions. In summary, this review establishes a solid foundation for future scientific research and aquaculture production of the species, which may promote the further development of new varieties and value‐added products derived from L. longirostris .

Image‐Based Individual Fish Identification as a Substitute for Invasive Methods: State‐of‐the‐Art and Research Gaps - Mohammad Mehdi Ziaei; Jan Urban; Petr Cisar (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Individual identification of fish within the same species is one of the most crucial and frequently performed tasks in aquaculture research, and it is also widely used in aquaculture production. Fish sampling, treating, welfare, and disease state estimation are increasingly turning from group‐based to individualized. Traditionally, fish individual identification has relied on marking methods such as PIT tagging, which are invasive, time‐consuming, and labor‐intensive. It is also very constrained in large cultivation units such as cages. Consequently, there is a demand for developing non‐invasive techniques that are rapid and cost‐effective. Image‐based individual identification has the potential for developing remote, faster, and more economical methods for in situ identification of individual fish. This article reviews the development of these image‐based methods for fish individual identification over the past decades, presenting their fundamental concepts and principles. It analyses the strengths and weaknesses of each approach and outlines future research directions. Recent studies indicate that the application of convolutional neural networks holds great promise in accelerating the development of new techniques for more effective fish identification. However, the accuracy, large amount of training data, and specific experimental conditions of these methods still need improvement to meet the demands of intensive aquaculture. Through close collaboration between fisheries experts and engineers, the precision and level of intelligence in fish individual identification techniques will be further enhanced based on the aforementioned methods.

Current Progress of the Long‐Term Preservation for Fish Embryos, Female Reproductive Cells, and Tissues - Wei Qin; Jiaji Pan; Jun Xiao; Hao Feng (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Cryopreservation is an effective technique to preserve biomaterials for a very long time period. The long‐term preservation techniques benefit the rapid development of the aquaculture industry, such as optimizing the breeding schemes. Currently, many cryopreservation attempts have been conducted on fish embryos and gametes. The cryopreservation of fish sperms is the most successful among these studies due to the simple structure of sperms. However, the cryopreservation of female gametes is developing at a much slower pace. In this work, the techniques and progress related to the cryopreservation of fish embryos, blastomeres, oocytes, testicular tissue, ovarian tissues, and primordial germ cells (PGCs) are introduced. This review first discusses the cryoprotective agents (CPAs) used in the cryopreservation or vitrification of fish embryos and gametes. Then we summarize advanced techniques including the pretreatment, rewarming methods, removal of CPAs, and assessment methods, followed by introducing the preservation results. In the end, some suggestions are raised for the future development of fish embryos, germ cells, and gonadal tissues.

Dusky dolphin ( Lagenorhynchus obscurus ) habitat use in a mussel farming region and changes over time - Sarah Piwetz; Heidi C. Pearson; Krysta A. Honkus; Bernd Würsig (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Information on marine mammal habitat use in coastal areas can provide a better understanding of anthropogenic effects on species. Admiralty Bay, New Zealand has extensive near‐shore mussel farms and is an important dusky dolphin ( Lagenorhynchus obscurus ) foraging habitat. Prior dusky dolphin research indicated a declining trend in regional abundance from the late 1990s to mid‐2000s. We describe dusky dolphin behaviour, habitat patch use and movement patterns in Admiralty Bay in 2011–2012 and compare findings to previous research to capture long‐term trends. Sampling methods included small‐boat group follows and photo‐identification and shore‐based theodolite tracking. Dolphin encounter rate, mean group size, and individual resighting rate showed a negative trend from previous years. Coordinated prey ball herding, a foraging technique documented in previous years, was rarely observed during this study. Dolphins were more likely to forage near farms (excluding specialised prey herding), though they seldom entered farms. Near shore, swimming speed was slower, reorientation rate was higher, and linearity was lower in the presence of farms than in their absence. This research builds upon prior studies, suggesting a continued decline in dusky dolphin presence, and highlights differences in habitat patch use in a human‐altered ecosystem.

Tracing transgenerational plasticity through ova fatty acid biomarkers in Giant Kōkopu ( Galaxias argenteus ) - Armagan Sabetian; Luu Huong Hoang; Jingjing Zhang; Julian Lilkendey (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Broodstock management has traditionally focused on heritable traits and diet‐induced gamete quality. However, the potential of transgenerational plasticity (TP) underscores the importance of understanding adaptive trait transfer in aquaculture, where the sustainability of production can be hampered by mortality arising from disease and stress. Notably, the role of fatty acids (FAs) as important biomarkers is an untapped area of TP research with implications for the management of new aquaculture species. We assessed TP in Giant Kōkopu ( Galaxias argenteus ) by comparing the ova FA profiles of broodstock across five captive generations; wild‐caught, F1, and three successive F2s. Our study revealed intergenerational shifts in ova FA profiles. We encountered a significant decline in C18:1 (n‐9) (Oleic Acid, OLA) and C20:4 (n‐6) (Arachidonic acid, ARA), and an increase in C16:0 (Palmitic acid, PAL) from wild‐caught to captive‐bred broodstock. These shifts reveal that latter generations of captive‐bred G. argenteus are reducing the provision of FAs associated with stress (OLA) and lower reproductive success (ARA), while increasing those linked to improved immune response (PAL), signalling a significant adaptation to captivity. Our findings help elucidate the theoretical understanding of TP through the use of FAs as biomarkers, providing practical insight for broodstock management.

Effects of point‐source discharges on shortfin eels ( Anguilla australis ) along the Waikato River, New Zealand - David W. West; Brendan J. Hicks; Nicholas Ling; Michael R. van den Heuvel; Louis A. Tremblay (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
The Waikato River is the longest river in New Zealand and is exposed to range of anthropogenic stressors. This study investigated the effects of three major point‐source discharges on resident shortfin eels Anguilla australis along the river. Shortfin eels were caught from sites upstream and downstream of discharges of bleached kraft mill effluent (BKME) from pulp and paper manufacture, sewage, and a thermal power plant. At each site, population parameters (relative abundance and age structure) and individual metrics of health such as condition factor and organ (gonad, liver, and spleen) to somatic weight ratios were measured. Blood, biochemical (hepatic 7‐ethoxyresorufin‐ O ‐deethylase or EROD) and chemical markers (bile chemistry and trace elements in flesh) were also measured. Measures of exposure and response to discharges confirmed that the shortfin eels were resident at the sites sampled. The discharges had few negative impacts on individual eel health and positive responses were seen to warm water discharge. However, resident shortfin eels were immature so reproductive responses could not be determined. In conclusion, shortfin eels in this study showed few responses to the effects of the discharges except for increased resin acids, bile polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and EROD at the BKME site.

Karyotype evolutionary diversification in marine fishes. First classical and molecular cytogenetic data on four Atlantic species - Wagner Franco Molina; Karlla Danielle Jorge Amorim; Simião Alefe Soares da Silva; Marcelo de Bello Cioffi; Luiz Antonio Carlos Bertollo; Rodrigo Xavier Soares; Clóvis Coutinho da Motta‐Neto; Gideão Wagner Werneck Félix da Costa (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Fishes present an exceptional level of diversification among vertebrates, whose adaptive instructions contained in their genome are physically organised in their chromosomes. Although cytogenetic data are useful to help understand the evolutionary processes, they are restricted or unavailable for many fish families. Cytogenetic characteristics of one Atlantic member of the Kyphosidae, Cirrhitidae, Pempheridae and Bythitidae families – about which little or no prior data is known – are described here. Conventional chromosomal analysis and the mapping of the 18S and 5S ribosomal DNA sequences revealed substantial variations in the diploid number (2n = 38–48) and structure of the chromosomes (FN = 48–84; i.e. number of chromosome arms), as well as in the rDNA distribution (simple, multiple and polymorphic sites). The findings extend the cytogenetic data for reef fish groups across a wider phylogenetic range and reveal the various ways in which karyotype evolution has taken place in the marine environment.

Estimating the extent of urchin barrens and kelp forest loss in northeastern Aotearoa, New Zealand - Vince C. Kerr; Roger V. Grace; Nick T. Shears (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
On shallow rocky reefs in northeastern Aotearoa, New Zealand, urchin barrens are indicators of the ecosystem effects of overfishing reef predators. Yet, information on their extent and variability is lacking. We use aerial imagery to map the urchin barrens and kelp forests on reefs ( 2 of barrens exist across the region. This demonstrates the widespread nature of barrens, the potential long‐term effectiveness of no‐take marine protection in restoring urchin barrens, and the need for a multifaceted management approach to restore kelp forests and prevent further expansion of barrens.

Invasive New and Old World freshwater species in isolated springs of the Atacama Desert: implications for native species - Gonzalo A. Collado; Rebeca Carballo; Nicolás Villalobos; Francisco Gómez; Viviana Castillo; Álvaro Alonso (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Invasive species can significantly alter invaded ecosystems. In this study, we report the presence of two invasive species, the poeciliid fish Poecilia reticulata and the gastropod Melanoides tuberculata , in three isolated springs from the coast of the Atacama Desert in Antofagasta city, northern Chile. Both species were identified through diagnostic morphological features and phylogenetic analysis. This is the first confirmed record of P. reticulata in natural ecosystems of Chile. The finding of M. tuberculata represents the first record of the species in the Antofagasta Region, and the third in the country. Considering the well‐documented adverse effects of both species on invaded ecosystems and their high potential for spread, we recommend the prompt implementation of mitigation measures. These should focus on the direct mechanical removal of these species, given the relatively straightforward sampling process and the relatively small size of the springs. Such measures would significantly contribute to the preservation of native species, particularly those categorized as vulnerable.

Common bully ( Gobiomorphus cotidianus ) and mosquitofish ( Gambusia affinis ) shift littoral zooplankton community composition to smaller bodied taxa - Flavian Ember; Nicholas Ling; Ian C. Duggan (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
We investigated the effects of native common bully ( Gobiomorphus cotidianus ) and non‐native western mosquitofish ( Gambusia affinis ) on zooplankton assemblages in an outdoor mesocosm experiment. Twenty‐one 100 L mesocosms containing zooplankton were assigned either four G. cotidianus , four G. affinis , or were left as a control group (i.e. with no fish) and monitored for 14 days. Zooplankton community composition in the fish treatments was significantly different from the control tanks by day 14, but did not differ from one another. Both G. cotidianus and G. affinis reduced crustacean abundances, including Bosmina meridionalis , Daphnia pulex and Mesocyclops australiensis , relative to the controls. This reduced the effects of predation, competition, and physical interference by the crustaceans on rotifers, allowing rotifers to reach numerical dominance in the fish treatments. In contrast, zooplankton assemblages in the control mesocosms became dominated by cladocerans, indicating that these had a competitive advantage in the absence of the zooplanktivorous fish species. Our results suggest that G. cotidianus and G. affinis have similar preferences for zooplankton taxa and that G. affinis can alter littoral zooplankton assemblages in a comparable manner to G. cotidianus .

Morphometric and meristic discrimination within juvenile flounder species in New Zealand indicate genetic and environmental disparities* - Tim H. Currie; Stephen R. Wing; Leonardo M. Durante (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Morphometrics and meristics are measurable and countable traits, respectively, that are under simultaneous control by genetic and/or environmental factors. Resolving morphometric and meristic spatial variation can be a useful technique for identifying population structure and connectivity. The present study investigated morphometric and meristic character variation within three flounder species, sand flounder ( Rhombosolea plebeia ), greenback flounder ( R. tapirina ), and yellowbelly flounder ( R. leporina ) in New Zealand, predominantly in the South Island. Four morphometric measurements and two meristic characters were obtained from 857 juvenile flounder, standardised, and analysed. Consistent with a previous genetic analysis, the differentiation of morphometric and meristic characters supported the idea that sand flounder populations north and south of 42 o S were reproductively isolated, and although statistically non‐significant, there was an indication that yellowbelly flounder collected from Lake Ellesmere and Orowaiti Lagoon may have been reproductively isolated. Only juvenile sand flounder and greenback flounder were collected in the tidal reaches of estuaries throughout east Otago and the populations are considered undifferentiated based on intra‐species morphometric and meristic characters. Our results demonstrated that the influence of environmental variation and adaptive physiology of juvenile flounder likely contributed to the morphometric and meristic variation of individuals among estuaries and years.

Occurrence, site‐fidelity and photo‐identification of long‐finned pilot whales in Aotearoa New Zealand - Catherine E. Meyer; Jochen R. Zaeschmar; Rochelle Constantine (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Despite frequently stranding, little is known about free‐ranging long‐finned pilot whales ( Globicephala melas edwardii ) in Aotearoa/New Zealand. This study used long‐term data to determine the occurrence, seasonal site‐fidelity, group size distribution and individual identity of pilot whales off the east coast of New Zealand. Photographs ( n = 53,857) and sightings metadata from 81 pilot whale groups were collected opportunistically from research vessels and whale watch tour operators from the Bay of Islands to Kaikōura between 2003 and 2019. A total of 2144 good‐quality photographs from 41 encounters were used to identify 145 distinctive individuals using dorsal fin markings. The mark rate (13.4%) was low compared to northern hemisphere pilot whales. While the overall (31%) and between‐year resight rates (13.8%) were low, results suggested some degree of site fidelity and supported the peak in occurrence over summer, as reported from stranding records. Pilot whales were mainly found in mixed‐species groups, demonstrating inter‐specific associations (79%, n = 64). Opportunistic datasets were valuable for understanding occurrence and site‐fidelity of a poorly‐studied species in the southern hemisphere. Future photographs and sightings records will support a more complete understanding of pilot whale distribution and enable a broader‐scale assessment of demographic patterns and social structure of this species.

The Path to Resilience: Improving Welfare in Aquaculture Through Physical Exercise and Stressor Predictability Training - Olivia Spiliopoulos; Culum Brown; Pollyanna Hilder; Alan Tilbrook; Kris Descovich (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The aquaculture industry is growing rapidly, prompting an increased focus on improving the welfare of fish. While meeting physical, psychological, and behavioural needs remains a priority, the concept of resilience offers a deeper approach, moving beyond need fulfilment to actively enhance the capacity of fish to adapt, recover, and thrive. This scoping review assessed the evidence for resilience building in farmed fish through two forms of environmental enrichment: physical exercise and stressor predictability training. These enrichment types are described in terms of three key mechanisms involved in building resilience: coping with stress, cognitive flexibility, and behavioural adaptability. Exercise, particularly at moderate levels, can help regulate stress responses, promote neuroplasticity, and encourage positive social behaviours. Stressor predictability can also reduce the magnitude of stress responses and support proactive coping strategies by allowing fish to anticipate and prepare for environmental challenges. The relationship between resilience and fish welfare was also examined, highlighting the potential of these approaches as welfare management tools for aquaculture. The effectiveness of such interventions is likely to be species‐ and context‐dependent, with outcomes influenced by how fish perceive and experience environmental conditions and practical constraints of large‐scale aquaculture systems. However, integrating resilience‐building strategies into aquaculture practices may not only enhance welfare but also improve production efficiency and economic performance, helping the industry meet societal expectations and long‐term sustainability goals.

Review on Quantitative Methods of Fish School Behaviors - Yaoguang Wei; Lin Ji; Dong An (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
In aquaculture, the quantitative analysis of fish school behavior refers to the systematic application of mathematical and statistical tools for the precise measurement and description of fish school behavior characteristics through metrics, statistics, and modeling. Compared to studies on individual behavior, the analysis of fish school behavior is crucial for managing fish health and enhancing aquaculture efficiency. Quantitative analysis deepens our understanding of fish school structure and interaction patterns, facilitating the development of more rational and efficient feeding strategies. Traditional manual detection methods are time‐consuming, labor‐intensive, and have limited accuracy, resulting in inadequate quantitative analysis of fish schools and difficulties in parametrically assessing their behavior and physiological states, which pose challenges to accurate evaluations. However, in recent years, with the emergence of new technologies and quantification indicators, the assessment of fish school behavior has become more accurate and objective. This review summarizes three key technologies for quantitatively analyzing fish school behavior: computer vision, acoustics, and sensors. It outlines three types of quantitative indicators: behavior, biomass estimation, and environment. Furthermore, it provides insights into the response of fish school behavior to four key factors: environmental stress, feeding, disease, and reproduction. The study indicates that comprehensive behavior recognition information often requires selecting suitable technologies or integrating multiple technologies based on the specific needs and conditions of the aquaculture site. Therefore, future research in multimodal data fusion will likely contribute to further advancements in the field of aquaculture.

Correction to “Disinfection By‐Products in Aquaculture: Sources, Impacts, Removal and Future Research” (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)

Advances in Reproduction, Nutrition and Disease Research in the Yellowtail Kingfish ( Seriola lalandi ) Aquaculture - Alejandro S. Mechaly; Abigail Elizur; Sebastian Escobar‐Aguirre; Jorge Hirt‐Chabbert; Roxana Bertha Inohuye‐Rivera; Wayne Knibb; Josephine Nocillado; Juan C. Pérez‐Urbiola; H. K. A. Premachandra; Gustavo M. Somoza; Dariel Tovar‐Ramírez; Bin Wang (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Yellowtail kingfish ( Seriola lalandi ) is a species of significant value in aquaculture, with a broad distribution across subtropical and temperate seas. Although global production has doubled in 7 years, reaching approximately 9000 tons per year in 2021, its cultivation remains limited compared to other mainstream species. The commercial aquaculture of this species faces several key challenges in achieving improved production and sustainability: nutrition requirements, disease management, and the optimization of reproductive technologies. Current diets for yellowtail kingfish require further improvement to enhance both growth performance and sustainability. Diseases continue to be a major constraint, with at least 41 specific diseases reported for yellowtail kingfish and 31 affecting other Seriola species, emphasizing the necessity of targeted diagnostic tools and treatment strategies. Recent genomic advances have shed light on the biology and taxonomy of yellowtail kingfish, revealing genetically distinct populations across the South Pacific, Indian, and South Atlantic Oceans. However, the taxonomic status within the Pacific region remains unclear, requiring further research. Addressing these gaps is vital for developing robust breeding programs and improving genetic resilience. To support the sustainable expansion of yellowtail kingfish aquaculture, key areas for future research include increasing larval and juvenile survival rates, minimizing malformations, and tailoring farming models to diverse environmental conditions. Focusing on these priorities will ensure better productivity and disease resistance, ultimately promoting the global competitiveness of yellowtail kingfish as an aquaculture species.

The Rise of Mussel Aquaculture in Chile: Causes, Effects, and Challenges - Marjorie Baquedano; Carlos Chávez; Jorge Dresdner; Håkan Eggert (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
More than 90% of global mussel production comes from aquaculture. Like many other species within aquaculture, its production has been steadily growing for the last 30 years. Chilean production has increased from about 2000 tons in the early 1990s to 400,000 tons in 2020, making Chile the second‐biggest producer globally, next to China. In this article, we study how the “mussel miracle” was forged, that is, how the Chilean mussel industry was able to transition from exporting negligible volumes of mussels to becoming the world's biggest exporter of mussels. We also analyze the impacts of this expansion on environmental, economic, and social conditions, as well as the challenges the industry faces. We use semistructured interviews conducted with different key informants in the Los Lagos region in southern Chile, where almost all Chilean mussel production is based. We also review the existing literature and analyze Aquaculture Performance Indicators (APIs) data recently collected to assess the performance of aquaculture production systems in the country. The Chilean mussel industry's rapid growth during 1994–1996 was enabled by natural conditions in the Los Lagos region, aquaculture research, and trade liberalization. Investments by foreign and domestic stakeholders further boosted production and exports. The industry has provided significant environmental benefits, such as mitigating eutrophication, and created over 12,000 jobs in coastal communities. However, reliance on natural seed banks and extensive production methods poses sustainability challenges, particularly under climate change.

The Role of Seaweed Cultivation in Integrated Multi‐Trophic Aquaculture ( IMTA ): The Current Status and Challenges - Yaojia Zhu; Nan Wang; Zhenyu Wu; Shuangshuang Chen; Ji Luo; George Christakos; Jiaping Wu (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Global mariculture production has witnessed sustained growth, yet intensive monoculture practices (primarily fish aquaculture) have generated increasingly severe environmental externalities, driving demand for sustainable solutions. Integrated Multi‐Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), leveraging species synergy to recycle nutrients, emerges as a promising strategy. Seaweed plays a critical role as inorganic extractive species in IMTA. However, current large‐scale seaweed farming remains predominantly concentrated in Asia. Through literature review and synthesis, this paper mainly reveals the significance of seaweed in maintaining the ecological balance of the marine environment and improving co‐cultured species' production quality within IMTA. We also discuss the challenges faced by seaweed cultivation in IMTA, which include the following three parts: seaweed selection, IMTA setting and seaweed utilization, while highlighting emerging pressures from climate change. Analysis reveals greater controllability in land‐based IMTA systems versus open‐sea systems, where marine environmental complexity necessitates multidimensional considerations of seaweed species selection, cultivation area allocation, and temporal management. While envisioned as an eco‐economic “win‐win” solution, over‐optimistic projections of seaweed cultivation coupled with inadequate risk assessment may lead to short‐term successes followed by long‐term failures. For instance, although IMTA reduces environmental governance costs, hidden challenges—including seaweed's low market valuation, potential ecosystem perturbations, infrastructure requirements, and specialized labor demands—could paradoxically elevate systemic production costs. Future research requires dual assessment frameworks that concurrently evaluate ecological services and economic viability of seaweed cultivation in IMTA. More research and practical adjustments are needed to develop a long‐term, sustainable IMTA system.

Recent Advances in Aquaponic Systems: A Critical Review - Shreeja Lopchan Lama; Kyle Rafael Marcelino; Sumeth Wongkiew; K. C. Surendra; Zhen Hu; Jae Woo Lee; Samir Kumar Khanal (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Aquaponics, a symbiotic farming of plants and fish, is a promising solution to address global food security. While aquaponics contributes to nutrient recovery, water reclamation, and reduced land and freshwater use, achieving consistent and economically viable production remains a substantial challenge. Several key issues in aquaponics include maintaining optimal water quality and dissolved oxygen concentration, delivering a balanced nutrient profile for plants, and managing solids accumulation. However, recent advances in new system designs, algal co‐cultivation, micro‐nanobubble technology, biofilter media, as well as system automation coupled with the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, and robotics can improve the performance of these systems. Moreover, a greater understanding of the microbiome across various components of an aquaponic system is important in improving symbiotic relationships and supporting favorable ecological dynamics. This, in turn, promotes improved nutrient cycling, plant and fish growth, and overall system performance. This review highlights several such advances, critically analyzing the challenges faced during operation, and offers future research directions. Through discussion on current knowledge gaps in system operation, technological integration, and understanding of microbiomes, this review aims to provide a comprehensive framework for advancing aquaponic systems and outline potential directions for future innovations.

Antimicrobial Resistance in Malaysian Shrimp Aquaculture and Strategies to Reduce Its Occurrence - Ikhsan Natrah; Sarmila Muthukrishnan; Hirzahida Mohd‐Padil; Nurliyana Mohamad; Norfarrah Mohamed Alipiah; Mohamed Shariff; Fatimah Md Yusoff; Ina Salwany Md Yasin; Sridevi Devadas; Wan‐Haifa Haryani Wan Omar; Wan Nurhafizah Wan Ibrahim; Tom Defoirdt (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Shrimp is a commercially important species in several regions and is among the key global aquaculture commodities essential for food production and security. Similar to most shrimp‐producing countries, shrimp aquaculture in Malaysia suffers from recurring disease outbreaks that consequently impact the overall economy. The use of antimicrobial agents, particularly antibiotics, in shrimp aquaculture for prophylactic treatment and growth enhancement has increased the spread of antimicrobial‐resistant bacteria in the aquatic environment. The development and dissemination of antimicrobial‐resistant bacteria and other potential sources of antimicrobial contamination in waterways are facilitated by the continuous application of antibiotics in shrimp farming, municipalities, livestock, hospitals and pharmaceutical sources. This situation contributes to the spread of the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenomenon, a One Health issue with detrimental effects on human and animal health as well as the environment. Addressing the risks associated with AMR dissemination remains highly challenging due to the intensification of shrimp farming trends, which heightens disease outbreaks, and the limited availability of alternatives to antibiotics for many farmers seeking to prevent crop failure. In this review, we critically examine the key issues related to AMR in shrimp aquaculture and explore emerging treatment strategies. Our analysis encompasses a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the impact of AMR on shrimp farming in Malaysia, as well as alternative mitigation strategies aimed at fostering more sustainable and resilient aquaculture practices.

Disinfection By‐Products in Aquaculture: Sources, Impacts, Removal and Future Research - Ze Zhu; Amit Gross; Paul B. Brown; Guozhi Luo (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Aquaculture disinfection processes are critical for biosecurity, especially with the rapid development of intensive aquaculture, yet they also yield disinfection by‐products (DBPs) with significant and underexplored impacts on aquatic organisms and humans. This review provides the first comprehensive evaluation of DBPs in aquaculture, focusing on their sources, environmental and health impacts, removal strategies, and future research directions. It provides a deep analysis of DBP sources, including disinfectants, organic precursors, additives like antibiotics and hormones, and their transformation pathways in aquaculture environments. The review further assesses the ecological and physiological effects of DBPs on aquatic species, along with the human health risks posed by DBP bioaccumulation. Current DBP removal strategies are evaluated, highlighting technological gaps and advocating for advanced, aquaculture‐specific solutions, such as enhanced filtration, biofiltration, and low‐DBP disinfection methods. Despite evidence of their harmful effects on fish health, ecosystem stability, and potential human exposure, DBPs in aquaculture lack adequate risk assessments and regulatory frameworks. This review underscores the urgent need for robust monitoring systems, targeted toxicity research, and a cohesive regulatory structure to manage DBPs, thereby advancing sustainable aquaculture practices that safeguard environmental and public health.

Comment on “Salmon Lice Biology, Environmental Factors, and Smolt Behaviour With Implications for the Norwegian Salmon Farming Management System: A Critical Review” - Leif Christian Stige; Knut W. Vollset; Ola Diserud; Ørjan Karlsen; Øyvind Knutsen; Frank Nilsen; Rachel A. Paterson; Lars Qviller; Jofrid Skarðhamar (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Aquaculture Species - Noah Esmaeili; Christopher J. Martyniuk; Sunil Kadri; Hongyu Ma (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Fundamental metabolic functions depend upon the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), as this organelle plays a central role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Different physiological and pathological conditions can result in the accumulation of misfolded/unfolded proteins, which this accumulation causes ER stress. These pathological conditions can lead to disease and are concerning for species used for aquaculture. In this comprehensive article, we review studies in cultured species that demonstrate the presence of ER stress to understand conditions and events that may underlie this toxicological outcome. Literature indicates that ER stress can be induced by exposure to pollution, environmental factors (salinity, ammonia, nitrate, hypoxia, and temperature), nutritional changes (quality and quantity of protein, lipid, carbohydrate, vitamins, and minerals), and pathogens. ER stress in aquatic species has been demonstrated through tissue histology and microscopy, gene expression analysis, and other omics approaches. In terms of cell signaling for ER stress, the most common gene indicators identified in aquaculture species include grp78 , ire1 , perk , chop , erol, atf4 , atf6 , xbp1 , and eif2 . The ER stress should be minimized in order to divert more energy for individual growth and achieve sustainable and profitable aquaculture. Here, we provide an overview of ER stress in aquatic species and suggest future directions for research.

Fish Predation in Bivalve Aquaculture: Impacts and Potential Mitigation Strategies - Rebecca L. Stobart; Andrew G. Jeffs; Bradley M. Skelton (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Fish predation poses a significant challenge to bivalve aquaculture throughout the global range of production. However, the issue remains poorly understood, preventing the advance of effective interventions. Fish predation, especially on mussels in longline culture, can be severe and, in some instances, lead to crop losses of up to 100%, which has resulted in the closure of farming operations in several major European production regions. Although the predation of oysters, clams, and scallops by fish is generally less severe in bottom culture, they are more vulnerable to predation when cultivated in off‐bottom culture systems. The fish species responsible for crop losses on shellfish farms typically vary both spatially and temporally, making it crucial to identify the species responsible and also the stages of bivalve aquaculture production most affected for developing practical and long‐term solutions to the problem. Many approaches used for controlling fish behaviour in other situations (e.g., for limiting fish access into water intake pipes of industrial powerplants) appear to show promise for use in aquaculture environments. Potential mitigation strategies for fish predation fall into four broad categories: physical exclusion, deterrence, removal, and changes to husbandry practices. However, further research is required to determine their effectiveness in aquaculture situations, among different fish species, and their potential effects on non‐target species. This review highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to addressing fish predation in shellfish aquaculture by balancing economic interests with ecological considerations within aquaculture operations.

The Path Forward for China's Bullfrog Industry: Exploring Green Farming Models - Xiaoting Zheng; Jinlong Yang; Annelies M. Declercq; Jiasong Zhang (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The American bullfrog ( Aquarana catesbeiana ), recognized for its aquaculture potential, presents a significant opportunity for sustainable and economically viable production. As the world's leading producer, China plays a pivotal role in the bullfrog industry yet lacks a comprehensive synthesis of its production advancements and challenges. This study addresses this gap by analyzing research and production data from 2020 to 2024, sourced from databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus. A review of 193 articles across nine thematic areas—including biology, nutrition, aquaculture systems, and disease management—underscores the growing use of bullfrogs as model organisms while addressing ecological impacts and disease concerns. In 2023, China's bullfrog industry achieved a production volume exceeding 1 million tons, valued at 100 billion CNY (15.26 billion USD). However, challenges such as inconsistent production standards and wastewater‐induced environmental pollution remain unresolved. Through an evaluation of various farming models, this study identifies the concept of industrial parks utilizing greenhouses with recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) as a highly promising strategy for improving food safety and promoting environmental sustainability. The findings emphasize the need for targeted improvements in farming practices and regulatory frameworks to ensure sustainable growth. As a strategic initiative, we propose establishing industrial parks dedicated to bullfrog farming, aligning economic development with environmental goals, and positioning the industry for long‐term global competitiveness.

Tracing Fish Mortality and Escape Events in Türkiye's Aquaculture (2010–2024): A Newspaper‐Based Review of Trends and Drivers - Habib Bal; Ömerhan Dürrani (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Fish escapes and mortality events from aquaculture facilities pose significant ecological and economic threats by undermining biodiversity and destabilizing market returns. In Türkiye, the rapid expansion of aquaculture has been accompanied by a rise in such incidents, raising concerns regarding species integrity and industry sustainability. To elucidate the spatiotemporal patterns and causal factors of aquaculture incidents in Türkiye, this study systematically analyzed 44 documented events reported between 2010 and 2024. The dataset, compiled from publicly available media sources, comprised 26 mortality events and 18 fish escapes, each classified by species, geographical region, aquaculture system, and reported cause. All incidents involved rainbow trout, European seabass, or gilthead bream—the three most widely farmed finfish species in Türkiye. The findings revealed that freshwater incidents predominantly affected rainbow trout, whereas marine incidents primarily involved European seabass and gilthead bream, with additional cases concerning rainbow trout. Extreme weather events (e.g., storms and flash floods) accounted for 56.5% of escape incidents, while structural failures and maritime collisions each contributed 17.4%. Temporal trends indicated a twofold increase in incident frequency from 2010–2015 to 2020–2024, reflecting both sectoral growth and heightened climate variability. Offshore operations in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions were particularly vulnerable to storm‐related breaches, while inland facilities in the Eastern Black Sea and Anatolian regions faced elevated flood risks. These findings emphasize the importance of investing in climate‐resilient infrastructure, real‐time monitoring, and species‐specific containment strategies to mitigate escape risks and support the continued sustainable development of aquaculture in Türkiye.

Non‐Native Species in Aquaculture: Burgeoning Production and Environmental Sustainability Risks - Francisco J. Oficialdegui; Ismael Soto; Paride Balzani; Ross N. Cuthbert; Phillip J. Haubrock; Melina Kourantidou; Eléna Manfrini; Ali Serhan Tarkan; Irmak Kurtul; Rafael L. Macêdo; Camille L. Musseau; Koushik Roy; et al. (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Rising global food demands and technological advancements have led to unprecedented growth in the aquaculture industry. This rapid expansion has facilitated the translocation of species beyond their native ranges. While farming non‐native species boosts global food supply, it also poses environmental and socio‐economic risks when escapees establish in non‐native ecosystems. Using FAO data, we quantified and analysed global non‐native aquaculture production, economic value, and monetary costs over space and time. Since 1950, one‐third of the 560 species used in aquaculture ( n = 160) have been farmed outside of their native ranges, totaling 571.6 million tonnes valued at USD 1.2 trillion. Both native and non‐native production increased over time, with non‐native species showing greater interannual variability. Fishes largely dominated total aquaculture production with 940 million tonnes, of which 182 million tonnes were non‐native production (19%). Non‐native algae and crustacean production exceeded that of native species, accounting for 67% and 55% of total production, respectively. Notably, non‐native crustacean production has grown enormously in recent years, with a rate of change of over 11,000% since 2000, compared to the previous two decades. According to the InvaCost database, 27 non‐native species have been associated with reported monetary costs due to their impacts as invasive species. Among them, nine major aquaculture species documented at least USD 6.4 billion in global total costs. To address the rising threats of biological invasions triggered by aquaculture escapees, enhanced biosecurity, stakeholder awareness, and promotion of sustainable use of native resource alternatives are needed.

Naked Clams: A Comprehensive Analysis of Their Global Potential for Commercial Aquaculture - Jia Rong Poon; J. Reuben Shipway; David F. Willer (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
‘Blue foods’ from aquaculture provide an invaluable source of nutrition but can be resource‐intensive and relatively unsustainable to produce. Naked clam aquaculture, the farming of wood‐boring bivalves of the family Teredinidae, offers a means to rapidly and sustainably convert wood into a low‐environmental impact and nutrient‐dense protein. Naked clam aquaculture is unique due to the ease with which culture can be performed with minimal infrastructure, making it an ideal candidate to alleviate protein scarcity even on small‐scale family farms. Here we perform the first comprehensive global analysis of naked clam sizes and growth rates to identify optimal species for yield and suitable locations for aquaculture. We find that naked clam species grow at three times the rate of commercially farmed blue mussels ( Mytilus edulis ) and reach much greater final sizes (including species that exceed 1.5 m in length), despite not being optimised for aquaculture. We also consolidate reports on the confirmed and suspected nutritional attributes of naked clams, including their high vitamin B 12 levels and other health claims, and identify direction for further quantitative analysis and application to the food sector. To support the development of naked clam aquaculture globally, we outline a strategic roadmap addressing key research and development priorities, including species selection, growth optimisation, and disease prevention. With their rapid growth, high yields, and potential for scalability, naked clams represent a transformative opportunity to expand aquaculture that is both profitable and sustainable, while addressing critical challenges in global food security and human health.

Virus Infection Models: Zebrafish as an Infection Model to Study Immune Landscape During Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus (VHSV) Infection - K. A. S. N. Shanaka; K. P. Madushani; Myoung‐Jin Kim; Sumi Jung; Jehee Lee (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Throughout life, all organisms are subject to viral infections. Smaller sizes and mechanisms that rapidly evolve into new host environments enable viruses to act as major prolific pathogens. Due to the dynamic and complex nature of these interactions between multiple cell types, proteins, and microenvironmental factors, the use of in vivo models may be beneficial for understanding the overall immune landscape rather than being confined to a singular aspect of disease progression. A good example is the difficulty in applying the results observed in in vitro assays to whole animals, revealing a notable discrepancy between studies. In this review, we discuss the feasibility of conducting viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) infection experiments in zebrafish as a laboratory model and different practical approaches to study infection, gene expression patterns, and immune cell dynamics to emphasize the direction of future zebrafish research. Current VHSV outbreaks are primarily managed using vaccines and antiviral drugs; however, their precise mechanisms in fish remain poorly understood. In this review, we address this critical knowledge gap by outlining methods and techniques to study VHSV infection using zebrafish as a model. We discuss how these findings can be applied to other aquaculture species. Additionally, we propose future research directions, particularly at the immune cell level, to deepen our understanding of immune responses during vaccination and antiviral drug treatments to guide the development of more targeted approaches to mitigate pathogen infections.

Response to Stige LC , Vollset KW , Diserud O, et al. ‘Comment on Van Nes, Imsland and Jones “Salmon Lice Biology, Environmental Factors, and Smolt Behaviour With Implications for the Norwegian Salmon Farming Management System: A Critical Review”’ - Solveig van Nes; Albert Kjartan Dagbjartarson Imsland; Simon R. M. Jones (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)

The Current State of Knowledge of the Economic Impact of Diseases in Global Aquaculture - Miho Maezono; Rasmus Nielsen; Kurt Buchmann; Max Nielsen (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Aquaculture has been rapidly growing over the past few decades and has become an important contributor to global food security. As production increases, the intensification of production increases the risk of disease outbreaks. Infections caused by viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens represent a major threat to farm economy and growth. To minimize this threat, knowledge of the costs, benefits of prevention, and treatment of diseases is important. Despite the significant costs related to diseases, which are estimated to be 6 billion USD annually, only a limited number of studies have analyzed their economic impacts. A lack of a consistent framework in the literature for identifying the costs of diseases and the gains obtained from avoiding them also presents challenges for the sector in terms of providing a proper response. This paper provides an overview of 29 peer‐reviewed articles that estimate economic losses due to diseases and/or quantify the economic gains of reducing them through management. The PRISMA methodology was used for article selections. This overview provides information to farmers and policy‐makers on the magnitude of the potential costs and benefits of controlling diseases. The studies are diverse, especially with respect to diseases, economic impacts at different levels, and units of measurement. We have therefore classified them using a consistent framework. This review highlights the need for health management to mitigate disease costs and reduce risks so that aquaculture can both continue to be a growing food source and sustain the livelihood of farmers.

A Global Review of the Zoonotic Potential and Disease Risks of Amphibian Parasites in Bullfrog Aquaculture - Meiqi Weng; Xinhua Liu; Chenxi Zhang; Rui Shu; Andrew Wang; Haotian Zhang; Xingqiang Wang; Huirong Yang; Jinyong Zhang (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Amphibians are a diverse group of tetrapod vertebrates comprising three orders: Anura, Caudata, and Gymnophiona, which play important roles in worldwide ecosystems. Over the past 40 years, amphibian populations have sharply declined and some of them are even endangered. Specifically, it is estimated that 35 species have gone extinct, while 653 species are considered critically endangered, and 55 species are data deficient. Infectious diseases are a significant contributor to amphibian declines, with parasites being a key driving factor. A comprehensive understanding of amphibian parasites and their pathogenicity is essential for elucidating their detrimental effects on wild amphibian populations and potential risk for cultured frogs. This review summarizes the reported amphibian parasites globally, focusing on the notable pathogens that threaten the health of these populations. More than 1600 species across 19 taxa have been recorded, including 16 amoebae species, 147 apicomplexans, 86 ciliates, 52 euglena, 17 mesomycetozoans, 30 metamonads, 92 Opalinata, 11 perkinsus, 9 microsporidia, 31 myxozoans, 105 acanthocephalans, 91 cestodes, 310 trematodes, 11 monopisthocotyla, 125 polyopisthocotyla, 427 nematodes, 19 pentastomids, 11 branchiura, and 10 copepods. Their pathology and potential disease risks in bullfrog aquaculture were fully documented. Finally, their possible zoonotic risk and the potential for wild amphibian population declines are discussed. Conclusively, the consumption custom, cooking culture, increasing awareness of unscientific medical usage of frog meat and skin, and application of zoonotic parasites' transmission biology‐based healthy aquaculture models and techniques determine the extremely low zoonotic risk of edible cultured bullfrogs.

Shell Colour Diversity in Marine Molluscs: From Current Knowledge to Future Aquaculture Applications - Biyang Hu; Hong Yu; Chengxun Xu; Lingfeng Kong; Shikai Liu; Qi Li (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Mollusc shell colour represents an important economic trait contributing to product marketability in aquaculture. Marine molluscs with diverse shell colours and patterns are valuable models for animal colouration mechanisms study. Recent progress in marine mollusc shell colour research has been propelled by investigations of shell‐colour variants, advancements in high‐throughput sequencing technologies, and research into metabolic regulatory mechanisms for pigment biosynthesis. This review synthesizes current advancements in genetic architecture, gene regulatory networks and pigment metabolic processes governing shell colour variation in marine molluscs. In this review, insights gained from genetic studies uncover diverse inheritance patterns, key loci and present shell‐colour‐related transcriptomic datasets along with integrative multi‐omics studies. Moreover, distribution, metabolic networks and functional gene linkages of major pigments (melanin, carotenoids, and porphyrins) are characterized, while ommochromes are also discussed. Furthermore, environmental, dietary and structural factors influencing shell colour are listed. By synthesizing current findings, this review offers a detailed overview of the common factors influencing shell colour across marine mollusc species and probes the potential implications of shell colour studies for aquaculture. Future research directions emphasize pigment characterization, pigment transport mechanism studies and integrative multi‐omics approaches to bridge genetic and chemical understandings. In summary, this review outlines the current progress on marine mollusc shell colouration, provides referable research directions on shell‐colour‐related molluscs, and enhances understanding of animal colouration mechanisms.

Comparing Methionine Synthetic Sources: Supplementation of Aquafeeds, Bioefficacy, and Effects on Finfish Oxidative Status - Inês Guerreiro; Tahir Mahmood; Yves Mercier; Waldo G. Nuez‐Ortin; Aires Oliva‐Teles (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The shift from fishmeal‐based diets to diets including alternative ingredients to improve the sustainability of the aquaculture industry is necessary. Still, it entails numerous challenges, including balancing the dietary essential amino acids, as alternative ingredients, such as plant proteins, insect meals, single‐cell proteins, or animal by‐products, are usually deficient in some amino acids, particularly methionine (Met). Besides being required for protein synthesis and maintenance purposes, Met serves as a methyl donor. It plays an important role in the antioxidant system through its downstream metabolites, for example, glutathione and taurine. In practical diets, the requirements of animals are fulfilled from three primary sources: L‐Met (the natural form of Met), DL‐Met, and DL‐hydroxy‐Met (OH‐Met). Dispersed literature data are available on the efficiency of using these dietary Met sources in aquaculture finfish species. This review intends to compare the efficacy of the different dietary Met sources in finfish growth and their potential role in the antioxidant defense system.

Natural Food Web in Farm Scale Models in Fish Aquaculture - Nurhayati Br Tarigan; Marc Verdegem; Julie Ekasari; Karel J. Keesman (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Bacteria and phytoplankton play an essential role in processing organic and inorganic waste nutrients, making the nutrients reutilized by higher trophic levels in an aquatic food web. Understanding the complex interaction between the microbial food web, nutrients, and cultured animals is crucial to achieving optimum production while minimizing the negative impact of aquaculture production on the environment. Mathematical models have been known as a research tool to conceptualize real systems, beneficial as management and decision‐support tools, and addressing predictive, exploratory, or normative questions. This study is a narrative review of 29 models published from 1984 to 2024 focusing on aquaculture production, particularly the dynamics of microorganisms in fish ponds and their influence on nutrient dynamics and fish growth performance. This study is structured to address several questions: What are the different nutrient inputs considered in farm scale models (FSMs)? What microorganisms are often included in FSMs? How to determine food web dynamics? How are the food web dynamics related to nutrient dynamics and fish growth dynamics? The application of food web dynamics in determining carrying capacity and feed formulation is discussed. Finally, this review discusses the importance of stoichiometry, the limitations of current knowledge, and important considerations for developing or selecting models that are suitable for intended users.

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)

Cover Image - Bingyuan Yang; Qinghui Ai; Kangsen Mai (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The cover image is based on the article Unraveling the Disparity of Carbohydrate Utilization in Farmed Fish: Perspectives From Comparative Pancreatic Islet Biology by Bingyuan Yang et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.70022 . image

China's Spotted Sea Bass Aquaculture: Advances and Further Goals - Zhangfan Huang; Longhui Liu; Zhongbao Li (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Over the past two decades, China's spotted sea bass ( Lateolabrax maculatus ) aquaculture has flourished and made significant contributions to the national fishery economy. Characterized by a rapid growth rate and strong adaptability to various environmental conditions, this species also possesses the potential for global promotion in the aquaculture industry. The achievements in China's spotted sea bass aquaculture are inherently tied to progress in multidisciplinary knowledge and technology. To further catalyze the high‐quality development of the industry, a systematic review encompassing diverse research areas is imperative. This review encapsulates the advancements made in China's spotted sea bass aquaculture over the past two decades, and synthesizes decades of research progress encompassing germplasm management, seed production, breeding, nutrition, and common diseases. On this basis, it provides insights into the current challenges confronting the industry and highlights further goals for the industry's development. Such a review is not only of great significance for promoting the further systematic development of China's spotted sea bass aquaculture but also serves as a Chinese model for reference to the global promotion of spotted sea bass aquaculture practices.

Cover Image - Linlin Yang; Weiming Zhong; Tao Tang; Mingwang He; Tongping Zhang; Boyang Zhou; Yulong Yin; Jiajing Guo; Zhipeng Gao (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The cover image is based on the article Phage‐Based Biocontrol Strategies and Application in Aquatic Animal Disease Prevention and Control by Zhipeng Gao et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.70024 . image

Advances in Swedish Seaweed Aquaculture: Enhancing Biomass Production and Quality - Gunilla B. Toth; Matthew Hargrave; Kristoffer Stedt; Sophie Steinhagen; Wouter Visch; Henrik Pavia (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Seaweed aquaculture is rapidly growing globally and offers environmental benefits such as reducing eutrophication and increasing biodiversity. Sweden has a long coast with favorable conditions for seaweed cultivation, but the current industry remains small. Over the past decade, several innovative research projects have explored and developed techniques tailored toward sustainable seaweed aquaculture. This study synthesizes recent advances in Swedish seaweed aquaculture research, highlighting innovations that support biomass yield and quality. We conducted a systematic review of 130 studies from the Thomson Reuters Web of Science, focusing on Swedish seaweed aquaculture research, and ultimately included 21 relevant publications from 1984 to 2025. The main seaweed species cultivated in Sweden are the brown seaweed Saccharina latissima and the green seaweed Ulva fenestrata . Key strategies to enhance biomass productivity, quality, and sustainability include optimizing land‐based juvenile preparation, careful selection of cultivation sites, and strategic timing of sea‐based harvests. Innovative approaches like the utilization of nutrient‐rich process waters from food production offer sustainable methods to boost yield and protein content, aligning seaweed cultivation with circular economy principles. Future development and optimization of cultivation protocols for other protein‐rich seaweed species (e.g., Palmaria palmata ) or species that tolerate lower salinity (e.g., Fucus vesiculosus or U. intestinalis ) will be critical to maximize the potential of Swedish seaweed cultivation, ensuring its effective contribution to food security and environmental conservation. As commercial interest in seaweed continues to grow, findings summarized here provide a robust foundation for the expansion of seaweed aquaculture in Europe and beyond.

Managing Aquaculture Noise: Impacts on Fish Hearing, Welfare, and Mitigation Strategies - Shanshan Duan; Raquel O. Vasconcelos; Lele Wu; Xin Li; Wen Sun; Xian Li (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
As intensive aquaculture continues to develop, substantial investments have been made in equipment to sustain high‐density farming. However, this has resulted in elevated noise levels within these aquaculture environments, particularly below 2000 Hz, matching the hearing range of most cultured fish species. Fish under noise conditions may experience hearing loss and physiological stress, which can negatively affect their growth, foraging efficiency, reproductive success, and increase their susceptibility to diseases. These adverse effects compromise the welfare of cultured fish, potentially decreasing production quality and increasing mortality rates. Despite these notable effects, the understanding and management of noise conditions in aquaculture systems lag behind other environmental parameters in terms of recognition and control. In this review, we cover the fundamentals of fish auditory systems, the hearing range of key cultured fish species, and the most common noise sources and levels prevalent in current intensive aquaculture systems. Additionally, we examine recent discoveries on the effects of anthropogenic noise on fish hearing, physiological responses, and behavior. Finally, we provide strategies for noise monitoring and management in the aquaculture industry, while also highlighting open questions for future research. Our goal is to assist researchers and practitioners in comprehending underwater noise and its effects on cultured fish species, providing a valuable resource for promoting the healthy and sustainable development of intensive aquaculture.

Megalocytivirus: A Review of Epidemiology, Pathogenicity, Immune Evasion, and Prevention Strategies - Changjun Guo; Jian He; Xiaopeng Xu; Shaoping Weng; Jianguo He (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Megalocytivirus, a large double‐stranded DNA virus belonging to the Iridoviridae family, has infected over 100 species of fish, leading to significant economic losses in the aquaculture, food, and ornamental fish industries. These viruses exhibit icosahedral symmetry and have diameters ranging from 120 to 200 nm. Two distinct viral species of genus Megalocytivirus have been identified: Megalocytivirus pagrus 1 and Megalocytivirus lates 1 . Megalocytivirus pagrus 1 encompasses three distinct genotypes: infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus, red seabream iridovirus, and turbot reddish body iridovirus, whereas Megalocytivirus lates 1 comprises a single genotype, known as scale drop disease virus. Infection with Megalocytivirus pagrus 1 is a notifiable disease to the World Organisation for Animal Health. Over the past two decades, significant progress has been made in various aspects of megalocytivirus biology, including the understanding of its molecular genetics, transmission modes, host ranges, pathogenic mechanisms, diagnostic methodologies, and vaccines. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of megalocytiviruses, focusing on its epidemiology, pathogenicity, immune evasion, and prevention strategies for fish infected with megalocytiviruses. We hope that these findings will provide new insights in the development of effective prevention and control strategies for megalocytiviral diseases.

Unraveling the Disparity of Carbohydrate Utilization in Farmed Fish: Perspectives From Comparative Pancreatic Islet Biology - Bingyuan Yang; Qinghui Ai; Kangsen Mai (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The potential benefits of enhancing the capacity for carbohydrate utilization in farmed fish, particularly in species with pronounced carbohydrate intolerance, are significant from a number of perspectives. In recent decades, a multitude of research initiatives have focused on elucidating the factors that influence carbohydrate utilization in farmed fish, as well as the biological limitations that constrain this process. Despite the substantial progress achieved thus far, a dearth of clarity persists regarding the biological limitations associated with carbohydrate tolerance among various farmed species. Evidence suggests that, as with mammals, pancreatic islet tissues in teleosts act as the regulatory valve in glucose assimilation and metabolism. However, the precise regulatory intricacies remain to be fully elucidated and are the subject of ongoing research endeavors in fish species. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of extant research gaps in the domain of fish pancreatic islet endocrinology, with the aim of identifying the biological limitations that potentially impede carbohydrate metabolism. Furthermore, it incorporates recent advancements in research on the pancreatic islet biology associated with physiological functions in glucose homeostasis in the zebrafish model and mammalian animals to provide a more comprehensive overview of the future research directions in farmed fish. In addition, we present prospective avenues for inquiry in fish islet biology and concomitant challenges to achieve a more profound comprehension of the fundamental mechanisms that precipitate carbohydrate intolerance in farmed fish. This review is expected to benefit researchers specializing in the study of glucose metabolism in farmed fish species.

Phage‐Based Biocontrol Strategies and Application in Aquatic Animal Disease Prevention and Control - Linlin Yang; Weiming Zhong; Tao Tang; Mingwang He; Tongping Zhang; Boyang Zhou; Yulong Yin; Jiajing Guo; Zhipeng Gao (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Aquaculture is essential for meeting future demands for food, yet it faces significant losses from infectious bacterial diseases. Aquaculture has recently been critically imperiled by the emergence of multi‐drug‐resistant bacteria, as it relies significantly on the use of antibiotics for prevention and treatment. The emergence of multidrug‐resistant bacteria poses a critical threat to aquaculture, which heavily relies on antibiotics for prevention and treatment. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy has regained attention with the spread of drug‐resistant bacteria. Phages are viruses that specifically infect bacteria and archaea. As a promising therapeutic strategy for aquatic bacterial diseases, phage therapy offers strong specificity, low resistance potential, rapid metabolism, ease of development, and cost‐effectiveness. In this review, we discuss the advantages, opportunities, and challenges of phage therapy, summarizing the status of research and highlighting emerging technologies aimed at enhancing phage therapy in aquaculture. Finally, the review looks to the future, identifying scientific and technological advances necessary to establish phage therapy as a viable and universal alternative to antibiotics in aquaculture.

Group photo (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)

Assessing methods of enhancement for New Zealand blackfoot abalone ( Haliotis iris ) populations affected by mass mortality - Shawn Gerrity; David R. Schiel (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
With the collapse of global populations, New Zealand has one of the last wild abalone fisheries. The blackfoot abalone ( Haliotis iris) supports important customary, commercial and recreational harvests, but environmental stressors and overfishing have prompted restoration and stock enhancement efforts. We used field surveys to quantify effects of the 2018 commercial outplanting of 167,000 hatchery‐raised juvenile abalone following the catastrophic Kaikōura earthquake. We tested alternative enhancement methods by outplanting swimming larvae and rocks with settled post‐larvae. Annual surveys at seven sites found that outplanted juveniles comprised 12% of the sampled population after three years, amid unexpectedly high natural recruitment. Recaptured outplants grew well at c. 25 mm yr −1 but showed poor growth at two densely populated sites. After three years, >50% of recaptured individuals had likely reached sexual maturity. Outplanting 200,000 competent swimming larvae into natural habitats had no effect after three months compared to controls. However, the outplanting of rocks settled with larvae resulted in a significantly greater density of small (≤15 mm) recruits compared to controls, signalling potential for this method as a practical and scalable enhancement strategy. The insights from this research help clarify the benefits and limitations of three stock enhancement methods and inform future efforts.

Optimising abalone settlement and metamorphosis: a red macroalgae candidate as an alternative to existing algal substrates - Gercende Courtois de Viçose; Nuria Marrero Sánchez; María del Pino Viera Toledo; Juan Manuel Afonso López (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Settlement induction potential of two red algae, Sahlingia subintegra and Rhodosorus marinus , and one green macroalgae, Ulvella leptochaete was examined to identify potential alternative algal species to improve reliability and reproducibility of Haliotis tuberculata sp. settlement. CCA was used as a positive control. Settlement rates, post‐larval survival and growth of Haliotis tuberculata sp. were evaluated for different algal species tested. Results showed that Sahlingia subintegra induced significantly higher settlement rates (58.17 ± 12.71%) compared to CCA, Ulvella leptochaete and Rhodosorus marinus . In all treatments, post‐larvae were weekly fed a mix of diatoms ( Amphora sp., and Navicula incerta ). At four weeks post settlement, post‐larval survival rates were significantly higher on CCA and Sahlingia subintegra substrates compared to the other two algal species tested. However, at four and five weeks post settlement there were no significant differences in post‐larval shell length and growth rates between CCA and Sahlingia subintegra substrates. These findings suggest that Sahlingia subintegra could be a promising alternative red macroalgae providing settlement cue for abalone hatchery stages, particularly for Haliotis tuberculata sp. and could contribute to improve abalone breeding techniques through the selection of alternative settlement substrates that could be easily managed in abalone farms environments.

Effects of reproductive condition on haemocyte parameters in the Pacific abalone Haliotis discus hannai during the spawning period - Pantip Sawangwong; Nan Chen; Xuan Luo; Grace Afumwaa Boamah; Jin‐Chywan Gwo; Caihuan Ke; Weiwei You (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
The assessment of morphology and immunology of specimens at different maturity stages is essential for the determination of spawning strategy and reducing the risk of mortality. In this paper, female and male Pacific abalones ( Haliotis discus hannai ) at different statuses (pre‐spawning, spawning and post‐spawning) were collected to estimate the effects of spawning on the immune response. The haemocyte parameters, including total haemocyte counts (THC), haemocyte mortality, and reactive oxygen species production (ROS) were analysed using flow cytometry. THC decreased after spawning, which was lowest 3 days post‐spawning. Haemocyte mortality was higher during spawning, and was highest 3 days post‐spawning. Abalone also reduced their metabolic activity after spawning, reflected by an increase in ROS in both females and males. Moreover, our results show that female abalone reach the spawning period with a higher degree of activities of haemocytes and immune responses than male. The results confirmed that variability in abalone haemocytes during the spawning period might related to individual metabolic conditions.

Colour change of greenlip abalone, Haliotis Laevigata Donovan, fed dried macroalgae meals in concurrent laboratory and on‐farm trials - Mark Purvis; Krishna‐Lee Currie; Amy L. Bates; Matthew S. Bansemer; Jian G. Qin; James O. Harris; David A. J. Stone (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
In Australia, cultured greenlip abalone ( Haliotis laevigata ) are fed formulated diets that lack macroalgae. This has resulted in a pale lip colour in contrast to the vivid green lip colour of wild abalone. We evaluated the effects of supplementing 15% dried macroalgae meal, using either commercially available macroalgae meal (MSM) or harvested Gracilaria cliftonii, on colour change in greenlip abalone . Abalone were fed the respective diets in a three month laboratory trial and an additional four month on‐farm trial. The inclusion of MSM into formulated abalone diet did not change lip, foot, or shell colour, whereas the G. cliftonii meal treatment changed lip and shell colour. The laboratory study was extended for another three months. Greenlip abalone either: (1) continued to be fed their experimental diet; or (2) the abalone were fed a diet with no dried algal meal. The colour changes observed in the first study were retained for one month, after which the colour declined. The addition of 15% G. cliftonii meal to formulated diets can be used to manipulate greenlip abalone lip and shell colour. A minimum of three months is recommended and abalone should be harvested within one month to maintain the desirable colour changes.

The metabolic fate of abalone: transport and recovery of Haliotis iris gills as a case study - Leonie Venter; Andrea C. Alfaro; Jeremie Zander Lindeque; Peet J. Jansen van Rensburg (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Abalone is a gourmet seafood with a high commercial value, particularly when obtained as a live product. During live transportation, abalone encounter stressors causing biochemical modifications to tolerate the changes. Using semi‐targeted metabolomics, this study characterised the left and right gill metabolite profiles of Blackfoot abalone, Haliotis iris , following transportation (48 h) and recovery (48 h). This study reports the association between left and right gill metabolites, to enhance our physiological understanding of the interplay between gills. The left gill metabolites are mainly active following transportation, while both gills partake in the metabolite response following recovery. Transportation necessitated increased metabolites linked to the glycolysis pathway, the Krebs cycle, amino acid, and nucleotide metabolism, for energy production, achieved via aerobic and anaerobic pathways. The recovery phase supported the replenishing of glycogen, triglycerides, and protein stores, albeit metabolic homeostasis was not achieved following two‐days of water immersion recovery. This study showcases the well‐adapted metabolic mechanisms implemented by H. iris in response to transportation stress and show that metabolites are in the process of returning to the same concentrations as measured pre‐transport stress. The findings herein can be applied to improve animal health during transport and subsequent survival, which in‐effect supports profitability.

Abalone recruitment patterns before and after sea urchin barrens formation in northern California: incorporating climate change - Laura Rogers‐Bennett; Shelby K. Kawana; Cynthia A. Catton; Robert Klamt; Richard Dondanville; Athena Maguire; Daniel K. Okamoto (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Understanding the recruitment dynamics of invertebrates in kelp forests is critical to informing climate‐ready restoration. Here we examine abalone and sea urchin recruitment (3–20 mm in size) patterns in northern California across a period of drastic change. Annual surveys were conducted before, during and after the MHW (2014–2016), the loss of a major predatory sea star (2012–2016) and the collapse of a bull kelp forest in 2014. Divers surveyed artificial reef recruitment modules (n = 12) over 20 years in an area that once supported dense bull kelp, Nereocystis leutkeana , forests and the world's largest recreational abalone fishery. From 2016 to 2022, we tracked the decline of red abalone, Haliotis rufescens , recruitment and the rise of purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus , recruitment. Adult densities of purple sea urchins increased as did newly settled sea urchins (

Correction (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)

Re‐assessment of a blackfoot abalone ( Haliotis iris ) population in Peraki Bay, New Zealand, after 45 years - Finn J. Ryder; Keith J. Sainsbury; Christopher D. Hepburn; Daniel W. Pritchard; Gaya Gnanalingam (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Marine species are facing an increasing number of stressors and some species once thought to be resilient to change are now threatened. It is important to understand how species populations have changed through time so that management can be adjusted accordingly, and so that achievable restoration goals can be set. However, many species lack population data at multidecadal or longer time scales. Using historical data from the 1970s, this study investigates how the dynamics of a New Zealand abalone ( Haliotis iris ), or pāua, population at Peraki Bay changed over a 45‐year period. No commercial fishing of the population occurred prior to the initial survey and limited commercial catch has been reported between surveys. Repeat monitoring of the H. iris population at a 45‐year interval indicates that a large change in population size and structure had occurred. Since 1976, there has been an 84% decrease in estimated population size. The remaining population is restricted to where juveniles were found in the original survey. These findings are consistent with conclusions, made from modelling in the 1970s, that the population seen in the 1970s was not stable and that a possible cause was temporal variability in population recruitment.

Haliotis tuberculata coccinea grow‐out performances according to diet and production systems - Nuria Marrero Sánchez; María del Pino Viera Toledo; Gercende Courtois de Viçose (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Haliotis tuberculata coccinea is a candidate of growing interest to diversify aquaculture in the Canary Islands, principally based on fish production, to improve aquaculture development opportunities. The economic viability of commercial abalone farming depends largely on the rearing system employed and the feeding sources employed during the grow‐out culture period. We studied the effects of two land‐based culture systems on the growth performance of abalone and the nutritional quality of their tissues, in a crossed design. Recirculated (RAS) and open flow (FLOW) culture systems were compared. Fresh macro algae (FMA) ( Gracilaria cornea and Ulva rigida ) were compared to manufactured compound feed (CF) and a mixture of both (MIX). Survival rates were high (97–100%) regardless the treatments tested. MIX and FMA diets produced the best results for Shell Growth Rate, Specific growth rates for shell growth (SGRsl) and weight (SGRw) as well as Food Conversion Ratio (FCR). The highest value for feed intake was recorded for the MIX diet. A positive relationship has been observed between the amounts of protein and lipids in diets and the disposition of these in the viscera of animals fed such diets. The rearing system used had no significant effect on growth and nutritional parameters.

Growth of juvenile red abalone ( Haliotis rufescens ) co‐cultivated with two densities of warty sea cucumber ( Apostichopus parvimensis ) - Jeremie Bauer; Rodrigo Beas‐Luna; Ricardo Searcy‐Bernal; Fiorenza Micheli; Leonardo Vázquez‐Vera; Charles Boch; Eugenio Carpizo‐Ituarte; Fabiola Lafarga‐De la Cruz; Gabriela Montaño‐Moctezuma; Julio Lorda (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Co‐culture of abalone and sea cucumber can result in benefits. This study investigated for 131 days the growth of juvenile red abalone ( Haliotis rufescens ) co‐cultured with two densities of warty sea cucumbers ( Apostichopus parvimensis ). The initial mean (± SE) shell length of 1080 red abalone was 26.74 ± 1.04 mm, with a wet weight of 5.64 ± 0.12 g. The average weight of nine sea cucumbers was 175.26 ± 2.22 g. One experimental treatment had low density (LD) of sea cucumbers with a ratio of 1 gram of abalone to 0.25 grams of sea cucumber. The other, high density (HD) with a ratio of 1 gram of abalone to 0.50 grams of sea cucumber and a control treatment without sea cucumbers. There were no differences in abalone growth between treatments and the control; the only differences were among HD and LD. Abalone from the HD treatment had 19.40% higher growth than the control and 20.94% than the LD. Overall, the sea cucumbers in both treatments showed a decrease in body weight, 17.15% in the HD and 6.13% in the LD. We hope our results encourage further studies for developing multitrophic aquaculture in the Northeastern Pacific.

Shellogy: reading abalone shells to empower reef‐scale management - Jeremy D. Prince (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Developing spatially explicit assessment and management techniques that engage stakeholder behaviour has been an enduring priority for fisheries targeting benthic marine invertebrates like abalone. This study describes the basis of ‘Shellogy’; a concept with the potential to empower reef‐scaled management by using shell morphology to qualitatively evaluate abalone populations and their variability. The premise of shellogy is that a range of shell characteristics, previously established as distinguishing between populations with differing life history parameters, are also indicative of relative age and stage of maturation. Using the analysis of existing data, literature synthesis and illustrations, together with simulation of length frequency histograms, this study establishes from first principles that the morphometric ratios of abalone shells, along with superficial internal and external shell characteristics, change predictably with age and maturation. This study explains how recognising the connection between shell shape, and relative age and maturity, enables the appearance of shells in populations and catches, to be used to inform qualitative reef‐scale assessment and facilitate stakeholder engagement with reef‐scale management initiatives.

Abalone research in a changing world - Andrea C. Alfaro; Norman L. C. Ragg; Leonie Venter (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)

Worldwide abalone production: an update - Peter A. Cook (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
This paper presents a review of information presented at the 11th International Abalone Symposium, held in New Zealand in February 2023, where representatives from a range of countries presented data on abalone production in their region. The total quantity of abalone produced on farms worldwide has increased significantly in recent years, whilst abalone fisheries have declined. Production from fisheries was almost 20,000 mt in the 1970s but was only about 5850 mt in 2020/21. Over the same period, farm production has increased from negligible quantities in the 1970s to 243,506 mt in 2020/21. China and South Korea produce the largest quantities of abalone. Illegal exploitation, particularly in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, is still a significant problem. Prices paid for abalone on the world market are variable, and depend on a number of factors. China is both a major producer and consumer of abalone, and although there was a fear that over‐production in China could be a threat to worldwide market prices, this has not been the experience to date.

Combining a novel outplant module with metareplication to further abalone restoration capacity in California - Adam Obaza; Amanda Bird; Dave Witting; Heather Burdick; Benjamin Grime; Melissa Neuman (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Species reintroductions require large resource investments for rearing and placement and are further complicated by the paucity of robust monitoring regimes. Nonetheless, continued population declines in many species necessitate such actions. The white abalone ( Haliotis sorenseni ) in California has experienced steep population declines and a reintroduction programme through outplanting juvenile, captive‐bred abalone is considered necessary for its recovery. A novel module known as the Short‐term Abalone Fixed Enclosure (SAFE) was developed to allow red abalone ( H. rufescens ), a surrogate species that is not endangered and co‐occurs with white abalone, a period of adjustment before dispersing. Outplant events were conducted at multiple sites in California, USA and monitored regularly for shells and live animals in a process known as metareplication, considered essential for robust outplant reporting. Time‐lapse cameras were also placed on SAFEs to document predator visitation. Live animals and shells both increased on‐site throughout the first six months and declined thereafter, with most animals unaccounted for. Empty shells on site were considered a proxy for the mortality rate and the lack of encounters after a short period suggests successful emigration from modules into the reef habitat. Predator visitation was generally low, and no significant differences were found across outplant periods. Results from this study indicate outplant mortality may peak early and predator activity is generally low and unrelated to abalone introduction. This vital step illustrates this outplant method may be an effective tool in restoring abalone to subtidal rocky reefs.

Allocations, quota and abalone fishery management: the Tragedy of the commons revisited - David R. Schiel; Shawn Gerrity; Shane Orchard (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Fisheries management uses a variety of methods to assess stocks, assign quota or allocations, and calculate potential for sustainability. In the New Zealand abalone (pāua) fishery, neither the total stocks nor amount removed in any fishing year are well‐known because a major portion is fished ‘recreationally’, for which there is no requirement for a licence or catch reporting. Actual harvests relative to allocations cannot be established until well after the fishing season, and require data not typically collected. This was demonstrated over a 3‐month fishing season opened after a 5‐year closure along the earthquake‐affected northeastern coast of the South Island. Recreational fishers removed c.74% of nearshore biomass of Haliotis iris populations. This was, in effect, a Tragedy of the Commons, whereby a common resource is exploited by those who harvest first, with scant regard for what remains. The underlying weakness is in the recreational fishing management rules which, in this instance, provide stark lessons in why abalone populations have come under pressure worldwide. We discuss concepts, prior knowledge, inertia in management, and a potential way forward, with the aim of preventing serial depletion of pāua populations and fostering more effective management that ends the Tragedy of the Commons.

Expanding the menu for New Zealand farmed abalone: dietary inclusion of insect meal and grape marc (effects on gastrointestinal microbiome, digestive morphology, and muscle metabolome) - Natalia Bullon; Andrea C. Alfaro; Jinchen Guo; Joanna Copedo; Thao V. Nguyen; Ali Seyfoddin (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Limited supply of sustainable feed ingredients is a significant concern for future aquaculture practices. Alternative ingredients, such as insect meal and grape marc, are suitable for aquaculture nutrition due to their nutritional profile and more sustainable production methods. This study assessed the effect of dietary insect meal and grape marc on gut microbial composition, digestive system morphology, and muscle metabolome of Haliotis iris . Juvenile abalone were fed four encapsulated experimental diets with varying levels of insect meal/grape marc and a commercial feed for 165 days in a commercial farm. The gut health of abalone was evaluated through histopathology, and 16S rRNA amplicon libraries through Illumina MiSeq sequencing. The abalone metabolome was evaluated through gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Results showed that animals had good intestinal condition across all dietary treatments. Microbiome analysis revealed increased relative abundances of bacteria ( Firmicutes and Fusobacterium ) associated with the breakdown of polysaccharides in diets including insect meal and grape marc. Metabolite profile variations indicate that the inclusion of insect meal and grape marc favoured fatty acid metabolism and amino acid catabolism, respectively. This study provides foundation to produce more sustainable feeds including insect meal and grape marc without affecting the gut and overall health of abalone.

The complete mitogenome of Haliotis asinina (Gastropoda, Haliotidae) from Malaysian waters provides further insights into the phylogeny of the abalone - Nur‐Syahirah Mamat; Yuzine Esa; Nur Leena W. S. Wong; Siti‐Azizah Mohd Nor; Nazia Abdul Kadar; Julia D. Sigwart; Aziz Arshad (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Due to its high economic importance, the aquaculture of abalone has developed significantly as a global industry. However, there is still limited studies of abalone in Malaysia. Therefore, the complete mitochondrial genome of the tropical abalone, Haliotis asinina (Linnaeus 1758) sampled in the Malaysian waters is sequenced and analysed for the first time. The mitogenome is 16399 base pairs (bp) in length and contains 13 protein coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. The arrangement and orientation of genes compared with 10 available Haliotis mitogenomes were found to be identical. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted to assess their evolutionary relationships. The phylogenetic tree shows that H. asinina is closely related to H. ovina, H. diversicolor, H. varia, H. rubra and H. tuberculata. The genetic information gleaned from this study will be invaluable for the further studies of H. asinina especially on population genetics and improvement of aquaculture in the face of climate change effects.

Growth and survival of juvenile red abalone ( Haliotis rufescens ) fed invasive macroalgae - Jeremie Bauer; Rodrigo Beas‐Luna; Misael Emeterio‐Cerecero; Juan Vaca‐Rodríguez; Gabriela Montaño‐Moctezuma; Julio Lorda (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Abalone is one of the most important small‐scale fisheries in Mexico and is challenged by multiple stressors. For example, the loss of the native main food, Macrocystis pyrifera, and the subsequent takeover of non‐indigenous algae species represent a major threat to abalone growth and survival. In Baja California, Mexico two introduced macroalgae, Undaria pinnatifida and Sargassum horneri have become common in the past decade with unknown consequences on native herbivores. In this work, we explored the effect of these invasive algae on the growth and survival of juvenile red abalone, Haliotis rufescens. One hundred and ten juvenile red abalone were tagged and fed with invasive algae U. pinnatifida and S. horneri , and a control with M. pyrifera . Then, the shell length, body weight, and survivorship were assessed monthly for 90 days. Results show that abalone fed U. pinnatifida had a total growth in length, weight, and survivorship, similar to those fed native M. pyrifera . In contrast, abalone fed S. horneri had significantly lower overall performance. Marine heatwaves and other climatic impacts are expected to favour the establishment of invasive species. These results may be relevant to inform local fisheries and management efforts in this area under future scenarios.

Assessment of Fruit Waste as Feed Additives in Aquafeed for Growth Performance and Health Benefits of Fishes Under Biofloc Technology - Muhammad Aliyu Sulaiman; Lee Yih Nin; S. M. Nurul Amin; Ravi Fotedar; Fatimah Md Yusoff; Julia Hwei Zhong Moh (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The rising demand for fish and crustacean products has placed significant pressure on traditional aquaculture practices, which are increasingly unsustainable. Utilizing fruit waste as a feed ingredient in biofloc systems presents a promising solution for enhancing the sustainability and cost‐efficiency of fish farming. Studies have demonstrated that the incorporation of fruit waste into aquafeed improves growth performance, feed utilization, and health outcomes in aquatic animals. This practice also addresses waste management issues and reduces dependency on conventional feed ingredients, which are becoming more expensive. However, factors such as the availability sustainability and scalability of fruit waste, remain important considerations. Research has shown that fish and crustacean fed diets supplemented with fruit waste exhibit superior growth, survival rates, and health compared to those on conventional diets. The highest weight gain and specific growth rates were observed in those fishes, with normal liver and intestinal histopathology. Additionally, fruit waste diets significantly enhanced hematological parameters, such as hemoglobin, red blood cells, and white blood cells, leading to improved immune responses and resilience during stress.

Polysaccharide‐Induced Immunoregulation, Signaling Pathways, and Stress Mitigation in Aquaculture Animals: A Review - Md. Akibul Hasan Bakky; Peijun Yi; Ngoc Tuan Tran; Qian Sun; Ming Zhang; Yueling Zhang; Shengkang Li (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Aquaculture, encompassing the cultivation of diverse saltwater and freshwater fish and shellfish species, is rapidly expanding, driven by the pressing need for sustainable food production. However, intensified farming practices often lead to significant economic losses due to fish mortality from infectious diseases and stress‐related conditions. Consequently, enhancing the immune responses of farmed species has become vital for sustainable management. This has encouraged a growing interest in natural and eco‐friendly bioactive compounds as alternatives to synthetic chemicals for disease prevention. Among these, polysaccharides from various natural sources have emerged as promising candidates, administered through dietary inclusion, intraperitoneal injection, or immersion. As prebiotics, these polysaccharides enhance the immunity and overall health of aquaculture species by modulating both innate and adaptive immune responses, including lysozyme activity, phagocytosis, and cytokine production. This review critically examines the latest advances in polysaccharide‐induced immunoregulation, highlighting their influence on key signaling pathways, which play pivotal roles in immune modulation. Additionally, the potential of polysaccharides to mitigate stress caused by environmental factors is discussed, demonstrating their ability to enhance growth performance and disease resistance. The collective findings underscore the value of polysaccharides as sustainable alternatives to antibiotics, aligning with the increasing consumer demand for antibiotic‐free aquaculture products and supporting the advancement of global aquaculture sustainability.

Can the Emerging European Seaweed Industry Contribute to Climate Change Mitigation by Enhancing Carbon Sequestration? - Maxine C. Canvin; Ana R. Borrero‐Santiago; Tom Brook; Mollie Gupta; Jessica Knoop; Georgina Menage; Pippa J. Moore; Nessa E. O'Connor; Aurora M. Ricart; Dan A. Smale (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Blue carbon habitats, which exhibit high rates of natural carbon sequestration, typically refer to salt marshes, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests. Recent studies, however, have argued for the inclusion of seaweed‐dominated habitats, like kelp forests, into blue carbon frameworks. Farmed seaweed may also function as a blue carbon habitat, with large‐scale seaweed aquaculture suggested as a climate change mitigation strategy, but the evidence base remains limited. Here, existing knowledge on the mechanisms influencing carbon uptake, release, transport, and storage from kelp farms was synthesised, and a literature review was conducted to quantify associated rates of carbon sequestration. We identified strong geographical and methodological biases in the literature, with the majority of studies conducted in Asia and focusing on primary production rates as a proxy for carbon sequestration potential. Estimates of carbon release and storage rates were highly variable across locations, species, and approaches, and a scarcity of research on dissolved organic carbon, sedimentary carbon, and net ecosystem productivity was identified. Although the European kelp farming industry is in its infancy, it is predicted to expand to meet increasing demand for seaweed biomass. This is incentivised by perceived associated ecosystem service benefits such as enhanced carbon sequestration. However, multiple factors including environmental concerns, a lack of quantitative evidence, operational challenges, and regulatory complexities hinder industry expansion. Based on both the synthesised empirical evidence and an examination of key barriers and knowledge gaps, we identify future challenges and research priorities needed to assess the role of seaweed farming for climate change mitigation.

Toward Resilient Aquaculture in Africa: Innovative and Sustainable Aquafeeds Through Alternative Protein Sources - Stanley Iheanacho; Stéphanie Céline Hornburg; Carsten Schulz; Frederik Kaiser (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The aquaculture industry is a significant source of food proteins and other essential nutrients, providing the much‐needed requirements for human nutrition. However, identifying sustainable and affordable feed ingredients for a growing aquaculture sector remains a significant challenge for the industry. The African aquaculture sector, in particular, is developing discernibly but faces distinct socioeconomic and infrastructural challenges. Elevated usage of fishmeal is financially challenging and associated with significant socioeconomic and ecological risks. This review examines the potential alternative feed protein sources for the sustainable growth of the African aquaculture sector while addressing associated challenges, including lack of processing technology and investments, availability, economic viability, policy regulations, social conflicts, and anti‐nutritive substances. Alternative proteins have considerable potential for the African aquaculture industry in terms of sustainability and economic viability. By‐products from animals could be the most promising alternative for the near future, as they are cost‐effective, available, and do not compete with humans as a protein source. Insect proteins have the most promising potential alternatives but lack utilization and compete with human consumption. Shortfalls in processing technology, infrastructure, and targeted investments are significant bottlenecks that must be resolved to increase African aquaculture production.

Viral Pathogens in Free‐Living Salmonids: Aquaculture and Ecosystem Implications - David Tapia; Daniel Gomez‐Uchida; Ale Garin‐Fernandez; José M. Yáñez; Yoanna Eissler; Cristian B. Canales‐Aguirre (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Salmonids play vital ecological and economic roles and have been introduced to many regions worldwide. When not held captive in farms, they can be classified as free‐living salmonids, a group that includes native, feral, and naturalized populations, as well as fish that have escaped from aquaculture facilities. Compared to farmed salmonids, knowledge of viral infections affecting free‐living populations remains limited, creating a significant gap in understanding the ecological impacts of interactions between aquaculture and natural ecosystems. To address this knowledge gap, we reviewed global reports and summarized the information on viruses infecting free‐living salmonids. Most viral detections reported in the reviewed studies were found in native wild salmonids, with escaped salmon ranking second in detection frequency. Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ), sockeye salmon ( Oncorhynchus nerka ), and brown trout ( Salmo trutta ) were the most commonly reported host species. The most frequently reported viruses included infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV), piscine orthoreovirus (PRV), infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV), and infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV). Evidence from some studies suggests a bidirectional transmission of viruses between farmed and free‐living salmonids, highlighting the complex interplay between these groups. Beyond their potential role as reservoirs for aquaculture pathogens, free‐living salmonids may also be negatively impacted by viruses from farmed fish, contributing to the decline of native populations. By enhancing our understanding of the prevalence and impacts of viral infections in free‐living salmonids, we can inform future research and management strategies to protect the health of both farmed and wild fish populations.

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)

An In‐Depth Analysis of the Finfish Aquaculture in Türkiye: Current Status, Challenges, and Future Prospects - İlhan Aydın; Rafet Çağrı Öztürk; Orhan Tufan Eroldoğan; Murat Arslan; Yahya Terzi; Sevdan Yılmaz; Gürkan Diken; Önder Yıldırım; Türker Bodur; Nejdet Gültepe; Ömer Alper Erdem; Ece Evliyaoğlu; et al. (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Aquaculture emerges as a crucial solution for addressing the global food shortage of an estimated 10 billion people by 2050. In Türkiye, aquaculture plays a significant role in supporting the economy and ensuring food security. Over the past two decades, finfish production in Türkiye surged from 61,163 to 547,505 t, generating $1.7 billion in export revenue across over 100 countries. This growth has been driven by technological advancements, robust governmental support, and increasing global demand for aquaculture products. However, the sector also faces persistent challenges, including the need to enhance sustainability, mitigate ecological impacts, and manage finite resources. As Europe's leading fish producer, the Turkish aquaculture sector must continue to innovate and expand to meet the demands of a growing population. Despite the expanding research on Turkish finfish aquaculture, there is no comprehensive review that consolidates both scientific progress and sectoral developments. This study fills that void by combining a bibliometric analysis of 1958 scientific publications from 1983 to 2023 with an in‐depth sectoral evaluation, providing a holistic understanding of the Turkish aquaculture sector. The bibliometric analysis highlights key research areas, trends, and knowledge gaps, while the sectoral overview examines production trends, dynamics of the feed industry, technological innovations, and economic factors. It also addresses challenges such as climate change impacts, reliance on imported feed ingredients, and disease issues, discussing potential avenues for sustainable growth through innovation, policy reforms, and technological integration. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, offering insights into the current state and future directions of finfish aquaculture in Türkiye.

The State‐of‐the‐Art of Aquafeed Extrusion: Mechanisms, Challenges and Opportunities - Jordan Pennells; Michael Salini; Artur Rombenso; Cedric Simon; Danyang Ying (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
To sustain the expanding volume of aquaculture production, there is significant demand for an affordable supply of energy and nutrients to aquatic species. High‐quality feed is essential to ensure the productivity, sustainability and economic viability of aquaculture systems. Over the past 30–40 years, extrusion technology has emerged as an efficient method to produce high‐quality feed with enhanced functional attributes, such as digestibility, palatability, buoyancy and water stability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state‐of‐the‐art in aquafeed extrusion, highlighting the mechanisms underpinning extrusion technology, challenges for industrial production and future opportunities in this field. Through bibliometric analysis, we examine the evolution of aquaculture feeding techniques and their impact on feed quality and fish growth performance. Comparisons between pelletised and extruded feeds highlight advancements in extrusion methods, which offer superior nutrient retention and feed conversion efficiency. We elucidate the scientific principles of feed extrusion, including the effects of temperature, moisture and mechanical energy on feed properties. Despite significant progress, key challenges remain for the production of extruded feed, such as ingredient variability, operational complexity, diverse product requirements and waste management. Conversely, we explore opportunities for extrusion technology, emphasising predictive characterisation, extrusion modelling, and AI‐driven quality control. The review concludes with a perspective of the industrial context, discussing the commercial drivers for aquafeed milling, insights from industry stakeholders and future directions for commercial research and development. This review offers researchers, technologists and industry stakeholders a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape, challenges and future prospects for extruded aquafeed production.

The Fertilization of Synbiotic Systems in the Intensive Culture of Penaeus vannamei - Otávio Augusto Lacerda Ferreira Pimentel; Wilson Wasielesky; Luis Otavio Brito; Luke Aaron Roy; Nicholas Romano; Dariano Krummenauer (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Over the years, the intensification of shrimp Penaeus vannamei production has brought challenges such as disease outbreaks and increases in the nutrient loading of effluents. To be more environmentally friendly as production systems intensified, it became necessary to create systems with a high degree of biosecurity and toward efficiency in water and land use. Thus, microbial‐based systems, such as the biofloc, were pioneered to support industry growth and market demand for shrimp. Currently, a derivation of biofloc has emerged and is gaining ground in the shrimp industry, which is the synbiotic system. Synbiotic systems are microbially based and are characterized by fertilizing the culture water with vegetable bran (prebiotics) that were processed by fermentation and/or microbial respiration by probiotic microorganisms. The fertilization strategy creates conditions similar to a natural environment by supporting microbial loop development, controlling water quality, and suppressing harmful, and pathogenic microorganisms. The synbiotic system is still new and without standard fertilization protocols, which has leads to dissimilar results between laboratory research and commercial farms. Therefore, this review is focused on describing the different fertilization procedures used in the synbiotic system for P. vannamei intensive culture, the importance of each fertilizer component, as well as the processing strategies. Furthermore, in this study, we seek to demonstrate perspectives and recommend future research topics to better understand the advantages and disadvantages of this production system.

Anti‐Sea Lice Veterinary Medicinal Products on Salmon Farms: A Review and Analysis of Their Usage Patterns, Environmental Fate and Hazard Potential - Aoife E. Parsons; Rosa H. Escobar‐Lux; Rita Hannisdal; Ann‐Lisbeth Agnalt; Ole B. Samuelsen (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Aquaculture is expanding globally and the environmental implications associated with this growth, including the increasing use of chemicals in aquatic locations, are an emerging concern for environmental legislators. Veterinary medicinal products (VMP) are used as chemotherapeutants to control sea lice infestations on open‐net pen salmon farms and questions have been raised about their potential to cause adverse effects on marine ecosystems. The current study analyses the usage patterns of anti‐sea lice VMPs in major salmonid aquaculture regions and reviews the current knowledge on their mode of action, routes into the environment and environmental fate. We subsequently evaluate their hazard potential by performing a toxicity assessment and deriving up‐to‐date preliminary environmental quality standards (EQS). We demonstrate that the use of anti‐sea lice VMPs varies between the major salmon‐producing countries, with quantities varying over time and depending on the chemical. Norway and Chile use the highest quantity of chemical treatments, consistent with their higher salmon production capacity, and while the reliance on some chemicals has decreased the use of newly authorised chemicals has increased. Our toxicity assessment revealed that there was sufficient reliable acute toxicity data to derive EQS for five of the selected anti‐sea lice VMPs using the probabilistic method of constructing species sensitivities distribution curves. However, insufficient chronic and sediment toxicity data were available for all chemicals and therefore EQS were derived using the traditional deterministic method. The information presented in this review can guide future research and facilitate better environmental risk assessments of chemotherapeutant used on salmon farms.