A Review on the Effects of the Doubled Maternal Genome in Triploids With a Suggested Pathway to Improving Their Performance in Aquaculture by Purging Deleterious Genes - Tom J. Hansen; Alison C. Harvey; Angelico Madaro; Aurélien Delaval; Kevin A. Glover; Monica F. Solberg; Thomas W. K. Fraser; Per Gunnar Fjelldal (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Triploid fish are usually sterile, a trait which reduces unwanted sexual maturation in fish farming and eliminates the risk for negative genetic effects of escapees on wild stocks. The triploid state, normally established through a doubling of the maternal genome, consists of two chromosome sets from the mother and one from the father. The increase in genome size is accompanied by an increase in cell volume and reduction in cell number that are associated with physiological effects which have been described in several studies. The doubled maternal genome is also mirrored in the triploid phenotype whereby meristic characters, growth, and physiology, are commonly biased towards that of the dam. However, chromosome doubling techniques are also known to give strong inbreeding effects. In meiotic gynogenes, this is seen in fitness‐related traits such as reduced survival, especially during early life, an increase in deformities, and lower growth. The same effects on fitness, although to a milder degree, are seen in triploids, which supports the hypothesis that they are also affected by inbreeding. Producing triploids by interploidy alleviate the inbreeding problem as the tetraploids can be crossbred to increase their heterozygosity. However, producing tetraploid broodstocks is both challenging and time and resource demanding. An alternative approach is to establish a triploid founder broodstock through one generation of gynogenesis. The gynogenesis will eliminate the lethal alleles, and by selecting the best performing individuals from the best performing families, one will also partially eliminate recessive deleterious alleles, increasing the fitness of the resulting triploid population.

Potential Natural Plant Polysaccharides for Use as Feed Additives in Aquaculture: Structure–Activity Relationship, Benefits, and Restrictions - Longhui Liu; Zhangfan Huang; Zhongbao Li (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Some potential natural plant polysaccharides (PNPP) exhibit a diverse array of beneficial biological activities and are increasingly utilized as feed additives in environmentally sustainable aquaculture. This review summarizes the extraction and purification methods, as well as the processes involved in obtaining natural plant polysaccharides. Subsequently, we provide an in‐depth discussion on the relationship between the structural characteristics of PNPP and their associated biological activities. Following this, we highlight the advantageous effects of Astragalus polysaccharides, Lycium barbarum polysaccharides, and other PNPP within aquaculture settings. We also briefly elucidate the pathways and mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects based on their biological properties. Finally, we outline the limitations currently faced in applying these PNPP to aquatic farming while proposing future directions for development in this field. This review aims to enhance understanding of potential natural plant polysaccharides and offers a theoretical foundation for forthcoming research and applications within aquaculture.

Biodiversity—The Cornerstone of Sustainable Aquaculture Development: Insights From the Breeding of Approved Fish Varieties for Aquaculture From 1996 to 2024 in China - Zhuning Liu; Chongnv Wang; Baocheng Guo (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Aquaculture, especially fish farming, plays a critical role in sustainable food production worldwide, with human consumption of fish and fish products exceeding that of capture fisheries. While aquatic species constitute an invaluable reserve of biodiversity, the values of biodiversity in aquaculture remain largely unacknowledged. China is not only the most significant consumer but also the most prominent contributor to global aquaculture production. This study delineates the characteristics of 150 fish varieties approved for aquaculture in China between 1996 and 2024, including species diversity, habitat distribution, and trophic level of their germplasm resources, to illustrate why biodiversity matters in our food systems. Our results reveal an increasing trend in the use of native fish species, which inhabit diverse habitats and occupy higher trophic levels, in the cultivation of novel fish varieties for aquaculture. We also found that 81 (54%) of the 150 approved varieties involved multiple germplasm resources with 46 (30.7%) being interspecific. These observations emphasize the reliance of aquaculture breeding on the diversity of germplasm resources, which fundamentally depend on natural biodiversity. Taken together, the breeding practices adopted for the approved fish varieties in China highlight the significance of biodiversity conservation in the sustainable advancement of aquaculture.

Strengthening African Aquaculture - Giovanni M. Turchini; Nie Pin (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)

Revisiting the History of Ornamental Aquaculture in Europe to Understand the Benefits and Drawbacks of Freshwater Fish Imports - Jindřich Novák; Dieter Hohl; Martin Stuchlík; Jaroslav Hofmann; Michael F. Tlusty; André Lincoln Barroso Magalhães; Alberto Maceda‐Veiga; Surya Gentha Akmal; Gen Hua Yue; Pradeep Kumkar; Sean M. Marr; Joseph R. Sara; et al. (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Ornamental aquaculture and fishkeeping are very popular with millions of enthusiasts worldwide. The number of newly imported fish species for ornamental purposes grew slowly from World War I until the 1980s. It then exponentially increased until now with more than 7900 species and a large number of scientifically undescribed morphotypes. Here we present the first comprehensive review of freshwater and brackish fish importations during the boom of ornamental fish keeping at the turn of the Millennium and discuss this with a cultural and socio‐economic lens in the European context. The increase in imports accelerated following the availability of air transport and the end of the Cold War. From the list of traded species, the largest number of species imported for ornamental purposes was found in the following groups: armored loricariid catfish (family Loricariidae), cory catfish (family Callichthyidae, subfamily Callichthyinae), cichlids of African Great Lakes (order Cichliformes), killifish (egg‐laying species of the order Cyprinodontiformes), and characids (order Characiformes). These taxa represent ca. 74% of all fresh and brackish water ornamental fish species. The species of fish with the ability to absorb atmospheric oxygen (e.g., Belontidae, including gouramis and bettas) have dominated the market, but their ratio to the other species has declined during the modern era of ornamental aquaculture (after the end of WWI). By identifying the most popular aquarium species traded through the history of the aquarium trade, our findings aim to guide present‐day management of ornamental aquaculture and better inform invasion risk assessments.

Knowledge Gaps Concerning Bioactive Compounds in Fish Feed - Stanley Iheanacho; Stéphanie Céline Hornburg; Carsten Schulz; Frederik Kaiser (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)

Metabolism, Function, Molecular Mechanism, and Application of Carotenoids in Coloration of Aquatic Animals - Yongguan Liao; Bo Zhang; Deshou Wang; Dongneng Jiang; Chunhua Zhu; Siping Deng; Huapu Chen; Guangli Li; Hongjuan Shi (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Among vertebrates, aquatic animals have a wide variety of body color. Yellow and red coloration, an important economic trait of aquatic animals, plays pivotal roles in ornamental value and consumption. Fish possess the most chromatophore types in vertebrates, and carotenoids primarily contribute to erythrophore and xanthophore pigmentation. Carotenoid metabolism and regulation of chromatophore development have long been a focus of selective breeding programs in fish. In crustaceans, carotenoids have been proven to be involved in enhancing coloration. However, the carotenoid requirements vary among different aquatic animals. The metabolic pathways in vivo and biochemical processes have not been well summarized. Thus, in this review, we introduced various types of carotenoids and their metabolic pathways in different aquatic species and described a similar mechanism of ketocarotenoid biosynthesis in fish and birds. We have focused on carotenoid metabolism processes and several significant genes involved in the coloration of vertebrates, such as scavenger receptors, apolipoproteins, ketolases, and β‐carotene oxygenase, and their applications in aquaculture. In addition, we also summarized the current problems of carotenoid addition in diets and emphasized the importance of aquatic breeding and molecular biotechnology in carotenoid coloration and ornamental fish breeding. Finally, we provided our perspectives on fish carotenoid pigmentation research and the aquatic industry. This review will enhance our understanding of fish carotenoid metabolism as well as provide deeper insights into the molecular mechanism of fish muscle and skin pigmentation. It will benefit the production of feed additives and selective breeding for ornamental aquatic animals.

The Nutritional Aspects of Cannibalism in Crustacean Aquaculture: With Emphasis on Cultured Tropical Spiny Lobsters - Mohamed B. Codabaccus; Tara R. Kelly; Quinn P. Fitzgibbon; Chris G. Carter; Gregory G. Smith (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Cannibalism in high‐value crustacean species, such as mud crab, clawed lobster, and spiny lobster, is a major impediment to commercial aquaculture due to its significant impact on survival and, hence, production. Knowledge of the nutrition acquired from consuming conspecifics may inform whether nutrient limitation is a primary reason for cannibalism, and if so, assist with feed formulation to prevent cannibalism. While feed shortages are usually not a limitation in aquaculture, nutrient limitation due to inefficient feed intake should not be disregarded, especially with formulated feeds. Additionally, unique nutrients may be absent from formulated feeds, the deficit of which may play a role in triggering cannibalism. The reasons for cannibalism in crustacean aquaculture are still unclear and possibly involve several factors, including feed availability, population density, life stages, resource competition, and prey vulnerability. In general, various forms of cannibalism exist that may have multiple drivers, including nutritional (e.g., state of hunger and lack of specific nutrient), behavioral (e.g., mating and aggression), ecological (e.g., population structure) and environmental (e.g., space limitation). In crustaceans, cannibalism occurs generally when animals are vulnerable; this may coincide with moulting events or through the lack of habitat complexity or density restrictions. The simultaneous occurrence of multiple factors influencing cannibalism in crustacean culture constitutes a major challenge for evaluating the relative significance of nutrition to cannibalism. In this review, we examine cannibalism, its drivers, and its relationship to nutrition in numerous terrestrial and aquatic species, with emphasis on crustaceans, particularly the tropical spiny lobster, Panulirus ornatus .

Large‐Scale Environmental Drivers of Kelp Biofouling Based on Literature Data - Victoria Delannoy; María Algueró‐Muñiz; Eleni Christoforou; Yacob Haddou; Annabell Macphee; Keri McEachnie; Kyla Orr; Sofie Spatharis (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Macroalgae are increasingly studied for their critical contributions to coastal ecosystems, their potential to mitigate climate change, and their promise as a sustainable food source. While wild macroalgae host diverse epiphytic and invertebrate epibiont communities that enhance biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, biofouling epibionts on farmed macroalgae can negatively impact growth, physiology, and product quality. Although an increasing number of longitudinal studies are trying to establish the drivers of macroalgae biofouling, localized approaches lack sufficient contrasts in environmental conditions to reveal macroecological patterns in epibiont occurrence. To gain these contrasts, we analyze data on macroalgae and epibiont taxonomy, study location, and environmental conditions that we have compiled from a systematic literature review and from Marine Copernicus and NASA‐OBPG databases of marine data. Our results show that 58.18% of macroalgae epibiont studies focus on the North‐East Atlantic coast, which is particularly useful in understanding the potential for the expansion of seaweed aquaculture in this region. Bryozoan fouling depends on sea surface temperature (SST) and an increased biofouling risk was predicted for latitudes greater than 58° in the NE Atlantic coast and around coastal areas in Scotland with cold freshwater inflows. Hydrozoans and gastropods showed a higher probability of occurring on farmed or planted as opposed to wild kelp, whereas gastropods tended to be absent at salinities lower than 30 psu. Our findings provide a first basis for understanding seaweed biofouling risks in the North‐East Atlantic and can serve for the spatial planning of the positioning of new seaweed farms.

Shot in the Foot: Unintended Consequences of Using Inorganic Fertilizer in Commercial Tropical Eucheumatoid Seaweed Farming - Michael Y. Roleda; Albaris B. Tahiluddin; Iain C. Neish; Alan T. Critchley (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Seaweeds, like all primary producers, require macronutrients (C, N, P) for the synthesis of organic molecules through photosynthesis to support growth and accumulation of storage compounds, including cell wall polysaccharides, for example, agar, carrageenan, and alginates, that have numerous industrial applications. The commercial production of tropical eucheumatoids has been reliant on natural streams of inorganic nutrients. Recently, the prevalent use of inorganic fertilizer in seaweed farming in the southern Philippines was allegedly initiated to boost seaweed health and avert crop failure due to pests and diseases; however, it may also be economically driven to increase biomass production with a shorter crop period that is vital for the livelihood of the marginalized coastal inhabitants. Consequently, the harvest of fast‐growing but immature crops whose tissues are replete with nutrients could compromise the carrageenan yield and rheology, and, more importantly, its organic status. Moreover, the indiscriminate use and disposal of inorganic fertilizer in algoculture pose the potential for ecological disaster.

Correction to “Can the Emerging European Seaweed Industry Contribute to Climate Change Mitigation by Enhancing Carbon Sequestration?” (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)

The Legend Continues: The Critical Evidence Showing the Bivalve Farming Is a Carbon Sink With a Novel Budget Framework - Jianyu He; Zhuoyi Zhu; Xiaojun Yan (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)

Implications of Microalgal–Bacterial Interactions in Modern Aquaculture Practices: A Review of the Current Knowledge - Sardar Ali; Waqas Waqas; Md. Akibul Hasan Bakky; Sahib Zada; Uddin Md Saif; Md Tawheed Hasan; Muhammad Shafiq; Tariq Dildar; Wang Hui (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Microalgae play a crucial role in aquaculture due to their nutritional value and antimicrobial properties, yet harvesting them can be energy intensive. To address this, microalgal–bacterial interactions have emerged as a sustainable approach, enhancing growth rates and wastewater treatment efficiency but also significantly improve nutrient cycling, particularly through the removal of ammonia and phosphorus. These interactions range from mutualism to antagonism, influencing nutrient exchange and ecological niche formation. Despite their potential, the integration of bacterial–microalgal consortia remains limited in aquaculture. This review aims to expand understanding of these interactions, their benefits, and their role in optimizing aquaculture systems. Various aspects of microalgae–bacterial interactions, including mutualistic and commensal relationships, antibiotics production by algae, and the algicidal role of bacteria, are discussed. Factors influencing these interactions, such as nutrient availability, the physical environment, chemical signaling, and microbial community composition, are also explored. The potential effects of microalgae–bacterial interactions on aquaculture, including enhanced revenue, efficiency, and ecological sustainability, are highlighted. Further research is needed to identify bacterial groups' influence on microalgal output and their potential for enhancing productivity in commercial aquaculture systems. Understanding and leveraging these microbial interactions could significantly improve aquaculture practices.

Shrimp Intestinal Microbiota Homeostasis: Dynamic Interplay Between the Microbiota and Host Immunity - Kai‐Min Zhou; Ping‐Ping Liu; Jia‐Yun Yao; Gerardo R. Vasta; Jin‐Xing Wang; Xian‐Wei Wang (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The shrimp intestine harbors a microbiota that has pivotal roles for host's physiology. Imbalance of shrimp intestinal microbiota has been shown closely related to the occurrence of diseases. The morphological and biological features of the shrimp intestine are considered suboptimal for stable microbial colonization, making the intestinal microbiota composition highly susceptible to the impact of environmental changes or stressors, and particularly unstable. Therefore, the relative unsteadiness of the microbiota composition represents a continuous threat to host survival. Shrimp intestinal microbiota homeostasis is achieved through a dynamic interplay between the microbiota and the host's innate immunity. The shrimp intestine possesses effective innate immune mechanisms that can suppress the uncontrolled proliferation of microbiota components, and simultaneously protect the microbiota from elimination. The mechanism(s) by which the microbial components and the intestinal innate immunity interact with each other to achieve homeostasis represents an interesting interplay between host and microbiota. This review summarizes the current knowledge about intestinal microbiota colonization in shrimp, as well as the intricate mechanisms employed by the intestinal immune system to regulate this microbiota. Moreover, the potential intervention strategies to promote and protect shrimp intestinal homeostasis by modulating the microbiota are also discussed. Thus, this review seeks to comprehensively analyze the current information and contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between the shrimp intestinal microbiota and innate immunity in maintaining shrimp intestinal homeostasis and overall health. This enhanced understanding may potentially open new avenues for aquaculture management and disease mitigation strategies, ultimately benefiting the shrimp farming industry.

Twenty Years of Commercial Farming of Kappaphycus alvarezii in India: A Look Back at Learnings and the Way Forward - Vaibhav A. Mantri (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Kappaphycus alvarezii continues to be driving force in marine agronomy. Along with Euchema spp. it contributes to 11.6 million tonnes feedstock globally. Among 30 countries where it was introduced, only, Tanzania and India could reach commercial‐scale farming. In India the feedstock production reached 8088 t (dry) worth ~USD 2,390,184 (between 2005 and 2020). The commercial farming has provided diversification of livelihood to the fishermen involved in un‐organized sector of natural seaweed gathering. At the cusp of its strategic expansion this review based on 20 years of research and developmental efforts provided a broad‐brushstroke picture of information on: (i) new innovations; novel, high‐value products; (ii) use as a biological source of commercially relevant genes to combat abiotic stress tolerance in crops; (iii) evolution in farming techniques and models; (iv) conscious efforts in skill‐set development; (v) policy guidelines to support industry; (vi) environmental concerns, disease outbreak, and biosecurity framework; (vii) sustainable seed‐supply management; (viii) cost–benefit analysis through perspective of profitability assessment parameters; and (ix) role of private sector in taking this initiative ahead. K. alvarezii farming in India seems to be successful example of achieving “triple bottom line” objectives of balanced economic, social and environmental out‐come as proposed by United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and World Bank (WB).

A Comprehensive Review of Diatom‐Bacterial Interactions Inferred From Bibliometric Analysis - Caiqin Hu; Zhen Shi; Tiehuan Hu; Yuan Gao; Qianfu Liu; Chao Wang (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Diatoms and bacteria have coexisted and coevolved for more than 200 million years, and their interactions have driven the processes of underlying major biogeochemical cycles. These complex and heterogeneous interactions span the range from synergistic to competitive and antagonistic, and they are regulated by diverse metabolites and biochemical mediators. Despite the significance of diatom–bacterial interactions in shaping aquatic food webs, driving nutrient cycles, and controlling algal blooms, the field currently lacks a comprehensive review of the current literature, research contents, and future research trends and perspectives. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of diatom–bacterial interactions by summarizing the information from current publications, including temporal trends, the most productive authors, journals, and countries, and illustrating current research contents, including regions, methods, foci, the interaction mechanisms and the environmental regulation. In addition, we discuss future research trends and perspectives. Our results indicate that most of the current research has been conducted in the ocean, using the methods of co‐culture experiments or field investigation combined with high‐throughput sequencing. The current research foci include the mechanisms of multiple cell‐to‐cell synergistic, competitive, antagonistic interactions, and multiple interactions regulated by biochemical molecules, and potential biotechnological applications. Furthermore, the future trends in this research field concern the underlying mechanisms of variation in diatom–bacterial interactions influenced by environmental changes and the possible applications. This review provides a comprehensive perspective on diatom‐bacterial relationships as well as a guide to future research.

Ecological Restoration of Inland Aquaculture in Land‐Locked Europe: The Role of Semi‐Intensive Fishponds and Multitrophic Technologies in Transforming Food Systems - Koushik Roy; Marc C. J. Verdegem; Jan Mraz (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Pond aquaculture and water protection in Europe suffer from conflicts, whereas multitrophic freshwater aquaculture technologies face hardships with over‐regulations in Europe. As such, inland freshwater aquaculture in land‐locked Europe has not given its contribution or echoed its importance in regional food system dialogues. The emphasis on marine cages and RAS‐based aquaculture is enormous. Almost if they are the only viable way to carry the future European aquaculture forward. In this scoping review, we have hypothesized that semi‐intensive fishponds and freshwater multitrophic aquaculture could be an overlooked component in the European food system. The analysis we present reviewed: (1) current positioning of inland freshwater aquaculture in European food system; (2) European fishponds' current positioning within food system and inland freshwater aquaculture; (3) way forward for semi‐intensive European fishponds through ecological pond nutrition research; (4) ecological technologies for realizing ‘net zero’ aquatic foods in land‐locked Europe; (5) risks and potential for making the transition. We conclude ample circular technologies and nature‐based solutions in pond and multitrophic freshwater aquaculture in land‐locked Europe. They have the potential to transform food systems locally with low‐impact aquatic food. European inland freshwater aquaculture may be a sleeping giant among EU's planetary healthy diet ambitions. As an example, 0.25 million hectares available Central Eastern European fishponds have the potential to ecologically substitute 1 billion marine fish oil capsules (EPA + DHA in 1 kt marine fish oil) and 11.9 kt of casein (leucine from 0.45 billion litres milk) equivalents, fulfilling singlehandedly annual leucine or EPA + DHA requirements of 1.2–3 million adults.

The Importance of Addressing Evolutionary Mismatches in the Production Management of Aquaculture Species - Thomas S. Mock; Davis S. Francis; Antoine M. Dujon (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
To achieve production goals, aquaculture often modifies the environments of farmed species, creating conditions that differ significantly from their natural habitats. These alterations can result in evolutionary mismatches, where traits that evolved to optimise survival and reproduction in the wild become maladaptive in farming settings. This can lead to a conflict between traits desired for farming and those favoured by natural selection. In this opinion piece, we examine cases where such evolutionary mismatches arise, their impact on production, and strategies to mitigate these effects. We provide examples of species and farming practices that have been optimised through selective breeding and evolutionary studies and highlight practical solutions that can be applied to the many aquaculture species for which farming practices remain suboptimal. Additionally, we suggest directions for future research to deepen our understanding of evolutionary mismatches in aquaculture.

Cell Death in Crustacean Immune Defense - Zeyan Chen; Muhammad Tayyab; Defu Yao; Jude Juventus Aweya; Zhihong Zheng; Xianliang Zhao; Zhongyang Lin; Yueling Zhang (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Cell death mechanisms in crustaceans are a complex interplay of processes essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and immune defense. Modes of cell death like apoptosis, necroptosis, and necrosis are well‐documented in crustaceans, serving crucial roles in removing damaged or infected cells. Unlike in other organisms, crustaceans likely lack pyroptosis, a type of programmed cell death associated with innate immunity and inflammation, because they do not possess the gasdermin genes essential for this process. Recently, NETosis and ferroptosis have emerged as significant mechanisms in pathogen defense. NETosis, involving the release of DNA fibers and antimicrobial proteins, helps trap and neutralize pathogens, while ferroptosis, an iron‐dependent form of cell death, contributes to lipid peroxidation and immune responses. Cuproptosis, although not yet studied in the context of crustacean immunity, shows potential crosstalk with ferroptosis, particularly in the regulation of metal ion homeostasis, oxidative stress, and cellular metabolism. Understanding these mechanisms offers promising applications in aquaculture, such as developing targeted immune modulators and enhancing disease resistance in economically important crustacean species.

Recent Research Advances on the Hippo‐Yki Pathway of Crustaceans: Current Knowledge and Potential Applications in Crustacean Aquaculture - Linwei Yang; Yushi Gan; Hengwei Deng; Jianguo He; Xiaopeng Xu (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The Hippo‐YAP/Yki pathway is critical for the regulation of physiological responses in various biological processes from invertebrates to mammals. Crustaceans, in particular shrimp and crabs, are important food sources worldwide. In response to the needs of crustacean aquaculture and disease control, the regulatory mechanisms of crustacean life activities, especially immunity, have been increasingly emphasized. Emerging clues suggest that Hippo‐Yki pathway is important for immunity and regeneration in crustaceans. In this review, the structure, activation pattern, response mechanism to pathogen invasion, and crosstalk with other signaling cascades of the Hippo‐Yki pathway in aquaculture crustaceans are summarized and its similarities and differences with those in mammals and Drosophila are investigated. Based on this, the roles of the Hippo‐Yki pathway in crustacean immune response and limb regeneration are further discussed, and the application potential of strategies pharmacologically or biologically targeting this pathway for crustacean disease control and breeding is theoretically explored.

Environmental and Biological Factors of Relevance to Shellfish Production in Northern Ireland: Insights From 20 Years of Regional Monitoring Data - Diana Senovilla‐Herrero; Yuwei Chen; Chaoran Liu; Subbulakshmi Suresh; Heather Moore; April McKinney; Sarah Helyar; Lenka Mbadugha; Katrina Campbell (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
A historical analysis was conducted to evaluate monitoring data in the coastal and estuarine waters of Northern Ireland over the 20‐year period between 2001 and 2022 to identify current and emerging concerns and gaps in analysis relative to the sustainability of the aquaculture industry. The effects of biological factors such as the presence of harmful algal bloom phytoplankton and marine biotoxins, and environmental factors such as chemical contamination and the water quality on shellfish production were analysed. The influence of key meteorological factors, such as sea temperature, rainfall and sunshine hours, on the levels of environmental factors was also examined. The evaluation included a socio–economic perspective, exploring the impact of the shellfish industry on the Northern Irish economy and the surrounding communities. The article examined the challenges faced by shellfish producers in terms of regulatory compliance and market access, and provides suggestions for comprehensive environmental monitoring strategies, in particular improved sampling plans to be employed to address these challenges. Overall, the compilation analysis discovered that while the shellfish industry in Northern Ireland faces a number of challenges, it remains a valuable source of local employment and income, and has the potential for growth in the coming years. The findings presented will be of interest to researchers and policymakers in the aquaculture industry, and presents a valuable historical contribution on the evaluation of chemical and microbiological contaminants affecting shellfish production that may be useful for other production areas.

Fish Genomics and Its Application in Disease‐Resistance Breeding - Yu Huang; Zeyu Li; Mengcheng Li; Xinhui Zhang; Qiong Shi; Zhen Xu (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Global aquaculture production has been rising for several decades, with up to 76% of the total production from fish. However, the problem of fish diseases is becoming more and more prominent in today's context of pursuing sustainable aquaculture. Since the first fish genome assembly reported in 2002, genomic approaches have been successfully implemented in fish breeding to enhance disease resistance and reduce economic losses caused by diverse fish diseases. Here, we present a review of the current progress in fish genomics and its application in disease‐resistance breeding. First, assembly data for all publicly available fish genomes were curated and statistical analysis of these data were performed. Subsequently, genomics‐assisted breeding approaches (including quantitative trait loci mapping, genome‐wide association study, marker‐assisted selection, genomic selection, gene transfer, and genome editing) that have been applied in practical disease–resistance breeding programs are outlined. In addition, candidate genetic markers that could possibly be utilized in breeding were summarized. Finally, remaining challenges and further directions were discussed. In summary, this review provides insight into fish genomics and genomics‐assisted breeding of disease‐resistant fish varieties.

Lipid Droplets in Aquatic Animals: Diversity, Biogenesis, and Functional Implications - Si Zhu; Zhimeng Lv; Qinghui Ai; Chenghua Li (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Amid the aquaculture boom, chemical contaminants, diseases, and improper nutrition persist as threats to the sustainability of aquaculture. The accumulation of lipid droplets in different tissues has emerged as a hallmark in aquatic animals exposed to these stressors. While abundant knowledge is available on lipid droplets in mammals, relatively little is known in aquatic animals. Recently, interest in lipid droplets has grown in parallel with the recognition that they are actively engaged in the regulation of stress responses, metabolic modulation, infections, and immune response in different aquatic animals. This review first outlines the diversity of lipid droplets protein in various aquatic animals and discusses the function of lipid droplets in maintaining cellular homeostasis by contacting other organelles. Subsequently, the mechanisms of lipid droplet biogenesis in response to various chemical contaminants are summarized. Additionally, we describe the complex roles of lipid droplets in the host‐pathogen dynamic and the link between excessive lipid droplets accumulation and unwanted metabolic diseases in several aquatic animals. Finally, the potential application of lipid droplets in aquaculture is presented. A better understanding of the dynamics and functions of lipid droplets will facilitate the development of lipid droplets‐based therapeutic strategies, thereby improving the sustainability of aquaculture.

Macrophytes Used as Multifaceted Benefits Including Feeding, Bioremediation, and Symbiosis in Freshwater Aquaculture—A Review - Rathidra Nath Mandal; Pujadebi Bera (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The utility of macrophytes in freshwater aquaculture is diverse. We review the benefits of macrophytes in aquaculture into broadly three useful perspectives: (i) Feeding, (ii) Bioremediation, and (iii) Symbiosis. Macrophytes are used as direct food by herbivores for their potential nutrient values with a maximal protein content of 35% (D/W basis) and as ingredients for fish feed preparation with optimal 50% protein inclusion to reduce feed cost in commercial aquaculture. Macrophytes are used for wastewater treatments to eliminate contaminants, including As, Cu, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb, to 99.9%, and to reduce BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) to improve water quality. Intake of remedied wastewater into aquaculture enhances water productivity through phytoplankton growth. An estimate is that 1.0 L of remedied wastewater, particularly sewage effluent adds an average of 0.05 g N & P and 0.99‐L freshwater into aquaculture to yield an average of 0.309 g fish. Macrophytes are integrated with fish in commercial aqua‐farming. Plants and fish are farmed together in aquaponics. They are used as substrates for some commercial fish species to lay eggs in farming. They are raised with ornamental fish for benefits in aquariums. Nevertheless, extensive studies are required to harness more benefits from macrophytes.

CRISPR /Cas Technology in Disease Prevention and Control of Aquatic Animals - Nan Lin; Jiexin Zhang; Yilei Wang; Ziping Zhang (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The CRISPR/Cas genome editing technology, with its advantages of simplicity, high efficiency, and cost‐effectiveness, has become a key tool for dissecting gene function, knocking out harmful/undesirable genes, and repairing defective genes. It has also shown great potential in the genome editing of aquatic animals such as tilapia, carp, salmon, and sea urchins. Disease prevention and control are core areas of aquatic animal research and the aquaculture industry. Novel technologies based on CRISPR/Cas, such as rapid diagnostic kits for aquatic diseases and species‐specific drugs against parasites, have been developed in the disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of aquatic animals. Based on our work in these fields, this review summarizes the relevant new technologies and latest progress, aiming to provide readers with a quick and comprehensive understanding of the application status and future trends of CRISPR/Cas technology in the prevention and control of aquatic diseases and to provide a reference for related fields.

The Transformative Role of Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Microbiomes in Biofloc Systems for Sustainable Aquaculture: A Comprehensive Review - Ramasamy Ramasubburayan; Santhiyagu Prakash; Grasian Immanuel; Davoodbasha Mubarakali; Govindasamy Rajakumar; Durairaj Thirumurugan; Arunachalam Palavesam (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Global demand for animal protein has increased dramatically due to the exponential development of the human population, which in turn led to intensification of aquaculture. However, the aforementioned fact impose stress on cultivable organisms, resulting in susceptibility to infectious diseases. Alternatively, this situation warranted the search for an environmentally friendly approach to replace the application of various chemical, physical, and biological processes that fail to cope with the required standards. In this context, biofloc technology (BFT) has emerged as a viable technique for aquaculture management with a sustainable and environmentally benign approach that has proven to have no adverse effects. BFT provides a conducive environment for cultivable aquatic species and system sustainability. Also, by maintaining the C:N ratio, the microbiome of BFT offers an appropriate carbon source and recycles waste. As well, the addition of probiotics and prebiotics (polysaccharides) in BFT certainly improves the host's antioxidant status, innate immunity, and disease resistance. Numerous studies on the use of BFT for various aquatic farmed species have been carried out recently, and it has evolved as a promising technique for the growth of sustainable aquaculture. BFT uses less water, increases productivity, provides biosecurity, and improves the health status of numerous aquaculture species. This review aims to compile and validate the scientific data about the benefits of biofloc in ensuring the health, biosecurity, and sustainability of aquaculture in light of the transformative role of probiotics, prebiotics, and microbiomes.

Toward Understanding Mechanistic Regulation of Body Size and Growth Control in Bivalve Mollusks - Ahmed Mokrani; Jian‐an Li; Qi Li; Shikai Liu (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Bivalves possess a pair of valves connected to a stretchable ligament that facilitates the opening and closing of the shell. The growth bioprocess commences when the supplemental materials secreted from the edge are added to the early‐constructed shell. Here, we endeavor to provide a glimpse into physiological responses, mechanistic control, and omics applications toward understanding this complex trait. In the first section, we review studies that have been performed to investigate the effects of food availability, temperature, salinity, contaminants, and climate change in natural ecosystems and under experimental conditions. These conditions affect some internal promotors and alter the concentration of particular neuropeptides and neurotransmitters that induce neuroendocrinal signals crucial for regulating this peculiar process. Besides, we provide a predicted concept for organs' size control and maintaining body size homeostasis via intertwining networks, including the Hippo pathway. On the other hand, we discuss the findings of studies employing genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics approaches to uncover the mechanistic modulation of growth‐related traits in different bivalve species. We recommend further research to decipher organ size control and its intricate relationship with the entire body homeostasis. Future genetic dissection studies are also recommended to identify new key genes with a major effect that profoundly influences this trait, facilitating their potential editing to develop new strains with enhanced growth rates.

Recent Advances and Applications of Passive Acoustic Monitoring in Assessing Shrimp Feeding Behaviour Under Laboratory and Farm Conditions - Silvio Peixoto; Roberta Soares (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The use of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) has recently been integrated with other noninvasive ethological methodologies to enhance the understanding of shrimp feeding behaviour, as their mandibles emit click sounds during food intake. This review aims to compile recent advances and various applications of PAM in assessing shrimp feeding behaviour under controlled laboratory and farm conditions. It includes a description of key concepts, terms and general methodologies in the field of bioacoustics to facilitate understanding of acoustic characterisation, specific methodologies and the main uses of PAM in shrimp research. Among the primary contributions of PAM in laboratory studies are acoustic characterisation of clicks and mandibular structures associated with their emission for different species; variations in acoustic click parameters related to animal size, feed texture and pellet size; and effects on feeding behaviour caused by shrimp size, stocking density and specific characteristics of artificial diets (texture, formulations, additives and pellet sizes). Finally, future perspectives and recommendations for laboratory studies using PAM are provided. The review highlights the contribution of PAM, which, allied with other ethological methodologies, emerges as a novel tool for researching shrimp behaviour and optimising feed management in aquaculture.

Potential Functions of the Gut Microbiome and Modulation Strategies for Improving Aquatic Animal Growth - Zhimin Zhang; Qiushi Yang; Haokun Liu; Junyan Jin; Yunxia Yang; Xiaoming Zhu; Dong Han; Zhigang Zhou; Shouqi Xie (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The increase in the body weight of animals, a pivotal indicator closely tied to production, is important to the aquaculture industry. Despite remarkable variability in gut microbiomes, which are intricately associated with their hosts and affect overall performance, fitness, and physiological outcomes, across individuals and species, the development and practical application of gut microbiota modulation in aquaculture remain underdeveloped. In this review, we systematically examine the advancements with a focus on the gut microbiomes of aquatic animals with different growth rates by literature search, summarizing the existing knowledge regarding the diversity, composition, and significance of the microbiome in individual growth. The comparative analysis reveals substantial alterations in the gut microbiome that correspond to changes in the growth rate of aquatic animals, with a species bias toward more carnivorous fish, and shrimps and sea cucumbers in nonfish species. The present review also discusses comparative gut microbiome research in aquaculture as an emerging field with great potential for advancing our understanding of animal growth, screening candidate probiotics, and facilitating microbiome modulation strategies. Besides, the present gaps in the knowledge of the gut microbiome associated with the growth and production of farmed animals have been highlighted. We propose potential directions to address emerging challenges and opportunities in this field, such as priority effects on gut microbiome establishment, especially in the early stage, and screening of host‐derived probiotics across various aquatic animals. Finally, we provide a conceptual framework for enhancing animal farming practices in aquaculture through intensified gut microbiome research.

The Molecular Mechanism of Embryonic Development in Decapod Crustaceans - Ardavan Farhadi; Qun Zhao; Karsoon Tan (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
In recent decades, the decapod aquaculture industry has grown significantly in many parts of the world. Despite this progress, production levels still fall short of market demands, indicating a need for further efforts to increase the production. Investigations into the molecular mechanisms underlying embryonic development in decapods provide valuable insights into the complex embryonic development processes of this economically and ecologically important animal group. In this review, we explore the molecular mechanisms underlying decapod embryonic development, focusing on key genes, signaling pathways, and microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the embryogenesis. Numerous genes have been identified that regulate various aspects of embryogenesis including egg activation, maternal‐to‐zygotic transition (MZT), mesoderm development, segmentation, nervous system development, sex determination, germline development, and exoskeleton formation. We also discuss the pivotal role of signaling pathways such as Hedgehog, Wnt, Notch, MAPK, TGF‐β, Jak‐STAT, VEGF, and Ecdysteroid in the regulation of embryogenesis. Additionally, this review identifies current research gaps in decapod embryogenesis and proposes directions for future investigation. This review is anticipated to be especially beneficial for researchers delving into the molecular mechanisms driving embryonic development in decapods.

Mitigating the role of aquaculture in crustacean invasions - Eléna Manfrini; Franck Courchamp; Boris Leroy (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)

Copper Homeostasis and Its Impact on Innate Immunity in Crustaceans - Hejia Chen; Xi Huang; Muhammad Tayyab; Mingming Zhao; Defu Yao; Zhihong Zheng; Xianliang Zhao; Yongzhen Zhao; Xiuli Chen; Bobo Zhang; Qiongqiong Yang; Yueling Zhang; et al. (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Copper, an essential micronutrient in crustaceans, plays vital roles in enzymatic processes, oxygen transport, pigmentation, and structural protein synthesis, including collagen and elastin. Recent research has elucidated its pivotal role in innate immunity of crustaceans, enhancing the immune response by promoting phagocytic activity, antimicrobial peptide production, and modulation of immune gene expression. Copper ions exhibit antimicrobial effects by disrupting cell membranes and inhibiting microbial proliferation. Furthermore, copper governs antioxidant defense mechanisms, protecting crustaceans against oxidative stress and infection. However, excessive copper can lead to toxicity, highlighting the need for strict maintenance of copper homeostasis. This review explores the complex processes of copper homeostasis in crustaceans, detailing transport mechanisms, storage proteins, and detoxification pathways. It emphasizes copper's critical physiological and immunological functions, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of its multifaceted roles in crustaceans and laying groundwork for further exploration of copper homeostasis as a strategy for boosting crustacean immunity. Aquaculture practices significantly influence copper levels in crustaceans. Effective copper management, including monitoring techniques, water treatment strategies, and regulatory frameworks, is crucial for both crustacean welfare and environmental sustainability.

Erythropoiesis in Teleost Fishes: The Fantastic Biological Process - Aihua Zhong; Xiaojun Yan (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Global fish production exceeds 170 million tons in 2023, and provides a high‐quality protein source for humans. However, various factors may contribute to hypoxic stress and anemia, which contribute to yield loss in fish production. Elevated red blood cell counts or activation of erythropoiesis are well‐known responses to anemia and hypoxia stress in fish. Erythropoiesis is the process of formation of new erythrocytes, from hemopoietic stem cells, through the differentiation of erythroblasts, to the maturation of red blood cells. This step‐wise process is governed by complex transcriptional, post‐translational, and epigenetic programs in response to extracellular signals. This review summarizes developing knowledge regarding erythropoiesis in teleosts, including the wave and site of erythropoiesis, specification of the erythroid lineage, and molecular regulation mechanisms. A summary of research gaps is presented, to be addressed by future research on teleosts. Understanding erythropoiesis facilitates improved fish husbandry and selective breeding of hypoxia‐tolerance fish, to ultimately contribute to increased production.

The Immune Priming in Aquaculture Invertebrates: Inspiration From Cellular Perspective and Future Investigation - Weilin Wang; Lingling Wang; Linsheng Song (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Aquatic invertebrates account for more than 33.4% of global aquaculture production and are important aquaculture animals worldwide. Although the frequent outbreaks of diseases and the lack of disease prevention strategies have greatly hindered further development of the invertebrate aquaculture industry. Immune priming is a phenomenon that invertebrates mount a faster and stronger secondary response than that of the primary response when encountered with a given microbe. It has been demonstrated to be present in a wide range of aquaculture species and would provide a fresh idea for disease prevention. As the main executors of immune defense in invertebrates, the circulating hemocytes are short‐lived, and the solution for the paradox of keeping a long‐lasting immune protection might lie in the formation of long‐lived memory cells in immune priming. As a reference for the access of memory cell formation processes in aquaculture invertebrates, the cellular kinetics including expansion, contraction, and memory formation of lymphocytes in the adaptive immunity of vertebrates are discussed. Then the features of hemocytes in aquaculture invertebrates, and their kinetic changes of cell number and immune capacity during immune priming are summarized for the knowledge of a stronger secondary immune response. The regulatory roles of epigenetic modification and metabolic reprogramming in immune priming and their possible functions in memory cell formation and identification are proposed to be preferentially investigated for further clarifying the mechanism of immune priming, which might provide a novel entrance for understanding the mechanisms of immune priming and developing disease prevention strategy in aquaculture invertebrates.

The Effect of Probiotics and Prebiotics on Feed Intake in Cultured Fish - Inês Guerreiro; Aires Oliva‐Teles; Paula Enes (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
With aquaculture intensification, improving feed intake in order to increase fish growth as well as to reduce production costs and environmental impacts assume a high importance. In this sense, probiotics and prebiotics' capacity to positively modulate animals' appetite is of high interest and has been the focus of several studies in mammals, while in fish these studies are scarce, and available information is dispersed. Probiotics and prebiotics' role in appetite regulation mechanisms can be mediated by short‐chain fatty acids produced by gut microbiota, or by several other microbial‐derived metabolites, proteins, and lipopolysaccharides. The possible way these molecules may affect fish appetite is the focus of this review, which also highlights novel research directions for better elucidation of the impact of probiotics and prebiotics in the regulation of fish appetite, contributing to the definition of better feeding strategies, that optimize feed utilization efficiency and fish growth, leading to a more sustainable aquaculture production.

Advancing Aquaculture Sustainability: A Comprehensive Review of Biofloc Technology Trends, Innovative Research Approaches, and Future Prospects - Gang Liu; Marc Verdegem; Zhangying Ye; Jian Zhao; Jinxing Xiao; Xingguo Liu; Qinlang Liang; Kun Xiang; Songming Zhu (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Biofloc technology (BFT), initially adapted for shrimp farming in the 1970s, represents a sophisticated ecosystem of microorganisms designed to enhance aquaculture productivity and sustainability. Despite its established history, research into BFT is surprisingly still at an early stage globally. This review conducted a bibliometric analysis of 612 articles from major aquaculture journals spanning 2008–2023 to systematically explore the development, trends, and focal points of BFT research. The analysis revealed that the bulk of significant contributions originates from Brazil and China, and highlighting areas of interest can be categorized into four hotspots, such as (1) efficient nitrogen transformation, (2) biofloc microbiology, (3) biofloc's immunostimulant properties, and (4) the evaluation of research methodologies. At the end, the microecology concept was introduced, and the cross‐discipline methods were promoted in the aquaculture field. Notably, much of the BFT research is still at an exploratory phase, with numerous functional bacteria unidentified and optimization strategies for BFT underdeveloped. These gaps present opportunities for enhancing aquaculture through improvements in wastewater management, product quality, safety, and yield. Furthermore, the review notes a growing trend in applying microbiome research and microecological analysis in aquaculture, with high‐throughput sequencing data increasingly used to understand microbial interactions and nitrogen transformation within bioflocs. This direction promises to unlock further insights into the complex microbial ecosystems of bioflocs and their applications in sustainable aquaculture.

Exposed Aquaculture Operations: Strategies for Safety and Fish Welfare - Hans Vanhauwaert Bjelland; Ole Folkedal; Heidi Moe Føre; Esten Ingar Grøtli; Ingunn Marie Holmen; Eivind Lona; Hans Tobias Slette; Kristine Vedal Størkersen; Trine Thorvaldsen (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The expansion of aquaculture production into more exposed harsh and remote ocean environments presents both new opportunities and challenges. To manage the complexities of exposed operations, research into fish welfare, personnel safety, and facilitating technology is thus of key importance. This paper reviews recent research advances in the areas of safety, fish welfare, and technology, while the focus is on the Norwegian salmon farming industry, the results could benefit exposed fish farming internationally. Regarding fish welfare, the study summarizes the current knowledge status of salmon coping abilities and welfare indicators in strong currents and waves. On the safety front, there has been significant progress in operational safety management, accident analysis, and emergency preparedness, all of which are crucial for human personnel in these demanding settings. Human safety and fish welfare also rely on structures and equipment, and recent research results include advances in environmental load analysis, vessel design, simulations of fish farms. Notably, the development of contact‐free, autonomous lifting operations, and hole detection methods represents a significant leap in maintaining aquaculture infrastructure. This multidisciplinary study underscores the need for integrated research approaches to address exposed aquaculture, emphasizing that while recent innovations have enhanced safety and robustness, ongoing research and new strategies are critical for safety and fish welfare in exposed aquaculture operations.

Influence of Dietary Fatty Acids on Fish Sperm Tolerance to Cryopreservation - Elías Figueroa Villalobos; Wellison Amorim Pereira; Maritza Pérez‐Atehortúa; Leydy Sandoval‐Vargas; J. Romero; Ricardo P. S. Oliveira; Iván Valdebenito; Alejandro Villasante (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
To meet growing fish demand, aquaculture must develop sustainable, cost‐effective, and high‐performance fish feed formulations for industry advancement. Plant‐based lipids are a viable alternative to forage fish ingredients in finfish diets. However, most plant‐derived lipids lack long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFA) like EPA and DHA, which are nutritionally essential for fish. This review summarizes recent findings on the nutritional aspects of fish brood stock and sperm quality, emphasizing the effects of fatty acids on reproductive outcomes. Studies indicate that substituting fish oil with plant oils alters the fatty acid profiles in fish tissues and gametes, potentially compromising sperm quality, cryopreservation success, and progeny viability. Sperm membrane lipids, including EPA, DHA, and ARA, are vital for motility and fertilization rates post‐thaw. Additionally, cryopreservation has been linked to molecular and epigenetic alterations in sperm, which may negatively affect offspring quality. The role of mRNA and noncoding RNA in regulating sperm function and embryonic development is well known, and thus any damage to these molecules as a consequence of cryopreservation might induce long‐term effects on offspring. Proteomic analyses reveal that cryopreservation can lead to significant protein loss in sperm, diminishing their functional and fertilization capabilities. Optimizing cryoprotectant protocols and freezing techniques is crucial to reduce damage, while dietary fatty acids play a key role in preserving sperm quality during cryopreservation stress. Further research with omic technologies is crucial to fully understand sperm tolerance to cryopreservation, which will improve reproductive outcomes and enhance sustainability and quality in aquaculture.

Optimising Outbreak Investigation, Surveillance and Discovery of Pathogens in Aquaculture Using Unbiased Metatranscriptomics - Vincenzo A. Costa; Richard J. Whittington; Charles Caraguel; Joy A. Becker; Kerrie E. Wiley; Christine Huynh; Jeremy Carson; Francisca Samsing (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Emerging infectious diseases are a major threat to global aquaculture production and are projected to increase in frequency due to anthropogenic stressors and climate change. Our ability to screen the global aquatic ‘infectome’ is dramatically improving through unbiased metatranscriptomic (i.e., total RNA) sequencing. Despite recent advances in molecular diagnostics and next‐generation sequencing, outbreak investigation in aquaculture often encounters limitations due to the targeted nature of conventional techniques, which may only capture a small portion of the diverse array of disease‐causing agents present in nature, sometimes requiring years to resolve. Here, we propose that unbiased metatranscriptomic sequencing serves as a cost‐effective and powerful technique for characterising pathogens during disease outbreaks and in surveillance programmes. In doing so, we offer a diagnostic framework to mitigate infectious disease threats to global aquaculture. We emphasise the importance of combining rapid metatranscriptomics with traditional techniques for a holistic examination of the causes of unknown aetiologies in aquatic animals, and how it can be used to examine host responses in parallel with pathogen discovery. We suggest that the integration of metatranscriptomics into aquaculture will require upskilling, proficiency testing, user‐friendly bioinformatic tools and open data sharing. Furthermore, it is essential to establish a reporting framework—with analytical guidelines—that ensures the protection of animal industries while safeguarding trade interests.

Epigenetic Resources: Gaps in Aquatic Animal Germplasm Research - Fangcheng Li; Junfang Zhang; Xiangbing Cheng; Xinyao Cui; Jiamin Sun; Qigen Liu (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Aquatic animal germplasm research plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation and sustainable aquaculture. The traditional view is that diversity of germplasm resources is commonly attributed to genetic variation. However, recent studies in transgenerational epigenetics have shown that epigenetic information can also be passed down to offspring, which is consistent with the definition of germplasm. Therefore, it is necessary to define epigenetic information, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and ncRNAs, which can be passed down through generations, as epigenetic resources and incorporate them into the concept of germplasm. Germplasm resources should include not only genetic resources but also epigenetic resources. Epigenetic variation can arise from genetic, environmental, or stochastic factors. Genetic and epigenetic variation co‐determine phenotypic traits. It has been demonstrated that epigenetic information can be inherited across generations in aquatic animals. DNA methylation, histone modification, and ncRNAs are involved in addressing environmental challenges, maintaining genetic diversity, improving breeding strategies, combating inbreeding decline, and age determination. Therefore, future research on epigenetic resources is important for germplasm conservation, development, and utilization. This review proposes a new theoretical framework to elucidate the place of epigenetic resources in germplasm research and collects articles from the past 8 years that explore the inheritance of epigenetic information in aquatic animals. Integrating epigenetic research into germplasm studies enhances our understanding of population dynamics, adaptation, and evolutionary processes, thereby informing conservation strategies and enhancing aquaculture practices. By considering both genetic and epigenetic resources, we can address the challenges facing germplasm diversity and sustainable aquaculture more comprehensively.

Cracking the myth: Bivalve farming is not a CO 2 sink - Fabrice Pernet; Sam Dupont; Jean‐Pierre Gattuso; Marc Metian; Frédéric Gazeau (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Bivalve farming was usually considered as a CO 2 source through respiration and calcification, but recent studies suggest its potential as a CO 2 sink, prompting exploration of its inclusion in carbon markets. Here we reviewed the scientific basis behind this idea and found that it is not supported by observational and experimental studies. This idea indeed arises from carbon budget models that are based on theoretical misconceptions regarding seawater carbonate chemistry. The main misunderstanding consists of assuming that the carbon trapped in the shell originates from atmospheric CO 2 when it mostly comes from (bi)carbonate ions. While these ions originate from atmospheric CO 2 through the erosion of minerals over geological time scales, their incorporation into shells does not prompt short‐term CO 2 compensation. The opposite occurs—calcification releases CO 2 in seawater and limits or even prevents the uptake of atmospheric CO 2 . Some authors suggest that considering the bivalve farm ecosystem could change the perspective on the source/sink issue but there is no evidence for that now. Most ecosystem‐based carbon budget models rely on several unverified assumptions and estimates. Although challenging, field measurements must be conducted for monitoring, reporting, and verifying atmospheric CO 2 uptake before qualifying for carbon credits. To achieve scientific consensus, we need reinforcing measurement‐based studies of CO 2 fluxes in shellfish ecosystems, integrating carbon balance models with observational and experimental science, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Although bivalve farming provides numerous environmental benefits and is vital for sustainable aquaculture, there is currently no evidence that it contributes to CO 2 capture.

Assessing Changes in China's Pond Water Quality From 1989 to 2020: Implications for Green Development in Aquaculture - Yuanshuai Duan; Lu Liu; Rong Tang; Shouqi Xie; Mingmei Yang; Zhimin Zhang; Dapeng Li (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Since 1989, China has become the world's largest aquaculture producer through pond culture, significantly contributing to global food security but potentially posing environmental threats. However, little is known about the changes in the pond water quality at broad spatial and temporal scales, thus creating challenges in the sustainability of pond aquaculture. Herein, we explore changes in water quality in China's aquaculture ponds from 1989 to 2020 and assess the waterbody's health status to optimize sustainable management strategies. This study highlights pond water quality changes closely associated with China's aquaculture practices, development, and related policies. Seasonal and regional farming variations significantly impact water quality, with peak aquaculture seasons and Central China and North China associated with the lowest water quality scores. Pond water quality initially declined with the rise of intensive aquaculture but improved after 2012 with the adoption of ecological engineering measures, eco‐farming practices, and policies supporting green development. Under a scenario combining these efforts, the water quality score in 2035 is projected to increase by 57% of the 2020 level. These findings reveal that national ecological initiatives and advancements in green aquaculture techniques and public policies can significantly enhance the water quality of China's aquaculture ponds, offering valuable insights into environmental governance in global agriculture.

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)

Emerging Contaminants Related to Brazilian Aquaculture - Juliana Barros da Mota; Thiago de Alencar Neves; Daniel Pereira da Costa; Maria Clara Vieira Martins Starling; Camila Costa de Amorim; Kleber Campos Miranda‐Filho (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Research efforts around the world have focused on identifying the occurrence of emerging contaminants in aquaculture areas. In the Brazilian context, studies have aimed to identify emerging contaminants in water used for this activity. This systematic review covered studies published without a specific time frame with the following criteria: research conducted in aquaculture areas or with species and cultured water in Brazil and analysis of emerging contaminants. Out of the 42 studies identified, 132 emerging contaminants were observed. The Southeast and South regions accounted for most of these studies, with limited research conducted in the North and Northeast regions. Tilapia was the most studied species, followed by mollusks. In toxicity tests, animals showed several effects, such as decreased oxygen consumption and swimming patterns, histopathological changes, inhibition of sperm production, cardiac edema, spinal deformity, and antimicrobial resistance. In conclusion, advancements in research on emerging contaminants in Brazilian aquaculture are needed as the number of existing studies is lower compared to global numbers. Few studies have focused on analyzing cultivation sites to identify the contaminants present and their sources. Also noteworthy is the scarcity of work in the Northern region of Brazil and on native species. Characterizing these environments in terms of the types of contaminants and main sources of contamination is essential to finding ways to mitigate ecological and human health risks, as well as developing specific legislation for these contaminants because they are currently not part of routine monitoring programs and are therefore not regulated, especially in aquaculture environments.

Assessing the Feasibility of Sustainable Aquaculture for Common Snook Centropomus undecimalis - María de Jesús Contreras‐García; Wilfrido M. Contreras‐Sánchez; Manuel Mendoza‐Carranza (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Common Snook ( Centropomus undecimalis ) is widely distributed across the tropical Atlantic Coasts and has a significant economic impact. This review aims to assess the knowledge status of common snook, contributing significantly to the development of sustainable aquacultural practices. The review was conducted using Web of Science and Google Scholar to identify scientific articles analysing the biology and ecology, the status of snook fisheries and developments in aquaculture production. Researchers in the USA, Mexico and Brazil have conducted 37.95%, 25.52% and 26.21% of published research, respectively, focusing mainly on reproduction in natural environments, status of fisheries and aquaculture production. From an environmental perspective, it is essential to understand the factors impacting C . undecimalis populations. Climate change effects and human alterations to river courses pose significant threats. In addition to fishing regulations, there is a promising potential for further fisheries research and to deepen the understanding of the life cycle to support the implementation of sound aquacultural practices to replenish exploited stocks and to develop commercial aquaculture. Currently, C . undecimalis populations in Mexico and the United States are overexploited, focusing on México, which now has a management plan. Advances in controlled reproduction and larval development have been made. However, many challenges remain unclear, such as larval conditions that continue to represent a bottleneck to block continuous and large‐scale aquaculture production, larval nutrition, disease management and culture systems. However, aquaculture holds the potential to enhance the sustainability of this species by reducing fishing pressure and aiding population recovery.

Water Quality Impact on Fish Behavior: A Review From an Aquaculture Perspective - Kaisheng Zhang; Zhangying Ye; Ming Qi; Wenlong Cai; João L. Saraiva; Yanci Wen; Gang Liu; Ze Zhu; Songming Zhu; Jian Zhao (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Changes in water quality significantly shape fish behavior, a crucial index reflecting the growth and welfare status of fish. Given the centrality of this relationship to aquaculture practices, a comprehensive understanding of how water quality dynamics influence fish behavior is imperative. While there have been some summaries of the effects of water quality parameters on fish physiology and growth, few reviews on their effects on fish behavior have been reported yet. This article reviews several water quality parameters which are of great concern in aquaculture from multiple facets of actual production, including physical parameters (water temperature and turbidity), chemical parameters (dissolved oxygen, salinity, pH, and inorganic nitrogen), and chemical pollutants (microplastics and crude oil), which have gained increasing attention from the researchers and aquaculture practitioners over the past decades. Variations in these water quality parameters can exert profound effects on fish physiology, metabolism, internal tissues and organs, and sensory perception, which influences fish behaviors such as swimming, schooling, feeding, predation, anti‐predation, aggression, courtship, as well as adaptive and stress‐related behaviors such as exploration, avoidance response, and anxiety‐like behavior. By synthesizing the behavioral changes caused by specific water quality parameters, this review aims to provide strong support for further water quality‐related research, thereby fostering environments conducive to both fish welfare and aquaculture productivity.

Current disease treatments for the ornamental pet fish trade and their associated problems - E. Larcombe; M. E. Alexander; D. Snellgrove; F. L. Henriquez; K. A. Sloman (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The trade in live ornamental fishes to be held as companion animals or displayed in public aquaria has an estimated global annual value of US$15–20 billion. Supply chains for ornamental pet fishes often involve many more parties than for fish farmed as food fishes, and at each stage, fishes are exposed to stressors including handling, confinement, crowding, mechanical disturbance, and poor water quality. If chronic, these stressors can compromise their immune system, making fishes more susceptible to pathogens. Mortality and morbidity from infectious disease can result in considerable welfare impacts and massive economic losses for the industry, and the range of infective agents seen in ornamental species is well documented. However, treating these diseases is not straightforward with practices varying greatly across the trade and with several approaches having unintended consequences, such as the emergence of resistant strains of pathogens. While disease treatments for a handful of fish species (e.g., koi, goldfish) have received focused research attention, for the home aquarium owner, there is an increasing reliance on products based on natural compounds which have received far less scientific attention. This review aims to highlight the gaps in our knowledge surrounding the range of disease treatments used across the ornamental pet fish trade, with a particular focus on freshwater tropical species destined for home aquaria. Consideration is given to the potential problems arising from these treatments, including microbial resistance and effects of treatments themselves on fish health and welfare.

Which Novel Ingredient Should be Considered the “Holy Grail” for Sustainable Production of Finfish Aquafeeds? - Nikolas Panteli; Katerina Kousoulaki; Efthimia Antonopoulou; Chris G. Carter; Ioannis Nengas; Morgane Henry; Ioannis T. Karapanagiotidis; Elena Mente (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The immense production of fishmeal and fish oil is dramatically intensifying the severe state of pelagic fisheries overexploitation. The latter in conjunction with the increasing demand for low‐cost protein‐rich food supply prompt aquaculture to employ new practice. Several novel dietary ingredients are currently under evaluation for potential incorporation in aquafeeds in an effort to shift the aquaculture sector toward a more sustainable and economic production. The present review aims to summarize the existing findings regarding the effects of studied alternatives to fishmeal and fish oil on the most valuable and commercially produced marine ( Sparus aurata and Dicentrarchus labrax ) and freshwater ( Salmo salar and Oncorhynchus mykiss ) finfish species in European aquaculture. Alternative protein sources, including macroalage (marine plants), krill (marine fishery), insects (terrestrial), terrestrial animal by‐products (processed/rendered), and single cell ingredient (biotechnology), are discussed for their efficiency in promoting the growth and the welfare of both fry and adult cultured finfish species. Applicability of these ingredients is reviewed in terms of nutrient composition, dietary inclusion level, performance output, digestibility, and health benefits. In addition, a meta‐analysis was conducted based on data from peer‐reviewed scientific publications in order to assess whether novel ingredients meet the dietary protein (amino acid) and lipid requirements of finfishes. Aquafeed reformulation strategies should ensure the recommended daily nutritional requirements and additionally indicate the meta‐analysis alternatives, such as microalgae, which are deficient in essential amino acids. The sustainable expansion of aquaculture is on the horizon, but which novel ingredients may be regarded as the key drivers to its establishment?

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)
In 2017, a new regulatory management system, the traffic light system (TLS), was implemented to estimate the effects of salmon lice from Norwegian salmon aquaculture on marine survival of wild Atlantic salmon and forms the basis of aquaculture capacity regulation. The TLS relies on observational data and a set of models to estimate the risk for negative impact on wild salmon populations. This review of the literature that forms the basis for the TLS as well as other relevant studies is presented in the context of the currently practiced TLS and suggestions are made for immediate and long‐term improvements. The main findings of this review are that: (1) assumed timing and duration of smolt migration contribute to unreliable observational and modelled data and overestimates of infection pressure; (2) production of lice larvae from farmed salmon is overestimated; (3) TLS model systems rely on or are calibrated by the same potentially flawed data; (4) lice‐associated mortality in wild salmon smolts may be overestimated; and (5) lice infection levels on farms are not associated with measurable effects on wild salmon. Recommendations to improve the accuracy and reliability of the TLS, and hence its environmental efficiency include the more complete use of available biological and physical environmental variables, adjusting the time period that observational data are registered and modelled data are integrated, adjusting the interpretation of data including recognition of uncertainty in model outcomes, and use of more realistic assumptions concerning lice‐induced mortality thresholds.

Genome Manipulation Advances in Selected Aquaculture Organisms - Jinhai Wang; Yu Cheng; Baofeng Su; Rex A. Dunham (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
With the rising global demand for seafood and the challenges posed by overfishing and climate change, the aquaculture sector has become increasingly important in providing high‐quality protein for human consumption. Although traditional selection breeding programs have made great strides in genetic improvement of aquaculture species over the past decades, faster and more precise breeding tools, such as genome manipulation, are needed for performance enhancement of aquaculture stock. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the current status of three major genome manipulation tools, including RNA interference (RNAi), gene transfer, and genome editing in aquaculture species, and discusses the advances made, challenges faced, and potential future directions of this fast‐developing field. Taking catfish as an example, this paper reviews the specific applications of these techniques to improve traits such as growth, disease resistance, reproduction, and nutritional profiles in various commercially important fishes and crustaceans, highlighting successful applications and ongoing research efforts. We also propose CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated multiplex genome editing for the knockout or replacement of multiple genes in parallel to improve multiple traits in fish. Collectively, this review provides insights into the evolving landscape of genome manipulation in aquaculture and sheds light on its implications for sustainable practices and responsible innovation.

Assessing the Sustainability and Food Security Implications of Introduced Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878) and Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Into Indian Aquaculture: A OneHealth Perspective - Atul K. Singh (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The introduced striped catfish ( Pangasianodon hypophthalmus , Sauvage, 1878) and North African catfish ( Clarias gariepinus , Burchell, 1822) are popular choices in Indian aquaculture due to their high productivity and ease of management. Among all introduced non‐native fish species, catfish production is particularly notable, with P. hypophthalmus contributing 1.6 million metric tons (mmt) and C. gariepinus reaching 0.4 mmt. This paper examines the ecological, biodiversity, environmental, and disease concerns associated with the intensive aquaculture of the non‐native catfish species, using a OneHealth approach to assess sustainability. Generated information on biological plasticity, resource competition, genetic interactions, invasion risks, biodiversity impacts, food safety, and disease risks in extensive aquaculture of non‐native catfish are presented. A risk assessment (RA) was performed using an Excel–based developed module having 28 attributes and rated on a scale of 1 to 5. The results indicated significant risks, particularly for C. gariepinus , which had a risk score of 116 out of total 140 response points obtained from 65 farmers, manifesting 82.85% risk. In comparison, P. hypophthalmus had a response score of 85, displaying 60.71% risk. The findings suggest that C. gariepinus poses a higher ecological risk than P. hypophthalmus , primarily due to poorly controlled aquaculture practices, inadequate biosecurity, and insufficient regulatory measures. To tackle these issues, it is recommended that stringent policy with clear regulatory framework on the OneHealth approach will ascertain safe interconnectedness of aquaculture, environment, fish, and human health while improving the biosafety of non‐native catfish aquaculture practices safeguarding human health, fish populations, and overall ecosystem health.

Beyond the Win–Win Discourse: Designing Seaweed Farming for Long‐Term Success - Tomas Chaigneau; Giulia Nicolini; Katharine Orchel; Carly Daniels; Ian Ashton (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Communication about seaweed aquaculture has so far been dominated by its many socio‐economic and ecological advantages. A key risk of this ‘hype’ is the potential loss of support from communities affected by seaweed cultivation if reality fails to live up to expectations. This could have justice and equity implications for impacted communities, and undermine potential benefits for those communities, as well as affecting the long‐term success of emerging industries. This paper highlights experiences from other marine sectors in which a similar emphasis on benefits has drowned out discussion of potential costs, often leading to initial success but long‐term failure. We highlight the importance of clearly communicating possible negative impacts, and meaningfully engaging stakeholders to shape marine interventions. Finally, we recommend further research into the social dimensions of seaweed farming in geographies where this practice is nascent, and increased attention to the potential trade‐offs of scaling up seaweed cultivation.

Managing the Dissolved Oxygen Balance of Open Atlantic Salmon Sea Cages: A Narrative Review - Evelina Veronica Christina Berntsson; Tor Kristian Stevik; Asbjørn Bergheim; David Persson; Marit Stormoen; Kristian Hovde Liland (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
As Atlantic salmon depend on dissolved oxygen (DO) to survive and grow, managing DO is essential for welfare and growth. However, the dynamics of DO in the open sea cages are complex, caused by a range of factors that interact and create compounding effects. To understand DO dynamics, two pillars of knowledge are essential: the supply of DO to the cages and the consumption of DO in the cages. The components of these two pillars vary greatly across both time and space, with factors including ambient sea temperature and current, density stratification, fish size, health and metabolism, biomass density and distribution, topography, production routines and farm configuration. In the production environment, these factors often interact, making related analyses on effects, causality and effective management highly challenging. Exacerbating matters, existing knowledge is fragmented across multiple disciplines, making it challenging for end‐users to access. Using sensors is often necessary to understand and manage the complexity of DO, and the interest to implement digital technologies to aquaculture operations and utilize big data analyses is growing, but to succeed in the application, an in‐depth understanding of the relevant dynamics is necessary. Consequently, this review is produced to compile existing knowledge on the many factors that influence the consumption or supply of DO in the sea cages, and their relationship to each other. In this narrative review, we explore the known interactions and compounding effects between these factors, and synthesize it in a causal diagram for holistic analyses of the DO balance.

Impacts of Global Warming on Quality of Male Fishes: Evidence From A Meta‐Analysis of Temperature Effects on Sperm Motility Kinematics - Yu Cheng; Jinhai Wang; Sayyed Mohammad Hadi Alavi; Songpei Zhang; Zuzana Linhartová; Deepali Rahi Roy; Nururshopa Eskander Shazada; Borys Dzyuba; Otomar Linhart (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Studies have demonstrated adverse effects of global warming on aquatic ecosystems. However, the effects of increased water temperature (IWT) on fish reproduction are still doubtful in species spawning at low or high temperatures. In this meta‐analysis, we elucidated the effects of global warming on spermatozoa functions, key determinants of male fertility. We recruited 245 data records from 20 studies spanning 20 cold‐ and warm‐water fishes to identify the effects of IWT on sperm quality. Data were re‐processed and re‐analyzed to determine the overall effects of IWT on sperm kinetics such as percentage of motile spermatozoa (MOT), duration of spermatozoa motility (DSM), curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP), as well as on enzymatic activities for energy supply (EAES) and antioxidant enzyme activity (ANEA). The standardized mean difference was calculated for each study, with positive values indicating higher performance under IWT. Results showed that (a) the overall effect size for MOT was larger negative in cold‐water fishes (−1.22) than in warm‐water fishes (−0.95). (b) Each 1°C increase in the activation medium reduced MOT by 1.30% (cold‐water fishes) and 3.47% (warm‐water fishes). (c) IWT negatively affected DSM, decreasing it by 10 s (cold‐water species) and 5.64 s (warm‐water species) per degree of IWT. (d) Spermatozoa velocity (VCL and VSL) increased by IWT in warm‐water species. (e) In cold‐water species, IWT‐induced detrimental effects on EAES were associated with adverse impacts on sperm motility kinetics. In conclusion, IWT negatively affects sperm motility kinetics, suggesting an impact of global warming on fish reproduction.

The Research Advances in Distant Hybridization and Gynogenesis in Fish - Qizhi Liu; Shi Wang; Chenchen Tang; Min Tao; Chun Zhang; Yi Zhou; Qinbo Qin; Kaikun Luo; Chang Wu; Fangzhou Hu; Yude Wang; Qingfeng Liu; et al. (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Distant hybridization and gynogenesis are two prevalent breeding techniques for fishes. Drawing from the research achievements of our team and the existing literature, we summarize the reproductive traits and genetic features of fishes derived from distant hybridizations and gynogenesis, and we deduce the fundamental mechanisms of these two methods and compare them, discerning their common and different characteristics. Both distant hybridization and gynogenesis techniques can alter genotypes and phenotypes, thus establishing them as significant breeding methods. Additionally, the genetic principles and the basic biological characteristics of distant hybridization and gynogenesis in fish have been inferred. We propose the concepts of macro‐hybrid and micro‐hybrid based on extensive experimental findings from fish distant hybridizations and gynogenesis. The term “macro‐hybrid” refers to offspring from distant hybridization that possess two distinct subgenomes, each inherited from one of the two parental species, such as allodiploid and allotetraploid lineages. The concept of “micro‐hybrid” refers to offspring, including autodiploid and autotetraploid lineages, as well as those resulting from artificial gynogenesis, whose genome almost originates solely from the maternal parent but in which certain DNA fragments derived from the paternal parent insert. Distant hybridization and gynogenesis are vital techniques in fish genetics, breeding, and evolution. We highlight the prospective paths for research and application of distant hybridization and gynogenesis in fishes.

Current Advances in the Black Tiger Shrimp Penaeus monodon Culture: A Review - Khor Waiho; Yang Ling; Mhd Ikhwanuddin; Alexander Chong Shu‐Chien; Nor Afiqah‐Aleng; Youji Wang; Menghong Hu; Honjung Liew; Nor Azman Kasan; Jia Hui Peh; Hanafiah Fazhan (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The increasing high‐end market demand for the black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon has brought tremendous industry opportunities. Although the industry has tried its best to increase production, according to the report data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), annual global production has shown no significant upward trend over the past decade. Besides that, newly implemented policies such as seafood safety and food security negatively impacted the industry and reduced production. However, P. monodon cultivation is still promising due to its larger body size and higher market acceptance as a premium product. Over the years, numerous studies have been conducted to increase the production of P. monodon by optimizing its culture conditions, implementing new culture system, increasing disease resistance to disease such as WSSV, AHPND, WFD, implementation of pre‐ and probiotics in feed, and selective breeding programs to increase genetic diversity and population of P. monodon broodstock. This review provides an overview of the current advances in P. monodon broodstock cultivation, thereby providing an essential baseline for P. monodon aquaculture. Areas needing urgent research focus are also highlighted. Future research should take great strides and take into account the impact of future climate change scenario during P. monodon culture and optimization, and increase biosecurity measures to prevent its introduction as an alien species in wild settings.

Salmon Aquaculture in Chile: Production Growth and Socioeconomic Impacts - Adams Ceballos‐Concha; Frank Asche; Roberto Cárdenas‐Retamal (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Global aquaculture production has been rapidly increasing in recent decades. Associated with this growth, there has been a discussion with respect to the industry's socioeconomic impact. In particular, the industry's ability to make a positive difference in the communities where it is conducted is often questioned. This is a difficult topic to address due to limited data availability. However, it is a critical question concerning the aquaculture industry's long‐term viability. Some recent studies have addressed specific indicators such as poverty reduction in a given country. However, no studies review the impact of an aquaculture industry on a broad set of indicators over time. In this paper, we review the impact of the Chilean salmon industry on three broad socioeconomic indicators: employment, salary level and migration; as well as several narrower indicators. While data beyond production initially are scarce and mostly found in the gray literature, the information they provide connects well with newer data sets as they become available. Not unexpectedly, employment in the Chilean aquaculture industry increases with production. The industry pays relatively well, and it has a societal impact as opportunities created by the industry first reverse outward migration and then lead to inward migration. This is also associated with reduced poverty, a more even income distribution, a higher female labor participation ratio, and higher education levels. While the overall socioeconomic impacts of the industry are positive, they are also disrupted by severe environmental crises and show that the socioeconomic benefits are conditioned on environmental sustainability.

Shrimp Processing Waste in Aquaculture Feed: Nutritional Value, Applications, Challenges, and Prospects - Kylian Manon Eggink; Renata Gonçalves; Peter Vilhelm Skov (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The global shrimp processing industry generates substantial amounts of solid waste (head, abdominal exoskeleton, and tail), with a considerable part currently being disposed of in landfills. It holds significant potential as an alternative ingredient in aquaculture feed due to its relatively high crude protein content, balanced amino acid profile, and presence of bioactive compounds. However, one of the main challenges with shrimp processing waste is its rapid spoilage. Consequently, shrimp solid processing waste must undergo further refinement to produce shrimp‐derived products suitable as aquaculture feed ingredients, such as meal, hydrolysate, or silage. This literature review describes the nutritional value, applications, challenges, and prospects of these shrimp‐derived products in aquaculture feed. Among the investigated shrimp‐derived products, shrimp hydrolysate has the highest nutritional value considering the high crude protein content, balanced amino acid profile, low chitin content, and low ash content. However, producing shrimp hydrolysate requires extensive processing, which can be costly, limiting its applications to high‐value aquaculture species. On the other hand, shrimp meal and shrimp silage, which require less energy‐intensive processing, may be more suitable for lower‐value aquaculture species that naturally consume feeds high in ash and chitin. The prospects for using shrimp‐derived products in aquafeed are promising, with advances in processing technologies showing potential to reduce costs, improve nutritional value, and enhance product quality and safety. Ultimately, shrimp‐derived products could replace current aquafeed ingredients while simultaneously utilizing current shrimp solid waste streams, provided that quality and safety measures are carefully considered.

Biosafety in Norwegian Aquaculture—Risks and Measures in RAS Facilities and Well‐Boats - Hans Tobias Slette; Cecilie Salomonsen; Kristine Størkersen; Guro Møen Tveit; Andreas Misund; Eivind Lona (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Biosafety is a central concern in Norwegian salmon farming, as diseases and parasites are common. Continued production depends on preventing and controlling diseases and parasites. A critical part of the farmed salmon's life is during smolt production and the following well‐boat transport out to sea. Biosafety here is thus essential, and there is a need for an overview of risk factors and measures. Biosafety is related to the technical solutions' design, construction, cleaning, and maintenance, that can be studied through field work, interviews, and document analysis. This paper presents results from a study identifying risk factors related to technical solutions in smolt production (with RAS—recirculating aquaculture systems) and well‐boats, and potential measures to reduce risk. Risk factors for RAS facilities are divided into four main groups: Introduction of pathogens to the facility, spread of pathogens inside the facility, growth of pathogens inside the facility, and additional risks. Risk factors for well‐boats are divided into three main groups: Introduction of pathogens through intake water, spread of pathogens between fish groups, and spread of pathogens from well‐boat to the environment. Measures are proposed to mitigate the identified risk factors. The lists are not exhaustive, and risk magnitude is not quantified, so effect of measures is not calculated. Still, the measures' potential for risk reduction and implementation (cost/benefit) are discussed, suggesting measures vital for biosafety in RAS facilities and well‐boats.

Cover Image - Diana Senovilla‐Herrero; Yuwei Chen; Chaoran Liu; Subbulakshmi Suresh; Heather Moore; April McKinney; Matt Service; Sarah Helyar; Lenka Mbadugha; Katrina Campbell (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
The cover image is based on the article Environmental and Biological Factors of Relevance to Shellfish Production in Northern Ireland: Insights From 20 Years of Regional Monitoring Data by Katrina Campbell et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.12998 . image

Antibiotic Resistance in Vibrio parahaemolyticus : Mechanisms, Dissemination, and Global Public Health Challenges—A Comprehensive Review - Yingpeng Li; Gongshi Lin; Theerakamol Pengsakul; Qingpi Yan; Lixing Huang (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Vibrio parahaemolyticus , a ubiquitous pathogen in marine and estuarine environments, is a foodborne microorganism whose infections have become a global public health challenge. In recent years, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to the emergence of increasing numbers of antibiotic‐resistant strains of V. parahaemolyticus worldwide. These strains harbor resistance genes that mediate various resistance mechanisms, presenting a significant challenge to antibiotic therapy. Furthermore, horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of resistance genes and the accelerating impacts of global climate change have facilitated the formation and spread of resistance, contributing to the proliferation of resistant strains and exacerbating the public health threat. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the resistance genes and mechanisms in V. parahaemolyticus , the effects of climate change on its resistance, and strategies to curb the transmission of resistant strains. Additionally, we conducted a statistical analysis of resistance data from 6727 V. parahaemolyticus isolates obtained from 27 countries across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe, through the literature review, to better understand the distribution and trends of resistance in this pathogen. We hope that this study will serve as an important reference for controlling the spread of antibiotic resistance in V. parahaemolyticus and addressing this critical public health issue.

A Review on the Role of 2–8 Carbon Chain Carboxylates in Enhancing Aquaculture Performance - Moussa Gouife; Lefei Jiao; Fei Kong; Tinghong Ming; Pascal Saikaly; Jorge Galindo‐Villegas; Jiajie Xu (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Aquaculture is a key sector for global food security, but its sustainability and productivity remain constantly questioned. Using 2–8 carbon chain carboxylates (2–8 CCs) has proven to be a promising and beneficial strategy for various fields, including aquaculture. Within the 2–8 CCs, short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have received significantly more attention from researchers than the relatively less‐explored medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFAs). Applying these compounds in aquaculture has improved growth performance, feed efficiency, immune responses, intestinal health, antioxidant capacity, and water quality, thus promoting aquaculture organisms' productivity and sustainability. Furthermore, 2–8 CCs offer significant environmental benefits by reducing the reliance on antibiotics and promoting a healthier gut microbiota, thereby mitigating some ecological impacts of aquaculture. They also contribute to improved waste management practices and developing a more circular economy within aquaculture systems. This review comprehensively examines the current understanding of 2–8 CCs' effects in aquaculture, discussing their roles, environmental impacts, benefits, challenges, and future research directions. The findings underscore the potential of 2–8 CCs to significantly enhance the sustainability and productivity of aquaculture systems, offering a hopeful outlook for the future of the field.

Fish Sludge as Feed in Circular Bioproduction: Overview of Biological and Chemical Hazards in Fish Sludge and Their Potential Fate via Ingestion by Invertebrates - Kristin S. Pettersen; Veronika Sele; Pedro Araujo; Ikram Belghit; Sylvie L. Benestad; Aksel Bernhoft; Andy M. Booth; Gunnar S. Eriksen; Julia Farkas; Aleksander H. Handå; Bjørn Henrik Hansen; Kari O. Helgesen; et al. (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Aquaculture farming discharges large volumes of fish sludge, consisting of particulate organic matter from feed spill and feces. Fish sludge from land‐based salmonid aquaculture systems can potentially be used to feed low‐trophic species such as marine polychaetes and insects. Further use of these invertebrates as feed may provide a more sustainable feed chain. However, food security must not compromise feed or food safety. The use of fish sludge as feed is currently not permitted in the European Union (EU). A regulatory assessment that considers the integration of fish sludge in the circular bioeconomy requires knowledge of the potential chemical and biological risks involved. This review has compiled data from existing literature on the occurrence of chemical and biological hazards, as well as the physical properties of fish sludge. The potential risks along this feed chain, from fish sludge to novel feed ingredient production, are discussed in light of the EU regulatory framework. Within the available, but scarce, literature on biological hazards in fish sludge, there is no clear evidence that fish sludge is unsafe for use as a feed material for invertebrates if treatment criteria established in the EU regulations are followed. Scarcity implies a level of uncertainty, but not necessary of risk. For the chemical hazards, some elements are of concern and may exceed regulatory limits, and there are limited data on the occurrence of organic pollutants. This review highlights considerable knowledge gaps concerning the use of fish sludge in a circular feed and food system.

The Roles of Chemical Cues in the Life Cycle of Bivalves: Spawning, Settlement, and Metamorphosis - Ana Rato; Sandra Joaquim; Domitília Matias; Peter C. Hubbard (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Spawning, settlement, and metamorphosis represent the most challenging events for hatchery bivalve production. To enhance bivalve aquaculture, hatcheries have relied on a range of chemical compounds to induce these biological processes. Yet, despite the apparent importance of chemical cues, there is little knowledge on chemosensory systems and the role of chemical communication in bivalves. This review aims to compile the existing knowledge of the chemicals used in hatcheries to induce spawning and to improve settlement and metamorphosis in some economically important bivalves. A lack of recent studies regarding this topic has resulted in stagnation in the development of new approaches and products for use in aquaculture. This review explores the natural chemical cues and how they act in the natural environment, and the efforts made by hatcheries, through the use of synthetic inducers, to optimize bivalve production and overcome the challenges associated with spawning, settlement, and metamorphosis. Furthermore, it discusses the current knowledge on the chemical nature of spawning‐inducing pheromones. The synthesis of synthetic pheromones for spawning, settlement, and metamorphosis induction may improve bivalve aquaculture and efficiency. Nevertheless, more research is needed to fully understand the chemical communication and chemosensory systems of bivalves.

Fish Tracking, Counting, and Behaviour Analysis in Digital Aquaculture: A Comprehensive Survey - Meng Cui; Xubo Liu; Haohe Liu; Jinzheng Zhao; Daoliang Li; Wenwu Wang (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Digital aquaculture leverages advanced technologies and data‐driven methods, providing substantial benefits over traditional aquaculture practices. This article presents a comprehensive review of three interconnected digital aquaculture tasks, namely, fish tracking, counting, and behaviour analysis, using a novel and unified approach. Unlike previous reviews which focused on single modalities or individual tasks, we analyse vision‐based (i.e., image‐ and video‐based), acoustic‐based, and biosensor‐based methods across all three tasks. We examine their advantages, limitations, and applications, highlighting recent advancements and identifying critical cross‐cutting research gaps. The review also includes emerging ideas such as applying multitask learning and large language models to address various aspects of fish monitoring, an approach not previously explored in aquaculture literature. We identify the major obstacles hindering research progress in this field, including the scarcity of comprehensive fish datasets and the lack of unified evaluation standards. To overcome the current limitations, we explore the potential of using emerging technologies such as multimodal data fusion and deep learning to improve the accuracy, robustness, and efficiency of integrated fish monitoring systems. In addition, we provide a summary of existing datasets available for fish tracking, counting, and behaviour analysis. This holistic perspective offers a roadmap for future research, emphasizing the need for comprehensive datasets and evaluation standards to facilitate meaningful comparisons between technologies and to promote their practical implementations in real‐world settings.

Rab Proteins as Potential Therapeutic Targets Applied to Crustacean Aquaculture: Rab7 Case Analysis - Carlos Fajardo; Marcos De Donato; Patai Charoonnart; Vanvimon Saksmerprome; Harry O. Jackson; Juan Miguel Mancera; Benjamin Costas (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2025)
Rab proteins constitute an important subfamily of molecular effectors whose function is related to the modulation of several important cellular and metabolic processes, including controlling intracellular endocytic vesicle trafficking, phagosome formation, endosome maturation, and innate immunity. In crustaceans, the study and characterization of these proteins have garnered great interest, mainly due to their pivotal role in the innate immune response mechanisms against infections. Among the Rab family, the Rab7 stands out as a prominent example of the potential of these proteins as therapeutic targets for the development of genetic therapies to control viral pathogens in crustacean aquaculture. In this review, a compendium of the information currently available in relation to Rab proteins in crustaceans is made, taking the Rab7 protein as a model, emphasizing not only its general aspects of functioning at the molecular level, but also describing in‐depth both mechanisms of action and potential interactions, as well as its implications in relation to the immune system, particularly in shrimp.

Spatial variation in the rocky temperate benthic mesophotic communities of the Wellington region in New Zealand - James J. Bell; Francesca Strano; Manon Broadribb; Ben Harris; Alice Rogers; Valerio Micaroni (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
Temperate mesophotic ecosystems (TMEs) have only recently been recognised as distinct ecosystems and generally occur between 30 and 150 m at the limit of photosynthetic light penetration. In this study, we surveyed the benthic communities inhabiting rocky deep‐water features in two regions at the south of New Zealand's North Island to assess small (1–2 km) and larger (10–100 km) scale variation in the benthic communities they support: the Wellington South Coast (WSC) and the Kāpiti Coast (KC). We deployed Remotely Operated Vehicles at seventeen sites, three on the WSC and 14 on the KC, covering a depth range of 26 to 72 m. There was significant variation in the benthic community composition between sites, at both spatial scales, and with depth. Across all sites, sponges and bryozoans were by far the most abundant organisms, covering around 30% of the substrate, with all other groups having

Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus level on growth, development and biochemical composition of Neoporphyra haitanensis conchocelis - Xiujuan Wang; Xing Ren; Hui Zhu; Donghuan Fu; Peng Zhang; Yubo Wu (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
Neoporphyra haitanensis is an important economic alga. A 3 × 2 factorial layout containing three nitrogen levels (1, 5, 10 mg L −1 ) and two phosphorus levels (1, 5 mg L −1 ) were designed to examine the effect of nitrogen and phosphorus levels on physiological responses of N. haitanensis conchocelis during growth phase (trial I) and development phase (trial II). In trial I, a higher phosphorus concentration inhibited the relative growth rate of N. haitanensis conchoceli at each nitrogen level. Contents of chlorophyll a and carotenoids were higher at high nitrogen level. Contents of phospholipids were higher at high phosphorus concentration at 5 mg L −1 nitrogen level. In trial II, high phosphorus concentration increased the formation of conchosporangia at 1 mg L −1 nitrogen level. Higher contents of phycoerythrin and phycocyanin were at high nitrogen level. Higher contents of phospholipids were at high phosphorus concentration at 1 mg L −1 nitrogen level. Higher contents of triglycerides were at low nitrogen level both in trial I and II. These results indicated that high nitrogen level increased the contents of pigment. High phosphorus level favoured the formation of conchosporangia and deposition of phospholipids. These results lay the groundwork for research into mechanism of growth and development of N. haitanensis .

Comparative assessment of N 2 O emissions from a New Zealand hypereutrophic lake against an oligotrophic reservoir - Maxence Plouviez; Federico Fabisik; Jonathan Procter; Benoit Guieysse (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
To establish if highly eutrophic lakes generate higher N 2 O emissions than non‐eutrophic aquatic environments in New Zealand, we monitored N 2 O emissions from hypereutrophic Lake Horowhenua, near Levin, and the oligotrophic Turitea dam reservoir, near Palmerston North, used as control. Based on more than 12 months of monitoring data, N 2 O emissions from Lake Horowhenua were estimated to −0.05–6.93 mg‐N 2 O·m −2 ·d −1 ( n = 66), with a median of 0.30 mg‐N 2 O·m −2 ·d −1 . At the Turitea reservoir, N 2 O emissions ranged from −0.02–1.51 mg‐N 2 O·m −2 ·d −1 with a median of 0.15 mg‐N 2 O·m −2 ·d −1 ( n = 53). No correlation was found between N 2 O emissions and the water temperature, sunlight, dissolved oxygen, nutrient concentration or chlorophyll a. When extrapolating the emission data to NZ, we estimated NZ lakes could release 83 kt of N 2 O as CO 2 eq each year, which is low in comparison to other sectors such as agriculture. Following the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change methodology, the N 2 O emission factor for Lake Horowhenua was estimated at 0.0019 kg N 2 O‐N per kg of N‐NO 3 − input into the lake.

Conductivity anomalies provide evidence of large scale hydrothermal venting in Lake Taupō - Max Gibbs; Piet Verburg; Brad Scott (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
Lake Taupō (Taupō moana) in the central North Island is the largest freshwater lake in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Taupō is also a frequently active and potentially hazardous caldera volcano. Water quality monitoring in Lake Taupō shows possible chemical linkages between the lake and hydrothermal systems under the lake around the Horomatangi Reef. We found that hydrothermal venting, discovered in Lake Taupō in 1998, is not a steady emission of bubbles and geothermal fluid but occasional larger fluid discharges also occur as pulses. These larger discharges contain sulphate and manifest in vertical water column profiles as conductivity anomalies. These appear to be linked to magmatic activity, which can cause earthquakes and other volcanic unrest under the lake. Rising plumes of warm water from these larger hydrothermal events can entrain sediment and other nutrients such as dissolved organic nitrogen up to the lake surface and they can continue for several months. Periods of volcanic unrest are well documented at Taupō volcano and have recently occurred in 2008–9, 2019 and 2022–23. Lake water quality data suggest that the conductivity anomalies may reflect a magmatic ‘pulse’ of this active volcano and provide evidence of large scale hydrothermal venting in Lake Taupō.

Winter consumption of the introduced Green Crab Carcinus maenas by Kelp Gulls Larus dominicanus - Nora Lisnizer; Paula Giudici; Miriam Pollicelli; Juan Cortés; Martín Frixione; Pablo Yorio (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
The introduction of species can have negative effects on species, communities, and ecosystems, although native predators may profit from the introduced prey. We present an evaluation of the consumption of the introduced Green Crab ( Carcinus maenas ) by Kelp Gulls ( Larus dominicanus ) during the austral winter in Patagonia, Argentina. Green Crab remains were present in 9.4% ( n = 416) of the Kelp Gull pellets collected between June and August of 2021, at four coastal sectors distributed along more than 400 km of coastline. Frequency of occurrence of Green Crabs in Kelp Gull pellets varied between 0 and 66.7% depending on the location, and being similar for the three studied months. Overall, Kelp gulls included at least 35 food items in their diet with variable contributions from different food categories, again depending on the location. This is the first report on the winter consumption of Green Crabs by Kelp Gulls and provides baseline information for understanding the role of this introduced species in newly invaded coastal ecosystems.

Influence of hydrological changes on the composition of phytoplankton and sediment diatoms in the Rio de la Plata estuary - Ana Martínez Goicoechea; Laura Pérez; Felipe García‐Rodríguez (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
ENSO phases produce changes in precipitation and river flow in Eastern South America. We aimed to evaluate phytoplankton and surface sediment diatoms' response to ENSO within the Río de la Plata estuary. A 180‐km‐long transect off the Uruguayan coast was undertaken in May 2009 (La Niña) and May 2010 (El Niño), where physical, chemical and biological variables were measured. During El Niño we registered lower temperatures/salinities throughout the transect, and the riverine zone was specifically more homogeneous in terms of temperature, salinity, turbidity and chlorophyll‐ a than during La Niña. We observed changes in the species composition of both planktonic and sediment diatoms. Concomitantly, a significant depletion in planktonic diatom abundance and richness in both planktonic and benthic domain during El Niño was observed. In addition, there was a higher proportion of dinoflagellates than during La Niña, which was explained by a higher water column stability. The dominance of the chain‐forming and meso‐eutrophic diatom Aulacoseira was registered during El Niño in both domains, mainly in the fluvial zone, related to a high river discharge. Our findings are important to anticipate changes in microalgae composition related to oceanographic variability during potential ENSO events.

Ecological and archaeological consequences of ongoing, largely human‐mediated colonisation of endemic soft, shelly habitats by mangroves in a northern New Zealand embayment - John D. Booth; James J. Robinson; Reuben C. Booth; Robert S. Willoughby (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
Areal extent of native mangroves, Avicennia marina , has doubled in Bay of Islands since 1951. This expansion is widely attributed to deforestation and poor land‐use practices beginning in the late 1800s to early 1900s, and led to greatly transformed intertidal and supratidal habitats. One example has been the ecological isolation and crowding (sometimes, colonisation) by mangroves of shelly beaches, together with their associated ‘chenier‐like’ spits – themselves now among the rarest of New Zealand's inshore marine habitats, with only six still relatively intact ecologically out of at least 44 in the Bay of Islands. These shores were also where pre Contact Māori often gathered to harvest intertidal cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi and to fish, archaeological signatures typically becoming obscured once mangroves colonised upper shores. Although recent seaward intrusion by mangroves into the cockle habitat of the Parekura Bay study site appears to have been proportionately small, there may be potential for more as elevated levels of sedimentation persist. With wholesale mangrove removals demonstrably ineffective in re‐establishing original communities, the ongoing ecological and archaeological disruption of endemic soft, shelly contexts through largely human‐mediated mangrove colonisation might be curbed in certain situations through strategic, proactive removal of new mangrove recruits, particularly on expanding edges.

Are marine reserves and temporary closed areas effective in enhancing blue cod ( Parapercis colias ) sub‐populations? - Michael Peter Beentjes (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
The primary aim of this study was to determine if blue cod ( Parapercis colias ) sub‐populations demonstrate increases in abundance and size when protected from fishing. (1) Four South Island, New Zealand no‐take marine reserves (MR) (Long Island Kokomohua, LIMR; Hikurangi, HMR; Ulva Island, UIMR; and Five Fingers, FFMR), and areas directly outside these MRs were surveyed using potting surveys. Abundance was higher and mean length larger inside than outside the MRs in thirteen and eleven of the fourteen surveys, respectively. Protection from fishing within three of the four MRs (LIMR, HMR, UIMR), appears to have allowed recovery of blue cod to a lesser or greater extent. (2) Three potting surveys spanned the temporary 2.5 year (2008–2011) closure of the inner Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds to blue cod fishing. Blue cod abundance and mean length increased after closure for two years, and then decreased 30 months after opening as did blue cod presence. Growth alone may be sufficient to account for the observed increases in abundance and size during the closure. Protection from fishing during the temporary inner sounds closures, resulted in a dramatic recovery of blue cod followed by a return to towards pre‐closure levels after re‐opening.

Opportunistic discovery of giant kōkopu ( Galaxias argenteus ) spawning in a tidal reach: site description and implications - Shane Orchard; Shaun Wilkinson (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
This paper reports the first observation of a giant kōkopu ( Galaxias argenteus ) spawning site in a tidal waterway and illustrates the usefulness of DNA barcoding for opportunistic discoveries that in this case involved the collection of a single egg. We describe key characteristics of the spawning site and compare them with the only other recorded giant kōkopu spawning location which was found in a much different environmental context far inland. This is also a novel observation of giant kōkopu and īnanga ( G. maculatus ) spawning on the same section of riverbank. Eggs from the two species occupied the same vertical elevation band, which together the consideration of tidal heights and the egg development stage suggest that the spawning event was triggered by a tidal cue. We discuss the implications of more widespread giant kōkopu spawning in tidal waterways, including historical perspectives contributing to their decline and the potential to reverse these trends.

Fishways provide catchment‐scale improvements to common galaxias ( Galaxias maculatus ) upstream of a barrier in south‐eastern Australia - Frank Amtstaetter; Justin O'Connor; Dan Borg; Lauren Johnson; Paul Moloney (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
The common occurrence of dams is a major threat to riverine fish communities globally and a common remediation technique for fragmented fish communities is fishway construction. Demonstrating the effectiveness of this technique on impacted species is required to rationalise or improve management practices. This study investigates the effects of the installation of a fishway complex on the catadromous common galaxias ( Galaxias maculatus ) population at a catchment scale. We used electrofishing in a before‐after‐control‐impact design to investigate the effects of the installation of a rock‐ramp and a vertical‐slot fishway complex on this species. This study demonstrated an increase in the relative abundance of common galaxias of 7.6–28.1 times and a shift to higher proportions of small fish in tributaries upstream of the fishway complex (as far as 90 km upstream). These findings provide strong evidence for the efficacy of the installation of fishways to increase the number of catadromous fishes in rivers where fish migrations have been blocked by dams.

Which variables influence the structure and abundance of aquatic herbivorous assemblages in small forested Patagonian wetlands? - Fabián Gastón Jara; Patricia Elizabeth Garcia; Roberto Daniel Garcia; Julieta Valeria Sganga; Mariana Pueta (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
Herbivores in wetlands are key organisms that shape the structure and composition of wetland plant communities (algae and vascular plants). The detritus produced by herbivory contributes to nutrient cycling and provides important resources for other organisms in the ecosystem. Due to their importance, we decided to survey a set of 12 seasonal wetlands located in Andean Patagonian forests. We registered the biotic and abiotic variables of each wetland and the diversity and abundance of herbivores. We found two groups of wetlands: short hydroperiod and long hydroperiod. Despite this, the structure of the communities was not related to the hydroperiod length, abundance, or species composition. In particular, the abundance of herbivores was explained by chlorophyll, pH and dissolved oxygen, among others. Their diversity and abundance were (in decreasing order): rotifers, copepods, cladocerans, caddisflies, and amphibians. Probably, the species found in these wetlands are well adapted to different hydroperiod regimens and, even in short hydroperiods, can complete their life cycle. The results found here do not match with the model of hydroperiod gradient; however, other variables not measured here, such as diversity and abundance of aquatic plants or predation by invertebrates, could impact the composition and abundance of herbivores in these wetlands.

Diet variation of common smelt across a salinity gradient in coastal lakes on Rēkohu (Chatham Island) - Grace Fortune‐Kelly; Motia Gulshan Ara; Travis Ingram (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
Sea level rise threatens ecosystem function in coastal lakes by increasing salinity and altering community composition. As mobile generalists, fish have considerable influence on the stability of a system by impacting trophic network structure. Understanding their diet across abiotic gradients, including salinity, can show key characteristics of their ecological role, and predator diet shifts may serve as warning signs of food web restructuring. Stomach contents analysis was used to look at the diet of Retropinna retropinna (common smelt) across shallow coastal lakes on Rēkohu (Chatham Island). Smelt diets from 10 lakes (seven freshwater; three salt‐influenced) were analysed. Comparisons of salt‐influenced and freshwater lakes showed shifts in composition. Smelt in freshwater lakes predominantly consumed herbivorous, omnivorous, or predatory insect larvae while diet in salt‐influenced lakes was dominanted by crustacean shredders. Population diet varied somewhat less among salt‐influenced lakes than among freshwater lakes, suggesting homogenisation of smelt diet with salinity. Differences in composition and heterogeneity did not translate to consistent differences in total niche width or individual specialisation between freshwater and salt‐influenced lakes. Further development of knowledge on biological structure across salinity gradients is essential to understand ecosystem function under future climate scenarios.

A review on green‐lipped mussel, Perna canaliculus immunology: the drivers, virulence factors, advances, and applications - Awanis Azizan; Leonie Venter; Andrea C. Alfaro (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
The endemic, green‐lipped mussel ( Perna canaliculus ), trademarked as Greenshell™ mussel, contributes most to the New Zealand aquaculture industry based on tonnage and export value. Research on mussel immunity is motivated greatly by economical and biosecurity necessities. Indeed, mussel aquaculture is threatened by pathogenic micro‐organisms and environmental stressors. As such there is a need to understand the mechanisms that drive mussel immune responses and the associated interactions with the environment. Specifically, this review (1) analyses the existing immunological studies conducted on P. canaliculus , (2) evaluates the literature pertaining to mussel immunity at the cellular and humoral levels, (3) identifies and discusses pathogens that are relevant to P. canaliculus , (4) focuses on the virulent factors employed by mussel pathogens likely to induce diseases, (5) provides a comprehensive analysis of the response mechanisms employed by mussels to various stressors, and (6) explores omics applications and future perspectives in mussel immunology. Finally, this review highlights various strategies from immunological research, such as gene rearrangement, probiotics, immunostimulants, and selective breeding, promising to enhance mussel health and resilience in aquaculture. By exploring these immunological findings and their practical applications, this review contributes to sustainable mussel aquaculture, improving productivity and disease management in the industry.

Development and validation of molecular biomarkers for the green‐lipped mussel ( Perna canaliculus ) - Camille G. Baettig; Andrew Barrick; Martin Zirngibl; Gavin Lear; Kirsty F. Smith; Grant L. Northcott; Louis A. Tremblay (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
Globally, there is a move towards using local, native species for ecotoxicological risk assessments. Anthropogenic stressors from urban, agricultural, and industrial activities can impact the health of receiving ecosystems. Biomarkers can provide valuable insights as early warning signals of the potential environmental impacts of stressors. The aim of this study was to develop biomarkers in the green‐lipped mussel ( Perna canaliculus ), a potential bioindicator of environmental health for coastal marine ecosystems in New Zealand. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) assays targeting the expression of genes involved in oxidative stress, xenobiotic transfer, membrane transportation, cellular and DNA response/repair, and endocrine disruption were developed and validated for P. canaliculus . We found significant modulation of genes associated with oxidative stress, xenobiotic transfer, membrane transport, endocrine disruption, and genotoxicity in P. canaliculus following 48‐hour exposures to copper and benzo[α]pyrene. These results demonstrate the potential of P. canaliculus as a bioindicator species for environmental risk assessment. The gene expression assays showed potential as early indicators of exposure to the chemicals tested but require additional validation to assess their ability to predict effects at higher levels of biological organisation.

Snapshots in time: quantifying dynamics of coastal vessel traffic in a dolphin hotspot - William Carome; William Rayment; Elisabeth Slooten; M. Hamish Bowman; Emmanuelle Martinez; Stephen M. Dawson (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
Small vessels contribute substantially to coastal soundscapes, presenting myriad potential impacts on marine species and ecosystems, yet are challenging to monitor using standard tracking methods (e.g. AIS). Here, we present an automated camera system developed to quantify coastal vessel traffic in a core habitat for Hector's dolphins ( Cephalorhynchus hectori ) within Akaroa Harbour, Aotearoa New Zealand. Analysis of 55,569 images taken during the austral summer of 2019/20 showed that traffic was highest around midday, on weekends, and in January. A mean of 41.9 vessel trips per day transited the area of core habitat. Vessel speeds estimated from photographs were assigned to 5‐knot bins with 84% accuracy. Findings suggest vessel traffic in Akaroa Harbour has approximately doubled between 2006–2008 and 2020. Additionally, tours focused specifically on dolphins composed a significantly larger proportion of vessel traffic in 2020 than observed during 2006–2008. We validate the use of an automated camera system as a robust, novel, repeatable, and cost‐effective tool for quantifying fluctuations in coastal vessel traffic. Such tools can provide baseline data and help assess impacts, and their use can guide management action.

A preliminary estimate of the contribution of coastal blue carbon to climate change mitigation in New Zealand - Finnley W. R. Ross; Dana E. Clark; Olga Albot; Anna Berthelsen; Richard Bulmer; Josie Crawshaw; Peter I. Macreadie (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
The scale at which New Zealand is currently storing and sequestering blue carbon, and could create additional blue carbon via restoration, has been unclear. Here, we calculate a preliminary estimate for the current extent of three key blue carbon ecosystems (saltmarshes, mangrove forests and seagrass meadows), their carbon stocks and their carbon sequestration rates using the best available data to provide a preliminary estimate of blue carbon in New Zealand. We also use local examples to explore opportunities to create additional blue carbon. Based on the available literature, we estimate the current extent of New Zealand's blue carbon ecosystems to be 76,152 ha, which is 1.0% of the area of terrestrial native forests. Our preliminary estimate of New Zealand's blue carbon stock is 2.66–3.76 Mt of carbon, with a current carbon sequestration rate of 0.12 (0.05–0.26) Mt/CO 2 /yr, which is equivalent to 0.16% of New Zealand's 2021 gross emissions. Restoration of saltmarshes could enhance their carbon sink capacity, mangrove forests are naturally expanding and seagrass meadow restoration techniques at scale are still in development. Developing a national framework for blue carbon protection, monitoring and restoration is important as part of New Zealand's climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Using a transcriptomic approach to understand poor growth performance in farmed orange‐spotted grouper ( Epinephelus coioides ) larvae: a case study in a commercial hatchery - Su Khi Ng; Cher Chien Lau; Min Pau Tan; Siti Azizah Mohd Nor; Muhd Danish‐Daniel; Nor Afiqah‐Aleng; Zainal Abidin Muchlisin; Nur Fadli (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
The orange‐spotted grouper ( Epinephelus coioides ) is one of the most popular fish in aquaculture due to its high economic value. However, the random occurrence of slow‐growing population has led to profit loss. Therefore, transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify the molecular mechanisms involved in driving slow and fast growth, towards addressing this issue. Results show that low expression of developmental genes such as bone morphogenetic protein 1 ( BMP 1 ) and somatostatin ( SST ), as well as GH/IGF axis‐related genes ( IGF‐1 , IGF2 , IGFBP1 , IGFBP2 ) and its downstream signalling pathways are correlated with the metabolism and digestive‐system‐related pathways in slow‐growing groupers. Enrichment analysis further revealed that cellular process and biological regulation, as well as several pathways including glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, linoleic acid metabolism, protein digestion and absorption, and cholesterol metabolism were differentially expressed in slow‐growing groups. The findings implied that the genomic architecture of growth between the different families raised and the likely problem of inbreeding have led to significantly reduced growth. It is also suggested that better husbandry practices (optimal dietary requirement) is also vital in supporting the success of a genetic improvement programme. These findings recommend growth improvement of orange‐spotted groupers via molecular monitoring and artificial selection, complemented by specific dietary feeding.

A preliminary investigation of zooplankton diapausing eggs from waterbird faecal droppings in New Zealand - Kelly M. Jamieson; Ian C. Duggan (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
We analysed internal dispersal of zooplankton by waterbirds (endozoochory) in New Zealand, quantifying zooplankton eggs in faecal droppings collected at two lakes, Lake Rotoroa (Hamilton) and Lake Rotorua. Sixty‐seven faecal droppings were collected from Mallard Ducks (20), Canada Geese (11), Greylag Geese (6), Black Swans (20) and Australian Coots (10). Fifty eggs were found, with a mean of 0.75 eggs per dropping, indicating that waterbirds consume zooplankton eggs, and that these pass through the digestive system. No significant difference was observed in the abundance of eggs among waterbird species, and no eggs hatched in the laboratory. Our results suggest that waterbird dispersal of zooplankton in New Zealand is occurring, but numbers being transported are low. Further, as non‐native waterbirds such as mallard ducks and geese do not migrate in New Zealand to the extent they do elsewhere, they are likely not primary vectors for zooplankton dispersal.

Review of skeletal carbonate mineralogy of brachiopods with new material from New Zealand - Abigail M. Smith; David F. Freeman; Ian S. Dixon‐Anderson; Daphne E. Lee (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
We combine published and new mineralogical data on most major taxa of brachiopods from all over the world, to investigate patterns and controls on brachiopod carbonate mineralogy. Measurements of 1726 specimens in 162 species (including 56 fossil species) ranged from 79°N to 74°S and from intertidal to almost 4000 m deep. Calcareous brachiopods mostly create strong resilient valves of very low‐Mg calcite ( = 1.3 wt% MgCO 3 ). The substrate‐cemented Craniida ( = 8.9 wt% MgCO 3 ) and Thecideida ( = 6.5 wt% MgCO 3 ) are unusual in precipitating calcite with higher Mg content. This is the first study to find bimineralic brachiopods; a few species show a combination of low‐Mg ( = 0.8 wt% MgCO 3 ) and intermediate‐Mg calcite ( = 7.2 wt% MgCO 3 ) ( sensu Smith AM, Key MM Jr, Gordon DP. 2006. Skeletal mineralogy of bryozoans: taxonomic and temporal patterns. Earth‐Science Reviews. 78:287–306.). While Mg in calcite varies systematically among valve layers and sometimes along the growth axis, we found no consistent difference between valves of the same individual. A weak latitudinal signal indicates some overall temperature control of Mg, but in general, brachiopods are active calcifiers, precipitating low‐Mg calcite even when Mg:Ca ratio in seawater is high. The drivers on brachiopod mineralogy are individual, environmental, and phylogenetic – resulting in complex variability.

Chironomidae responses to volcanic ash fall: a case study from Northern Patagonia for consideration in paleolimnological reconstructions - Natalia Williams; Andrea Rizzo; Romina Daga; Walter A. Alfonzo; Sergio Ribeiro Guevara (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
Lacustrine environments from Northern Patagonia are exposed to volcanic events from the Southern Volcanic Zone. Chironomid larvae are an important paleo‐proxy because, in addition to their environmental sensitivity, their chitinous cephalic capsules are well preserved in lacustrine sediments, allowing their recovery and identification. We analysed the effects of a recent volcanic eruption (Puyehue‐Cordón Caulle Volcanic Complex 2011) on the chironomid community based on their cephalic remains accumulated following the ash deposition process. Two pulses of ash deposition were distinguished: a first stage comprising the immediate coarse ash fall and a delayed finer volcanic deposition. An abrupt decline in chironomid taxa and their densities were noted during the first coarse pulse, followed by an attempt of community recovery through the second finer pulse, characterised by main taxa turnover, observing an alternative community functional structure. Based on these results and comparing with past volcanic depositions, we observed different chironomid responses according to their particular ecological habits, and we noted possible percolation effects, mainly in coarse tephras, and probably a delayed record of very low abundance taxa. Our results suggest caution in analysing chironomid assemblages within and adjacent to tephra deposition as local volcanic eruption could affect chironomid community with possible consequences on paleoreconstructions.

A meta‐analysis revealing the technical, environmental, and host‐associated factors that shape the gut microbiota of Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout - Shuowen Cao; Johan Dicksved; Torbjörn Lundh; Aleksandar Vidakovic; Parisa Norouzitallab; David Huyben (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Salmonids, specifically Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ) and rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ), are commonly farmed and their gut microbiota plays important roles for optimal growth, health, and physiology. However, differences in experimental design, technical factors and bioinformatics make it challenging to compare the results from different studies and draw general conclusions about their influence on the fish gut microbiota. For a more comprehensive understanding of the gut microbiota, we collected all the publicly accessible 16S rRNA gene sequencing data with clearly stated sample metadata from freshwater Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout intestinal contents and mucosa sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform. A total of 783 samples from 19 published studies were included in this meta‐analysis to test the impact of the technical, environmental, and host‐accociated factors. This meta‐analysis revealed that all the tested factors significantly influenced the alpha and beta diversities of the gut microbiota of salmon and trout. Technical factors, especially target region and DNA extraction kit, affected the beta diversity to a larger extent, while host‐associated and environmental factors, especially diet and initial fish weight, had a higher impact on the alpha diversity. Salmon had a higher alpha diversity and higher abundance of Enterococcus and Staphylococcus than trout, which had higher abundance of Weissella and Mycoplasma . The results of this meta‐analysis fill in a critical knowledge gap that demonstrate technical methodologies must be standardized and factors associated with host and environment need to be accounted for in the future design of salmonid gut microbiota experiments.

Advances in the application of stereo vision in aquaculture with emphasis on fish: A review - Daoliang Li; Jiaxuan Yu; Zhuangzhuang Du; Wenkai Xu; Guangxu Wang; Shili Zhao; Yasai Liu; Akhter Muhammad (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
The effective implementation of machine vision has played a crucial role in advancing intelligent aquaculture across various domains. Stereo vision, as a branch of machine vision, has become a mainstream technology in aquaculture. Its distinctive capability to conduct comprehensive underwater monitoring from multiple angles, unaffected by object occlusion has propelled it to the forefront of aquaculture applications. This article offers a comprehensive review of the diverse applications of stereo vision in aquaculture spanning from its inception to present. The exploration encompasses its role in crucial areas such as biomass estimation and behavioural analysis, which include fish counting, weight estimation, swimming behaviour, feeding behaviour and abnormal behaviour. Furthermore, the paper delves into the advantages of stereo vision over traditional 2D machine vision approaches, while also acknowledging limitations, and identifying future challenges that must be addressed to fully leverage its potential in aquaculture. The review emphasizes the prospect of advancement in deep learning stereo‐matching algorithms specifically designed for underwater environments to catalyse a breakthrough in stereo vision technology. In summary, this review aims to provide researchers and practitioners with a better understanding of the current development of stereo vision in aquaculture, optimizing stereo vision technology and better serving the aquaculture field.

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)

Vibrio pathogens and their toxins in aquaculture: A comprehensive review - Marieke Vandeputte; Md. Abul Kashem; Peter Bossier; Daisy Vanrompay (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Aquaculture is an indispensable food source for the growing world population. In the last decades, its intensification has increased the incidence of viral and bacterial infections, emphasizing the need for novel disease management strategies. Vibrionaceae bacteria are widespread in aquatic environments, affecting various host species, including economically important fish, shrimp and bivalves. Also, human consumption of undercooked aquatic food contaminated with Vibrionaceae and/or their toxins poses a threat to human health, leading to conditions such as gastroenteritis, wound infection and sepsis. In addition, small fish and shrimp, in open aquaculture systems, can be eaten by birds that can then carry and spread this pathogen to livestock and humans. Many Vibrionaceae produce toxins, some detrimental or even lethal to the hosts, others affecting surrounding bacteria. This review provides a comprehensive overview of Vibrio toxins affecting aquatic (in)vertebrate, summarizing findings on molecular structures, mechanisms of action and regulation and secretion processes involved. Important toxin classes for microbe–host interactions, such as haemolytic, proteolytic and MARTX toxins, are discussed, along with other toxins like PirAB produced by the AHPND‐causing Vibrio parahaemolyticus . The review also emphasizes the importance of microbe–microbe interactions, particularly the production of bacteriocins by Vibrio species (Vibriocins) and antibacterial effectors produced by the Type 6 Secretion System (T6SS). While whole genome sequencing has identified putative virulence factors that are toxins, many toxins remain partially characterized or uncharacterized. Elucidating their regulation, secretion and molecular characteristics can provide valuable information and lead to novel solutions for managing Vibrio pathogens in aquaculture.

Assessing transgenerational gene editing capacity for enhancing aquaculture productivity in decapod crustaceans - Nickolis Black; Thomas M. Banks; Tomer Ventura (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
In the wake of global population increases and stagnating capture fishery production, there exists a requirement for novel biotechnologies to increase aquaculture productivity to offset demand. Through recognition of limitations imposed by aquaculture—increased incidence of disease, stress, cannibalism, and mortality in captivity—researchers continue to investigate RNA interference (RNAi) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) technologies for their potential to alleviate these at a genetic level. In decapods, with the exception of generating desirable all‐male monosex populations in Macrobrachium rosenbergii , RNAi and CRISPR technologies have yet to provide a significant commercial use case. This literature review provides a comprehensive examination of RNAi and CRISPR in decapods, along with popular delivery methods (injection/microinjection; electroporation; receptor‐mediated ovary transduction of cargo [ReMOT]; and nanoparticles). It identifies a number of limitations including scalability bottlenecks imposed by RNAi delivery methods, and deferred gene editing progress as a result of CRISPR's infancy. Finally, it recognises gene editing induced gene silencing (GEiGS®) as a novel method for silencing gene expression, and suggests an interim examination of transgenerational gene silencing (TGS) (‘parental RNAi’) in decapods to enhance aquaculture productivity.

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)

Arabic Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)

Healthy Diets and Global Aquatic Food Production - Albert G. J. Tacon; Giovanni M. Turchini (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)

Navigating aquaculture losses: Tackling fish‐killing phytoflagellates in a changing global landscape - Malihe Mehdizadeh Allaf; Kevin J. Erratt (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Aquaculture has emerged as a pivotal alternative for seafood production, addressing the challenges posed by depleting wild fish stocks. However, the industry faces substantial challenges, notably the presence of harmful algal blooms (HABs), which can cause serious economic consequences. The proliferation of major species of phytoflagellates leading to massive fish mortality is on the rise, possibly attributed to increasing global temperatures and eutrophication. This underscores the critical need for robust detection, prevention, and mitigation strategies to safeguard the aquaculture industry. This contribution offers valuable insights into comprehending and addressing the challenges posed by HABs in the fish aquaculture sector in an era of global change.

Nitrogen cycling process and application in different prawn culture modes - Zhao Chen; Jian Li; Qianqian Zhai; Zhiqiang Chang; Jitao Li (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Nitrogenous waste is a global concern in aquatic ecosystems. In the shrimp farming system, feeding is the main input of nitrogen, which leads to the accumulation of nitrogenous waste, such as ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Nitrogen cycling is crucial for nitrogenous waste removal and for the stability of the aquaculture system. Under the action of different functional microorganisms, a variety of nitrogen cycling pathways can be used for the transformation and removal of nitrogenous waste. Understanding the complexity of the nitrogen cycle is necessary for improving the aquaculture environment. This review examines the many components and mechanisms involved in the nitrogen cycle in shrimp farming system, including nitrification, denitrification, anammox, heterotrophic assimilation, and autotrophic assimilation. Because of the difference in aquaculture characteristics, nitrogen cycling pathways in different shrimp culture modes are diverse. The current application of the nitrogen cycle in shrimp farming system, including the outdoor pond mode and indoor industrialized mode, was presented in combination with the requirements for dissolved oxygen (DO), organic matter, carbon–nitrogen ratio, light, and other environmental factors. Overall, nitrification, heterotrophic assimilation, autotrophic assimilation, and heterotrophic denitrification are the main nitrogen cycle processes in the shrimp culture system. According to the characteristics of aquaculture modes and microorganisms, utilizing different nitrogen cycle processes can enhance the efficiency of the nitrogen cycle, facilitate the elimination of nitrogenous waste, optimize the aquaculture water environment, and improve overall aquaculture benefits.

Molecular mechanisms of sex determination and differentiation in decapod crustaceans for potential aquaculture applications: An overview - Tao Wang; Yang Yu; Shihao Li; Fuhua Li (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Crustacean aquaculture, especially monosex culture, requires a comprehensive knowledge of the mechanisms regulating sex determination and differentiation. Decapod crustaceans display either female heterogamety (ZW/ZZ) or male heterogamety (XY/XX) as their mode of genotypic sex determination. However, some decapod species exhibit sexual plasticity via removing the androgenic gland, knockdown insulin receptor transcripts, administrating exogenous sex steroids, and altering environmental factors. Although the master sex‐determining gene in decapods remains elusive, various sexual genes, hormones, and neurotransmitter are emerging as important factors in sex differentiation. This review looks into recent advancements in studies related to the genetic sex determination system and factors that trigger sex reversal. Moreover, the elucidation of the role of genetic factors in sex differentiation in both females and males, as well as their underlying interrelated regulatory mechanisms, provides justification for three levels of application: the induction of monosex populations, detection of precocious sex and genotype, and prevention of uncontrolled reproduction. Finally, we proposed future directions of bioinformatics analysis and genome editing coupled with sex control to increase the yield for economic decapods. In conclusion, this review provides a foundation for future research on the reproductive biology and sexual regulation of decapods, with the aim of aiding practitioners in advancing the crustacean aquaculture industry.

Protein and lipid nutrition in crabs - Noah Esmaeili; Hongyu Ma; Sunil Kadri; Douglas R. Tocher (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Understanding the nutrition of crabs has a key role in ensuring the success and sustainability of their culture, as providing a well‐balanced, cost‐effective and sustainable diet that ensures the survival, growth and health of crabs is crucial. The present review is the first to focus primarily on the current state of knowledge of the nutrient requirements and related nutritional aspects in farmed crab species. The most common farmed and studied crabs are the Chinese mitten crab ( Eriocheir sinensis Milne‐Edwards, 1853), giant mud crab ( Scylla serrata Forsskal, 1775), green mud crab ( Scylla paramamosain Estampador, 1949) and swimming crab ( Portunus trituberculatus Miers, 1876). The article reviews how levels of dietary protein and lipid, the two most important and expensive macronutrient ingredients for most marine animals, directly affect reproduction, growth performance and survival of crabs, and the important impacts they have on immune response and antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, essential amino acids, and essential fatty acids, especially the long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as key lipid classes such as cholesterol and phospholipid will be discussed in terms of dietary requirements. Nutrient digestibility is a crucial method to determine protein quality, and studies on this topic in crabs were covered. The replacement of fishmeal and fish oil, as the predominant ingredients traditionally used in aquafeeds for marine animals, with more sustainable alternatives in diet formulations for crabs are also discussed. Modern ‘omics’ studies and high‐throughput technologies as fast‐growing approaches in protein and lipid research are also covered. Crabs generally require approximately 35%–50% protein, 5%–10% lipid, ~2.5% arginine, ~2.5% lysine, 1.5%–2.5% phenylalanine, 2.2% leucine, 0.7% tryptophan, 0.7% taurine, 1%–2% each of eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid, 1% cholesterol and ~2% phospholipid in their diets.

Nanoparticles‐based double‐stranded RNA delivery as an antiviral agent in shrimp aquaculture - Veasarach Jonjaroen; Patai Charoonnart; Sarocha Jitrakorn; Panwajee Payongsri; Rudee Surarit; Vanvimon Saksmerprome; Nuttawee Niamsiri (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
The review encapsulates the comprehensive exploration of RNA interference technology's application in shrimp aquaculture, covering molecular intricacies, production methods, and practical applications. The emphasis is on exploring the stability and delivery of gene‐specific double‐stranded RNA, particularly through nanoencapsulation. This is because the susceptibility of dsRNA to degradation and limited cellular penetration, emphasising the need for effective delivery mechanisms. The review presents an in‐depth exploration of nanoparticles for the encapsulation and delivery of dsRNA, including virus‐like particles (VLPs), and non‐viral based nanoparticles such as liposomes, chitosan, and beta‐glucan. VLPs, derived from non‐infectious shrimp virus structures, exhibit biocompatibility and natural functionality, making them suitable carriers for dsRNA. The application of chitosan and its derivatives are explored for their efficacy in reducing viral infections in shrimp. Beta‐glucan particles are examined for their immunostimulant properties in shrimp aquaculture. The text emphasises the use of yeast‐based glucan particles for encapsulating dsRNA, showcasing their potential in preventing viral diseases in shrimp. The review introduces cautionary considerations for nanoparticle formulation, highlighting factors such as pH, organic solvents, metal ions, and environmental ribonuclease that can impact dsRNA stability during synthesis. In conclusion, the text discusses the potential economic worthiness and environmental risk assessment of dsRNA technology in shrimp aquaculture. While acknowledging successful applications in other environments, it underscores the need for regulatory approval and risk assessment for dsRNA‐based products in the aquaculture industry. The evaluation of dsRNA in real‐world shrimp farms is deemed necessary for commercial utilisation, taking into account income, expenses, safety, and environmental considerations.

Understanding the sources, fate and effects of microplastics in aquatic environments with a focus on risk profiling in aquaculture systems - Naveed Nabi; Ishtiyaq Ahmad; Adnan Amin; Mohd Ashraf Rather; Imtiaz Ahmed; Younis Ahmad Hajam; Saba Khursheed; Monisa Mehboob Malik; Adnan Abubakr (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
The upsurge in the usage of plastics on a global scale has led to the widespread occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments. This review starts by outlining the current global scenario of plastic production. It then delves into the various sources of plastics and their entry into aquatic systems, including their impact on fisheries and the aquaculture sector. The detailed analysis of plastic entry and various methods of degradation into small sized, MPs followed by their transport, uptake and trophic transference have been reviewed systematically. Besides, the review summarizes the current knowledge on impacts of MPs, their additives and associated contaminants on organisms living in the aquatic environment, particularly fish thriving in cultured conditions. The analysis of effects of MPs alone and in association with other contaminants like heavy metals, organic pollutants and leachates reveal serious effects such as cytotoxicity, immune response, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, barrier attributes and genotoxicity among various aquatic species particularly, fish. In addition, the present review discusses MPs invasion into aquaculture systems, explores risk assessment both in terms of exposure risk and toxicological risks associated with biochemical nature, size, shape and concentration of MPs. Besides, risk management strategies and future prospective to control MPs associated hazards have also been highlighted. In summary, the present review outlines the various sources, fate, impact of MPs in aquatic environment highlighting the need to recognize MPs pollution as a serious threat to aquatic organisms and to formulate strategies including prevention, reduce, reuse and safe disposal of plastic material.

Role of β‐glucan on finfish and shellfish health and well‐being: A systematic review and meta‐analysis - Hien Van Doan; Md Afsar Ahmed Sumon; Hung Quang Tran; Chinh Xuan Le; Eman Y. Mohammady; Ehab R. El‐Haroun; Seyed Hossein Hoseinifar; Einar Ringo; Vlastimil Stejskal; Mahmoud A. O. Dawood (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluating the inclusion of β‐glucan in aquaculture animal diets and its impact on their health outcomes. Relevant studies were identified from Scopus and Web of Science databases. A total of 82 primary studies published between 1996 and 2024 were reviewed, of which 70 were included in the meta‐analysis. The results revealed that the application of β‐glucan to aquaculture animal's diets significantly enhanced specific growth rate (SGR; mean effect, g = 2.71; p g = −3.88; p p g = 2.05–6.57) exhibit better performance. This study also found a negative correlation between fish's innate immune response and trophic level, suggesting that fish with higher trophic levels may be less efficient at absorbing this bio‐stimulant. Even though there were high heterogeneity ( I 2 = 73%–97%, p

Indicators for ecological carrying capacity of bivalve and seaweed aquaculture - Carrie J. Byron; Sophie J. I. Koch; Myriam D. Callier; Lotta Kluger; Dror L. Angel; Jan Vanaverbeke; Ramon Filgueira (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Within the framework of Ecosystem Approach to Aquaculture (EAA), ecological carrying capacity (ECC) is a key concept that helps to determine the upper limit of production without compromising ecosystem functioning. The implementation of ECC is complex as ECC differs between type of farms and location and standardised methods should be developed for management. There is therefore a clear need for operational indicators. The objectives of this paper were: (1) to carry out a systematic literature review on shellfish and seaweed aquaculture‐environment interactions to list the most used environmental indicators, (2) to classify the indicators according to the effects they measure (i.e., benthic, water quality, food web interactions, cultured organism health, resource use) and the scale at which they are applied, and (3) to assess their potential based on four indicator criteria categories: sensitivity, accuracy and precision, feasibility and utility, and ecosystem‐level scalability. Overall, indicators describing benthic effects were the most highly cited and scored. Indicators identified for bivalve and seaweed culture were discussed and compared to previous work on salmon aquaculture indicators to highlight similarities and differences across trophic levels. In addition, questions related to the challenges of ECC indicators implementation were presented to a panel of experts. The scoring and consultation provided the source of discussion on environmental management consistent with EAA.

A review of the benefits and limitations of waste nutrient treatment in aquaculture pond facilities - Simon Tabrett; Ian Ramsay; Brian Paterson; Michele A. Burford (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Managing waste nutrients from intensive freshwater and marine pond aquaculture is a global challenge. Nutrient‐enriched water released from farms can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystem health. There are a range of treatment options for discharge water from fish and crustacean ponds, and this review examines the benefits and limitations of these options. Much of the nutrient waste is derived from the addition of formulated feed. In recent years, reduction in waste from feeds and feeding has been largely incremental. In terms of treatment, there are low‐cost approaches, such as settlement ponds, but they are inefficient at reducing nutrients. Biological systems, using aquatic plants, microalgae and filter feeders to reduce nutrient release from farms have variable levels of effectiveness. Establishing wetlands requires considerable additional land area, and success to date has been highly variable. Overall, this review found no simple cost‐effective solution for managing nutrient enriched water from ponds. This is due, in many cases, to challenges with treating the large volumes of discharge water with relatively low nutrient concentrations. This means that more technologically advanced and reliable treatment options, for example, bioreactors, are prohibitively expensive. However, some systems, such as use of recirculation systems typically increase nutrient concentrations, and hence the efficiency and effectiveness of more expensive treatment methods. Biofloc systems can also provide a mechanism for in‐situ nutrient treatment as well as a supplementary food source for animals. Overall, there is scope to improve treatment of waste nutrients, but significant modifications to many production systems are needed to achieve this.

Towards sustainable water disinfection with peracetic acid in aquaculture: A review - Dibo Liu; David L. Straus; Lars‐Flemming Pedersen; Christopher Good; Carlo C. Lazado; Thomas Meinelt (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Peracetic acid (PAA) has a long history as an efficacious and eco‐friendly disinfectant. It was first synthesised in 1902, and since then a wide range of applications has been developed in various industries. Aquaculture is a more recent industry wherein the potential of PAA is significant. As the global demand for sustainable development increases, there has likewise been growing interest in using PAA in aquaculture as an alternative to less environmentally friendly practices. PAA has no carcinogenic risk to humans (unlike formalin), has negligible harmful by‐products (unlike chlorine‐based disinfectants) and with appropriate precautions, the risks of causing severe human health damage is easier to control than ozone. Fish show strong physiological recovery and adaptation to PAA, whereas susceptible life stages of pathogens are highly vulnerable, enabling a safe and efficacious disinfection of the entire culture water and not the flow‐restricted disinfection by such processes as ultraviolet radiation or ozone. The effective concentration of PAA against many fish pathogens is usually below 2 mg L −1 , which is tolerable for most fish, and it has very low environmental risk due to rapid degradation. However, such degradation and the hydrodynamics in production‐scale aquaculture systems complicate the practical use of PAA. In this review, we summarise key results of safe concentrations of PAA and its effectiveness specifically for fish farmers. We also outline major difficulties and possible solutions for practical uses of PAA. We intend to bring global attention to this compound and inspire future possibilities for its sustainable use as a water disinfectant in aquaculture.

Genomic architecture and sex chromosome systems of commercially important fish species in Asia – Current status, knowledge gaps and future prospects - Khanam Taslima; Kiyoshi Kikuchi; Sho Hosoya (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing agro‐food industries in the world and Asia dominates the world's fish production (70% of total) with a high potential to ensure global food security. The leading aquaculture fish species in Asia show sexual dimorphism for traits such as growth, age at sexual maturity etc. in which one sex outperforms the other, increasing the need for controlling sex‐ratio in the farming system. Despite the huge contribution of Asian aquaculture to global fish production, the Asian aquaculture is facing a lot of challenges, for example, maintaining the genetic purity of the fish species and balancing the sex‐ratio in the culture system. Many of these difficulties arise due to a lack of deep understanding of fish genetics, or to the duplicated genome of cultured species, or to the unavailability of high‐quality reference genomes and information on sex determination mechanisms (crucial for monosex production and establishing appropriate breeding programme). This review has described the existing knowledge of the sex determination mechanisms in fish and genome architecture of four commercially important fish groups in Asia (carps, tilapias, catfishes and snakeheads). We also have outlined possible strategies for identifying sex‐determining gene/s using modern genome sequencing and computational technologies. Finally, we have highlighted the existing challenges and future prospects of Asian aquaculture. We anticipate that developments in genome sequencing technologies will help to address the biological complexities and challenges that exist in commercial aquaculture and will be of value for the future growth of the aquaculture industry in Asia.

Important but ignored: Research progress on crab foraging behaviour and its implications for aquaculture - Dapeng Liu; Boshan Zhu; Xiaoshou Liu; Fang Wang (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Crab fisheries play a crucial role in global fishery economics, but they heavily rely on wild catches. With the decline and exploratory limits of wild populations, expanding the scale and production of aquaculture becomes vital for the sustainability of crab fisheries. The development of crab aquaculture encounters significant dietary challenges, stemming from suboptimal formulated feeds and inefficient feeding management. Leveraging insights from crab foraging behaviours offers a promising solution to these issues; however, progress is hindered by a lack of comprehensive behavioural data and the underappreciation of these insights in aquaculture. To bridge this gap, we systematically examine the progress in studies of crab foraging behaviour, analysing the influences of predators, prey, and environmental characteristics, and discuss possibilities for future research and development in the field by combining these findings with the demands of aquaculture. This review identifies a discrepancy in research focus, with inadequate emphasis on the major cultured species and their behavioural responses to factors limiting aquaculture productivity, aiming to enhance our comprehension of crab foraging behaviour and facilitate growth in the crab industry.

The problems with pin bones: Intermuscular bone development and function in salmonids and their implications for aquaculture - Brianne A. Lyall; P. Eckhard Witten; Chris G. Carter; Matthew R. Perrott; Jane E. Symonds; Seumas P. Walker; Zac Waddington; Gianluca Amoroso (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
A healthy skeletal system is fundamental to fish welfare and performance and a key physiological feature of a robust fish. The presence of skeletal deformities in farmed salmonids is a persistent welfare problem in aquaculture, and one which threatens to impede industry growth. Deformities of the fine bones of fish, such as ribs and intermuscular bones (IBs), have received less attention than vertebral body deformities, despite their potential to compromise fish welfare and product quality. IBs, commercially known as pin bones, are small spicule‐like bones embedded in the muscle fillets of salmonids, cyprinids and other basal teleost species. In farmed basal teleosts, they impact fish processing, have negative effects on the economic value of fish and present a potential consumer health concern if ingested. Current understanding of IB development and function in teleosts has mostly relied on morphological research. More recently, advances in our understanding of molecular mechanisms of IB development in cyprinids have been made, largely due to the exploration of breeding IB‐free fish for use in aquaculture. In this review, we explore the existing literature on IBs in teleosts, highlight the points of contention within this field of research and identify the significant knowledge gaps about the development and function of salmonid IBs. To our knowledge, there is no available research on the function of IBs and scarce research concerning IB development in salmonids. Future research on teleost IBs would benefit from the use of consistent terminology to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and identify research outputs in this field.

More than just geosmin and 2‐methylisoborneol? Off‐flavours associated with recirculating aquaculture systems - Pedro Martínez Noguera; Matteo Egiddi; Julia Södergren; Mariana Rodrigues da Silva; Jonathan Beauchamp; Mikael Agerlin Petersen; Andrea Buettner; Niels O. G. Jørgensen (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
The consumption of seafood is driven by flavour, yet achieving its high quality remains a challenge for many species reared in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). A comprehensive knowledge of off‐odour sources in aquatic foods is indispensable in ensuring flavour quality standards. At the beginning of the production chain, early post‐harvest lipid oxidation products develop into endogenous off‐odours and accumulate over time. These malodours add to those already absorbed exogenously, namely from the water and feeds, although the information on the interactions between these sources is currently scarce. Despite geosmin and 2‐methylisoborneol receiving significant attention in relation to fish off‐flavour, only limited knowledge on the molecular and ecological mechanisms driving their production in aquatic environments has been reported. Moreover, RAS‐hosted bacteria have been associated with a wide range of other odour‐active compounds, such as pyrazines, terpenoids, and other degradation byproducts that are frequently overlooked when studying flavour taint in fish. The influence of aquaculture feeds on the flavour of fish flesh has been underestimated, too, both as a source of off‐odours but also as a novel modulator strategy to achieve desirable aquatic food flavours. Finally, the influence of water treatment processes widely used in RAS operations, such as advance oxidation process, ozone, ultraviolet and hydrogen peroxide disinfections, is greatly underexplored with respect to odour quality. This article reviews the current scientific evidence with supporting data on the chemical diversity of off‐odours found in aquaculture fish worldwide and their potential sources and highlights knowledge gaps that should be addressed in future research.

Recent advances of Terminalia catappa and its application in fish culture: A review - Xu Wang; Norhidayah Mohd Taufek; Norhafiza Mohd Arshad (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
High‐intensity aquaculture may cause the aquatic animals to experience elevated stress levels, which in turn will increase their susceptibility to illness and result in substantial losses. Farmers frequently use chemical and antibiotic treatments for fish diseases, which have led to drug‐resistant and hazardous residues in farmed fish and the environment. Consequently, finding substitutes for chemicals and antibiotics is crucial for disease management in aquaculture. Terminalia catappa L. or commonly called Indian almond is well known for its medicinal properties and widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. T. catappa contains chemical compounds such as tannin and flavonoid that play an important role in antibacterial, anti‐allergy, anti‐inflammation, and anti‐cancer. Numerous studies have been conducted on leaves, bark, fruits, and seed of T. catappa for their applications, including medicinal, bioremediation (dye absorption), and aquaculture use. Much research can be found on the utilization of T. catappa leaves to improve fish well‐being, mostly in the ornamental fish industry. Extract of T. catappa has been found to improve fish survival, growth rate, inhibit bacterial infection, improve water quality, enhance fish colouration, and boost the immune response. Although T. catappa leaves have undergone substantial research, it has not been systematically described in connection to fish species used in aquaculture. This review will systematically discuss the biotoxicity of T. catappa evaluation of growth‐promoting properties, eggs and larviculture performance, and enhancement of fish resistance to various bacteria, fungi, and parasites. In addition, the article also highlights the future perspectives of using T. catappa to improve fish culture.

Spanish Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)

An aquaculture risk model to understand the causes and consequences of Atlantic Salmon mass mortality events: A review - Zaman Sajid; A. Kurt Gamperl; Christopher C. Parrish; Stefanie M. Colombo; Javier Santander; Charles Mather; Barbara Neis; Ingunn Marie Holmen; Ramón Filgueira; Cynthia H. McKenzie; Lissandra Souto Cavalli; Mohamed Jeebhay; et al. (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Mass mortality events (MMEs) are defined as the death of large numbers of fish over a short period of time. These events can result in catastrophic losses to the Atlantic salmon aquaculture industry and the local economy. However, they are challenging to understand because of their relative infrequency and the high number of potential factors involved. As a result, the causes and consequences of MMEs in Atlantic salmon aquaculture are not well understood. In this study, we developed a structural network of causal risk factors for MMEs for aquaculture and the communities that depend on Atlantic salmon aquaculture. Using the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) technique, we analysed the causes of Atlantic salmon mass mortalities due to environmental (abiotic), biological (biotic) and nutritional risk factors. The consequences of MMEs were also assessed for the occupational health and safety of aquaculture workers and their implications for the livelihoods of local communities. This structural network deepens our understanding of MMEs and points to management actions and interventions that can help mitigate mass mortalities. MMEs are typically not the result of a single risk factor but are caused by the systematic interaction of risk factors related to the environment, fish diseases, feeding/nutrition and cage‐site management. Results also indicate that considerations of health and safety risk, through pre‐ and post‐event risk assessments, may help to minimize workplace injuries and eliminate potential risks of human fatalities. Company and government‐assisted socio‐economic measures could help mitigate post‐mass mortality impacts. Appropriate and timely management actions may help reduce MMEs at Atlantic salmon cage sites and minimize the physical and social vulnerabilities of workers and local communities.

Glycerol supplementation in farmed fish species: A review from zootechnical performance to metabolic utilisation - Margarida Coelho; Mariana Palma; Ludgero C. Tavares; Stéphane Panserat; Ivan Viegas; Leonardo J. Magnoni (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Glycerol, an abundant by‐product of biodiesel production, has gained attention due to its price and availability for potential commercial applications, and thus utilisation as an animal feed ingredient. This article comprehensively reviews glycerol utilisation in fish and its potential as a dietary ingredient for aquaculture. While dietary inclusion of glycerol may offer cost‐effective energy and metabolic intermediates, studies report inconsistent results regarding its effects on nutrient digestibility, zootechnical performance, and product quality. Recent studies however have demonstrated that dietary glycerol supplementation in fish induces metabolic shifts, such as alterations to gluconeogenesis and/or lipogenesis, modifying energy utilisation. Additionally, glycerol has been proposed to reduce protein catabolism, minimising nitrogen excretion and its environmental impact, but its influence on protein retention remains uncertain. Nevertheless, it is important to carefully consider the balance between feed palatability and these potential metabolic alterations when incorporating glycerol in aquafeeds. This review highlights the need for more studies to expand our understanding of glycerol metabolism in fish, since it does not seem to be metabolised by carnivorous species as much as omnivorous. Future research should explore the effects of glycerol supplementation on fish with different feeding habits and in developmental stages, as well as diverse environmental salinities and temperatures. Insight into the impact of impurities and the optimisation of glycerol inclusion in aquafeeds are recommended to support sustainable aquaculture practices and the utilisation of glycerol as a valuable resource.

Nutrition and feeds for abalone: Current knowledge and future directions - Xinxin Li; Dong Huang; Mingzhu Pan; Javad Sahandi; Zhenhua Wu; Kangsen Mai; Wenbing Zhang (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Abalone is a commercially important mariculture mollusc because of its nutrient‐rich value and extensive market demand. To date, over 95% of the abalone supply has been contributed by farming. Macroalgae are the natural food of abalones. However, the supply of macroalgae is unstable owing to seasonal restrictions. This limits the success of abalone farming. Therefore, formulated diets are crucial for the ongoing expansion and sustainable development of abalone culture. The most important considerations in formulated diets are the nutrient composition and commercially available feed ingredients. This review presents a comprehensive description of the nutrient requirements of abalones and the role that nutrients play in regulating abalone growth and health. The dietary proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, macroalgae sources and feed additives currently used in abalone feeds were subsequently summarised. Additionally, this review also highlights the importance of prioritizing the development of sustainable alternative sources of proteins, carbohydrates and macroalgae to meet the increasing demand for abalone feed. Based on the information provided, future directions in the knowledge of abalone nutrition and feeds are subsequently discussed, which will guide further research towards the development of well‐balanced commercial feeds that enhance feed utilisation and promote abalone growth and health.

A review of dynamic optimization in aquaculture production economics - Roger Domínguez‐May; Juan M. Hernández; Iván Velázquez‐Abunader (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Dynamic optimization (DO) has been applied to aquaculture industry to determine optimal management strategies of aquaculture production systems. Optimal control of feeding, optimal stocking successions, and harvesting time among other factors has been studied. This work shows a review of the application of optimal control theory (OCT) and dynamic programming in economics and management of aquaculture. The Pontriagyn's maximum principle and the Bellman's optimality are the most commonly used mechanisms to solve control problems that optimize the producer's benefit or cost. Recently, model‐based predictive control has also been applied. Such tools have been used in aspects involving the design, planning, and monitoring of variables relevant to the optimal management of the culture system. It was found that in aquaculture there is low scientific productivity in the application of DO in bioeconomic models. In this review, an example of OCT applied to the control of feeding of farmed tilapia using a bioeconomic model is shown. DO represents a useful tool for optimal decision‐making and this review discusses the implications of the use of DO in aquaculture and recommendations for its use in the future.

Adaptation of cultured decapod crustaceans to changing salinities: Physiological responses, molecular mechanisms and disease implications - Yousuf Dar Jaffer; Irfan Ahmad Bhat; Ishfaq Nazir Mir; Raja Aadil Hussain Bhat; M. Junaid Sidiq; Prasanta Jana (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
In recent years, the production of economically important crustaceans, and decapods in inland saline areas has increased considerably. The osmoregulatory capacity of these decapods renders them culturable in wide salinity ranges, contributing to a global industry valued at billions of dollars. Therefore, gaining insights into the fundamental mechanisms that drive the adaptive capacity of crustaceans to thrive in diverse salinity ranges is essential. This comprehensive review paper unveils the pivotal adaptations of decapods that allow them to flourish in diverse salinities, ranging from freshwater to saline waters. This article discusses the molecular mechanisms of osmoregulation in decapod crustaceans with more emphasis on Litopenaeus vannammei . Moreover, the importance of maintaining an ideal osmotic balance for efficient digestion and nutrient absorption in L . vannamei is discussed. Furthermore, the effect of salinity on disease resistance in these species is explored, highlighting the need for effective disease management in aquaculture. Overall, this review explores the multifaceted factors influencing decapod crustaceans' adaptation to shifting salinities and also emphasizes the ongoing need for continued research in this domain.

Correction to “The Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus: A detailed review of structure, infectivity, host immunity, diagnosis and prevention” (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)

Societal perceptions of aquaculture: Combining scoping review and media analysis - Mausam Budhathoki; Sezgin Tunca; Raquel Lopez Martinez; Wenbo Zhang; Saihong Li; Bertrand Le Gallic; Karen Brunsø; Priya Sharma; Piotr Eljasik; Gergo Gyalog; Remigiusz Panicz; David Little (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Aquaculture has been recognised for achieving multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; its further growth depends on understanding, and responding to, societal perceptions in a broader context. Thus, this study aims to understand societal perceptions of aquaculture through a scoping review and media analysis. A scoping review identified 151 academic studies for inclusion in our five identified research clusters: (1) social acceptability, (2) growth and development, (3) media coverage, (4) sustainable aquaculture, and (5) consumer perceptions. Further, newspaper articles ( n = 100) were sampled from the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, Spain, Turkey, and China; elsewhere all articles identified were included (Poland, 79; Hungary, 29; India, 70). The findings suggest that scientific and newspaper articles tend to present sustainability aspects in a simplified form. Key stakeholder groups include fish farming enterprises, civil society, governmental officials, scientists, and business leaders both within aquaculture value chains (retailers/wholesalers, technology industry) and outside of them (fisheries, tourism). Also, other stakeholders included the public (indigenous groups, residents, consumers). The stakeholder groups perceived aquaculture differently and depending on the circumstances and context, their perceptions ranged from positive to negative. Many factors influenced their perceptions, including aquaculture's impact on multiple sustainability dimensions, knowledge, transparency, personal interests, types, and location of aquaculture practises, regulations, experience, and sociodemographic characteristics such as age, gender, education, and income. We recommend that aquaculture practitioners focus on context‐specific multifaceted strategies—prioritising transparency, communication, and accountability—and provide essential knowledge to ensure that societal perceptions of aquaculture are based on accurate, empirical information.

Epigenome editing: A new approach to aquaculture breeding - Xuegeng Wang; Ramji Kumar Bhandari; Kangsen Mai (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)

Sustainable aquaculture over the last 30 years: An analysis of the scientific literature by the Text Mining approach - Isabella Tucciarone; Giulia Secci; Barbara Contiero; Giuliana Parisi (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
A literature search approach (using Scopus®, Elsevier© database) was established to identify peer‐reviewed articles published in English between 1960 and 2023 dealing with ‘sustainable aquaculture’ and focusing on specific aquaculture practices (aquaponics, integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture, biofloc and recirculating aquaculture systems). Text Mining combined with Topic Analysis was utilized to extract information from the text data of the papers identified. After an appropriate screening procedure, 1111 articles were selected. The analysis showed a gradual increase in sustainable aquaculture publications over time, peaking at more than 200 publications in 2023. The first articles on biofloc, integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture and recirculating aquaculture systems as alternative aquaculture practices began to appear in 2010, while studies in aquaponics have only been published since 2015. Most publications (40%) came from Asia, in line with the leadership of this continent in aquaculture. European also showed considerable interest in sustainable aquaculture practices, with Italy (leader in publications), Portugal and Germany researchers contributing with 111 papers on the subject in the past 30 years. This study identified the main research topics on the subject and observed how these have evolved. The papers analysed dealt mainly with optimization of aquatic life, genetic in aquaculture and disease management. The topic of protein replacement in feed was also important, with the term ‘diet’ the most frequently utilized in papers. The subjects identified could serve as valuable primary data source, offering opportunities for deeper examination, such as systematic reviews on research topics or geographic regions.

Portuguese‐Brazilian abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)

Trained immunity: Perspectives for disease control strategy in marine mollusc aquaculture - Caroline Montagnani; Benjamin Morga; Beatriz Novoa; Benjamin Gourbal; Amaro Saco; Magali Rey‐Campos; Marion Bourhis; Fabien Riera; Emmanuel Vignal; Charlotte Corporeau; Guillaume M. Charrière; Marie‐Agnès Travers; et al. (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Recent evidence has demonstrated the unique properties of the innate immune system, known as innate immune memory, immune priming, or trained immunity. These properties have been described as the ability of the innate immune system to learn from previous microbial experiences, which improves survival after subsequent infection. In this review, we present the state of knowledge on trained immunity in invertebrates and provide a comprehensive overview of these capabilities in cultured marine molluscs, which are currently threatened by recurrent diseases. Studies have shown that exposure to environmental microbiota, pathogens, or derived elements, can provide a stronger response and protection against future infections. These studies highlight common and distinct features of protection, mechanisms, specificity, and duration that vary with immune markers, and methods of stimulation. While the cellular and molecular basis of these responses is only partially understood, effects on phagocytosis, haemocyte populations, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and immune gene expression have been suggested. Finally, we propose a framework for future research to go beyond the current evidence and address potential limitations in the implementation of trained immunity‐based strategies to control disease. Immune training may provide a unique opportunity to promote the sustainable development of marine mollusc aquaculture.

The rise of the opportunists: What are the drivers of the increase in infectious diseases caused by environmental and commensal bacteria? - Francisca Samsing; Andrew C. Barnes (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
The aquaculture sector is currently experiencing a global disease crisis. Emerging bacterial diseases—often opportunistic or syndromic—have collapsed production in nations across the world. Losses in the shrimp industry associated with opportunistic Vibrio spp. exceed 40% of global capacity. This paper reviews potential drivers of syndromic diseases involving opportunistic bacterial pathogens affecting global aquaculture. We provide key examples from major industries where such conditions have prompted greater antibiotic use and have resulted in significant mortality. We challenge the conventional definitions of opportunistic pathogens and propose a fluid categorisation that acknowledges the continuum of host adaptation and the complexity of microbial ecology. We discuss the implications of environmental and dietary stressors such as climate change, coastal eutrophication and pollution, and the transition to plant‐based feeds, which have been linked to impaired epithelial barrier function, gut health disorders and increased disease susceptibility. We critique the ‘one‐pathogen one‐disease’ paradigm, suggesting that Rothman's causal pie model is more useful for understanding opportunistic infections as it emphasises the multicausal nature of disease. We provide examples of bacterial and viral interactions in aquatic disease and occurrence of bacterial diseases resulting from host damage from eukaryotic parasites or increasing frequency and severity of interventions to control such parasites. We recognise the need for corroborative evidence to validate the rise of opportunistic bacterial pathogens as a global trend, and we advocate for the application of nuanced disease causation models to reduce the incidence of opportunistic infections and improve the sustainability of the aquaculture industry.

Invisible plastics problem in intensive aquaculture: The case of polyvinylpyrrolidone - Charlotte Robison‐Smith; Jo Cable (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
For over 70 years, aquaculture practices have relied on the same methods for biosecurity, however epidemics remain a primary limitation of global aquaculture yields with billions in revenue being lost every year due to disease. The intense nature of fish and shellfish farming necessitates the regular use of synthetic chemicals as both preventive and treatment measures, covering broodstocks to hatching and continuing through all stages of rearing. This practice, however, results in the contamination of rearing environments with persistent xenobiotics. A specific drawback in this foundational strategy for aquaculture biosecurity is highlighted in the current review: the consistent use of a water‐soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) across most, if not all, stages of rearing aquacultural livestock. PVP is used intensively within aquaculture practices as it is a ubiquitous additive within commercially available germicidal, prophylactic, and therapeutic products applied to control and prevent disease outbreaks within aquacultural farms. As a polymer, PVP is synthetic and biodegradation‐resistant, and has recently been described as an emerging contaminant of freshwater ecosystems. It is well documented that other persistent, synthetic polymer pollutants such as microplastics, reduce the fecundity, growth, and significantly deplete immune function in commercially important aquatic species. Despite this, intentionally added persistent soluble polymers, such as PVP, have not been considered in the context of aquaculture productivity. This review explores the potential impact of PVP on fish and shellfish highlighting the need for aquaculture to adopt sustainable chemical practices, drawing inspiration from advancements in nanotechnology applied within human medicines to address biosecurity protocol deficiencies.

Why aquaculture needs immunology - Geert F. Wiegertjes (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Health of farmed fish and shellfish deserves a top priority. To help prevent and fight the global disease crisis in aquaculture, it is high time to further explore immunology. And high time for immunologists specialized in aquaculture to start taking aquaculture more seriously. As a first step forward, find here some challenges and many opportunities.

Bacterial biofilm formation in seafood: Mechanisms and inhibition through novel non‐thermal techniques - Sagar Gautam; Nirmala Subedi; Kabita Dhakal; Pankaj Koirala; Dev Raj Acharya; Om Prakash Malav; Fahad Al‐Asmari; Soottawat Benjakul; Nilesh Nirmal (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Seafoods are susceptible to microbial contamination due to their high moisture, nutrient contents and neutral pH. Among various microorganisms, biofilm‐forming bacteria pose a severe threat to the seafood supply chain as well as consumer health. Bacterial biofilm formation in seafood is primarily caused by Aeromonas hydrophila , Vibrio cholerae , V. vulnificus , V. parahaemolyticus , Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes. Biofilm formation is an important protective mechanism of microorganisms causing spoilage of seafood and disease threats to consumers. The attachment of microbes on the surface of seafood followed by the growth and proliferation of bacterial cells leads to the production of exopolymer compounds and the formation of biofilm. This biofilm is difficult to destroy or inhibit through conventional prevention/destruction techniques. The occurrence of bacterial strains/biofilms with more resistance to different preventive strategies is a big challenge for the seafood processing industry. This review covers the mechanisms of biofilm formation by bacteria and various non‐thermal processing approaches to prevent microbial contamination and biofilm formation in seafood products. The aforementioned non‐thermal processing techniques for the destruction of biofilm and quality control of seafood products include cold plasma treatment, irradiation, pulsed electric field technology, hydrostatic pressure processing, photosensitisation, natural bioactive compounds and so on. All these techniques effectively inhibit the bacterial biofilm and microbial growth without altering sensorial properties. However, further research validation and applications at the industry level are still required.

Correction (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)

Laboratory‐based comparison of screening materials for excluding juvenile freshwater fishes from New Zealand water intakes - Phillip G. Jellyman; Caitlin M. Quilty; Christina R. Thomas; Charlotte B. Green; Michael J. H. Hickford (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
Growing demand for water requires resource managers to be innovative to minimise impacts on aquatic ecosystems. There are increasing concerns about fish damage and losses at water intakes, but few studies have examined the effectiveness of different screening material for excluding New Zealand fishes. We experimentally tested six screens (50–100 and 100–200 mm rock bunds, 3 mm woven mesh, 1.5, 2 and 3 mm wedge‐wire), on two introduced and five native fish species. Bluegill bully (> 32 mm), common bully (> 30 mm), Canterbury galaxias (> 47 mm) and rainbow trout (> 40 mm) were screened effectively by 3 mm woven mesh and wedge‐wire. Chinook salmon (> 43 mm) and īnanga whitebait (> 46 mm) were excluded by 2 mm wedge‐wire, but shortfin elvers (

Identification and characterisation of Botrylloides (Styelidae) species from Aotearoa New Zealand coasts - Berivan Temiz; Rebecca M. Clarke; Mike Page; Miles Lamare; Megan J. Wilson (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
Ascidians are marine filter‐feeder chordates. Botrylloides ascidians possess diverse biological properties such as whole‐body regeneration (WBR), hibernation/aestivation, blastogenesis, metamorphosis, and natural chimerism. However, the absence of distinctive morphological features often makes identification difficult. Botrylloides diegensis is an ascidian that has been misidentified in previous studies and is recorded in GenBank as Botrylloides leachii owing to the high morphological similarity between the sister species. More available sequences and strategies for identification would help resolve some of the confusion surrounding its ambiguous nature. We collected several Botrylloides samples from seven locations in Aotearoa New Zealand (Dunedin, Christchurch, Picton, Nelson, Whangateau, New Plymouth, and Invercargill) and barcoded the species based on Cytochrome Oxidase I, Histone 3, 18S, and 28S ribosomal RNA markers. Network and Bayesian trees confirmed the presence of three Botrylloides species: B. diegensis , Botrylloides jacksonianum, and Botrylloides affinis anceps.

Local variation in the timing of reproduction and recruitment in a widely distributed diadromous fish - Jesse Wansbrough; Pieter M. Lokman; Gerard P. Closs (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
Īnanga ( Galaxias maculatus ) is a widespread freshwater fish, found around coastal New Zealand, Chatham Islands, southern Australia and southern South America, exhibiting both diadromous and land‐locked life history patterns. We assessed population size structure, size at maturity, timing of reproduction, and post‐reproductive survival in the Waikouaiti and Kakanui rivers, two regionally important G. maculatus populations in southern New Zealand. Size at maturity varied between rivers and sexes, with males generally maturing at smaller sizes than females. The timing of reproduction and recruitment was observed to vary across a relatively small spatial scale. Population length‐frequencies indicated that both populations exhibited annual population dynamics, with most individuals spawning in their first year, then apparently dying soon afterwards (as indicated by a marked drop in post‐spawning abundance). However, a few individuals with recently spent or resting gonads were present over the winter months, indicating some post‐spawning survival. There was a lower frequency of exceptionally large (putatively 1+) individuals than reported for other populations around New Zealand and elsewhere, suggesting over‐winter survival following spawning varies. Based on the variation in life history characters over small spatial scales, we suggest that management of regionally important G. maculatus populations should be based on catchment level information.

Factors influencing summer phytoplankton biomass in a large river system with impoundments: retention time, zooplankton grazing, thermal stratification and internal seiching in a hydro lake - Max M. Gibbs; Eddie Bowman; Karl A. Safi; Anathea M. Albert; Ian C. Duggan; David Burger (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
Phytoplankton production as indicated by chlorophyll a concentrations in Lake Karāpiro, the last hydro power station lake on the Waikato River, shows high seasonal variability but a long term trend of decrease, despite an abundance of nutrients (N and P) in the river. Early studies pre‐2005 of the river system's eight hydro dams identified that only Lakes Ohakuri and Arapuni thermally stratified in summer, and it was hypothesised that thermal stratification could enhance phytoplankton productivity through increased retention time. During. a more recent study (2013–2014), Lake Karāpiro was also found to be thermally stratified with the thermocline around the depth of the power station intake. In this study we found that thermal stratification enhanced phytoplankton growth by confining them to the well‐lit epilimnion. However, growth was limited as the nutrient supply became depleted and zooplankton grazing was found to adversely impact phytoplankton biomass, with highest grazing pressure in spring and lowest in late summer to autumn, consistent with an increase in chlorophyll a concentration. We found that wind stress along the lake axis can induce an internal seiche, which causes a substantial stepwise change in water quality downstream as the thermocline sweeps up and down across the power station intake.

Milk compositions and fatty acid profiles in two coastal odontocete species from the southwest Atlantic Ocean - Pablo Denuncio; Antonella D. Padula; Maria A. Mandiola; Gisela V. Giardino; Diego H. Rodríguez; Gabriel E. Machovsky‐Capuska (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
Lactation is a crucial reproductive stage in eutherian mammals and the most energetically and nutritionally expensive part of the life cycle. However, data on lactation parameters in cetaceans remain scattered and incomplete. In this paper, we present novel information on the nutritional compositions and fatty acid (FA) profiles of the milks of two small odontocete species that inhabit coastal waters of the southwest Atlantic Ocean: the endangered Franciscana dolphin ( Pontoporia blainvillei ) and the Burmeister's porpoise ( Phocoena spinipinnis ). Milk samples were collected from the fresh carcasses of two lactating females stranded in Argentina. The milk profiles of both species were consistent with existing knowledge on odontocetes worldwide, being characterised by low proportions of carbohydrates and high proportions of proteins and lipids. The FA profiles exhibited a predominance of long‐chain FAs (≥18 C), with monounsaturated FAs representing nearly 50% of the total FAs. In both species, the main FAs were 18:1n9 and 16:0, which are common FAs in coastal prey species in this region. These findings are particularly relevant for the conservation of Franciscana dolphins, which are at risk of extinction throughout their distribution range.

Could spatial variation be more important than species identity in determining the presence of microplastics in temperate sponges? - Rachel L. Parry; Valerio Micaroni; Francesca Strano; James J. Bell (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
Microplastic (MP) particles ( ‐1 (dry sponge weight). There were significant differences in PMP abundance between sites and between some species, but most of the variation was explained by site (40–53% vs. 4–24% of the variance). Our results suggest that PMP abundance in sponges is mainly explained by spatial variation in microplastic abundance rather than species identity.

Seasonal trends in marine heatwaves highlight vulnerable coastal ecoregions and historic change points in New Zealand - Shinae Montie; François Thoral; Robert O. Smith; Felix Cook; Leigh W. Tait; Matthew H. Pinkerton; David R. Schiel; Mads S. Thomsen (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
Marine heatwaves (MHWs) have increased worldwide in intensity, frequency, and duration, often with severe impacts on ecologically and socio‐economically important coastal habitats. Most MHW studies have focused on summer events in specific regions or global open‐water analyses with little consideration to seasonality or spatial biogeography of the nearshore zone. We address this research gap by analysing changes to MHWs across seasons and ecoregions, within 12 nautical miles (NM) of New Zealand's coastline, an area with high biodiversity and endemism. We used season‐specific linear trend analysis with temporal breakpoints between 1982 and 2021 to identify the number of MHW events and MHW days, and mean, maximum, and cumulative intensity of MHWs for New Zealand coastal ecoregions. Across ecoregions, 69.5% of 200 trend analyses increased significantly whereas the remaining 30.5% were unaffected. For the significant increases, temporal breakpoints occurred between 1994 and 2012. We conclude that MHWs have become stronger, longer and more frequent across coastal New Zealand, but with some variability within and between regions. Our trend‐analyses could enable retrospective analyses of biological tipping‐points and inform management practices that may enhance the resilience of ecoregions yet to face MHW breakpoints or those in the initial stages of major climatic changes.

Sediment preference of the introduced Japanese mantis shrimp Oratosquilla oratoria in northern New Zealand - Hayley R. Nessia; Ian D. Tuck; Richard B. Taylor (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
The Japanese mantis shrimp Oratosquilla oratoria (De Haan, 1844) is a large stomatopod crustacean that was first reported from New Zealand in 2009, and is now present in many upper North Island estuaries, including the Kaipara and Manukau harbours. To assess the sediment traits of harbours potentially vulnerable to invasion by Japanese mantis shrimps, we examined its relationship with the sediments in which it forms burrows. We quantified the grain size distribution of sediments from known O. oratoria habitat in the Kaipara, and ran a choice experiment with four sediment types varying in sand and mud content to determine the preferred sediment type for burrow construction. In the Kaipara, O. oratoria occurred in sediments varying widely in mud content, but the mean grain size distribution of those sediments was similar to the ‘sandy mud’ (44% silt and clay) that individual O. oratoria preferred in the choice experiment. The large amount of apparently suitable habitat around New Zealand's coast and estuaries, in combination with the broad temperature tolerance of O. oratoria in its native range, suggest this species could inhabit much of mainland New Zealand, with potentially significant ecological consequences.

Variations in ecosystem service provision of two functionally similar bivalve habitats - Vera Rullens; Andrew M. Lohrer; Michael Townsend; Conrad A. Pilditch (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
The quantification of ecosystem services (ES) remains challenging and can result in biases towards data‐rich ES in management. For infaunal bivalves, little quantitative in situ data are available on the ES they provide, and differences between functionally similar species in different habitats are rarely considered. Here, we aimed to measure and compare the ecosystem functions (primary production, nutrient processing, water clearance rates) underpinning water quality regulation in an estuarine intertidal and subtidal bivalve habitat (dominated by Austrovenus stutchburyi and Paphies australis respectively). In situ benthic chambers were used to measure sediment–water column solute fluxes (NH 4 + , N 2 , O 2 ) and clearance rates which were scaled up (accounting for habitat differences; e.g. inundation period) to daily estimates of ES potential. Higher hourly microphytobenthic productivity, nitrogen recycling and water filtration were observed for the intertidal bivalve habitat. These differences were attributed to environmental differences rather than differences in bivalve biomass. However, scaling these rates to daily ES estimates showed that inundation period will restrict water quality regulating services in the intertidal. Measuring multiple ecosystem functions in situ provides an important step forward in ES quantification and accounts for ecological complexity, feedbacks and highlights habitat‐specific differences in how functionally similar species contribute to ES.

A review of data collection methods used to monitor the associations of wild species with marine aquaculture sites - Greg English; Michael J. Lawrence; Christopher W. McKindsey; Anaïs Lacoursière‐Roussel; Hannah Bergeron; Stéphane Gauthier; Brendan F. Wringe; Marc Trudel (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Aquaculture contributes a significant portion of the global aquatic biomass destined for human consumption. Bivalve and marine finfish aquaculture operations require sea‐based farm sites that result in considerable interactions with the natural environment. The addition of feed waste and physical structures (e.g., net pens and longline mussel culture) can provide an attractive artificial reef for many species and studies have shown both positive and negative effects on the surrounding ecosystem due to wild species interactions with aquaculture sites. Assessing these interactions can be complex, depending on the local ecosystem, and several monitoring techniques have been used to accurately determine associations of wild finfish and decapods to marine farms. In this review, we assessed the main methods used to monitor aquaculture‐ecosystem interactions. The advantages and disadvantages of each technique are discussed and suggestions to mitigate shortfalls for future studies are outlined. It was evident that combining methodologies should be prioritised to lessen the impact of identified weaknesses of any given approach. Designing studies with complementary approaches may help attain robust data that can be used to further understand aquaculture‐ecosystem interactions and the underlying proximate mechanisms.

Chinese abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)

Microbial education for marine invertebrate disease prevention in aquaculture - Luc Dantan; Eve Toulza; Bruno Petton; Caroline Montagnani; Lionel Degremont; Benjamin Morga; Yannick Fleury; Guillaume Mitta; Yannick Gueguen; Jeremie Vidal‐Dupiol; Céline Cosseau (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
The holobiont theory expands the notion of individual multicellular organisms as a community composed of a host and all its associated microorganisms. This concept has been extensively studied in the field of aquaculture, where increasing evidence has highlighted the importance of the host associated microorganisms in species fitness. Here, we focus our review on mollusc and crustacean species in which microbiota dysbiosis has recently been described in the context of various diseases, resulting in significant economic losses. Influencing the holobiont structure through the use of probiotics is a potential strategy that could improve the fitness or the robustness of cultivated species. We discuss here the possibility of developing microbiome targeted prophylactic approaches by promoting (1) methods to identify host microbial community that fosters good health status and (2) early life microbial education to favour long‐term resistance to stress or disease. This review aims to inform the aquaculture industry about potential strategies in rearing practices to mitigate diseases and economic losses.

Spanish abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)

Fasting and its implications for fish welfare in Atlantic salmon aquaculture - Malthe Hvas; Jelena Kolarevic; Chris Noble; Frode Oppedal; Lars Helge Stien (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Periods of fasting occur for a multitude of reasons in Atlantic salmon aquaculture. Feed withdrawal is widely used prior to transport, parasite treatments, preslaughter and for depuration purposes in recirculating aquaculture systems. Voluntary fasting is a coping response when fish have poor health or are exposed to poor farm environments. Owing to increased attention to animal welfare in aquaculture, concerns have been raised regarding ethical issues when farmed fish are subjected to fasting. However, thorough science‐based recommendations for fasting and feed‐withdrawal regimes have been lacking. The purpose of this review is to provide a synthesis of the various causes for fasting in Atlantic salmon aquaculture and evaluate their associated welfare implications so that guidelines for appropriate practices can be formulated. To interpret impacts, we describe biological responses and tolerance limits to fasting in Atlantic salmon and consider adaptations in the wild. Fry and parr are highly sensitive to feed withdrawal. However, post‐smolts and adults are well‐adapted to endure prolonged fasting without experiencing compromised functionality or health. Here, short periods of feed withdrawal prior to operations should therefore not constitute significant welfare concerns. Serious concerns are instead associated with voluntary fasting that may continue for weeks. We emphasize that environmental extremes that exceed appetite impairing thresholds must be avoided. Additionally, farmed fish should not be subjected to practices that lead to chronic stress that induce cessation of appetite. Diseases or parasites that impair appetite should also be mitigated. Fasting is here a symptom rather than a cause for poor welfare.

Science or science‐fiction? Playing with ChatGPT to predict the future of the aquafeed industry - Sara M. Pinho; Giovanni M. Turchini (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)

A review of using duckweed (Lemnaceae) in fish feeds - Jeremiah J. Minich; Todd P. Michael (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
One of the primary sustainability challenges in aquaculture is replacing fish meal with plant‐based ingredients in aquafeeds. Plants are not optimal due to low protein content and antinutritional factors which can cause gut dysbiosis. Duckweed ( Lemnaceae ) is a family of aquatic plants with high protein content and has been used successfully for various types of animal feeds. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis of 58 papers, we summarize the extent by which duckweed has been used in fish production including the species of fish tested, the grow‐out stage of fish, and method of application. Duckweed studies spanned a total of 18 species of fish (16 freshwater and two marine) that collectively are valued at 263 billion USD annually, and comprise 28% of total aquaculture production by mass. The average experiment length was 72 days (SD 42), primarily at the fingerling life stage. Duckweed was fed to the fish through live grazing, dried, and pelleted forms with 20% inclusion as the most common formulation. The Lemna spp., dominated by L . minor , L . gibba , and unknown Lemna species, were the most commonly used for feeds. Spirodela polyrhiza was the second most common. Duckweed inclusion levels between 15% and 30% were associated with positive outcomes on fish growth and feed conversion ratio without any negative impact on survival rates. Most duckweed species, especially from Wollfiella have not been tested as a fish feed but should be explored whereas most studies focused on freshwater fishes rather than marine.

Ecological interactions between farmed Atlantic salmon and wild Atlantic cod populations in Norway: A review of risk sources and knowledge gaps - Thomas Bøhn; John F. Strøm; Pablo Sanchez‐Jerez; Nigel B. Keeley; Torild Johansen; Karl Ø. Gjelland; Nina Sandlund; Bjørn‐S. Sæther; Ingeborg Sætra; Esben M. Olsen; Jon E. Skjæraasen; Sonnich Meier; et al. (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Aquaculture provides an important and expanding source of protein rich and healthy food to the world. However, to minimize environmental harm from aquaculture, interactions with wild fish communities need to be thoroughly assessed. Here, we characterize the existing knowledge pertaining to such interactions, exemplified with Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ) farming in open net pens along the Norwegian coast and potential consequences for wild Atlantic cod ( Gadus morhua ) populations. Importantly, the wild cod fishery also provides a protein rich, high quality food source with high economic value. We identify seven risk sources that may affect behaviour, physiology, and survival in wild cod. Of particular importance is the large amount of waste feed that causes wild fish to aggregate around farms, thereby altering a multitude of ecological interactions including predation and disease transmission. Moreover, altered food quality in pellets may alter physiological processes and cause mortality to vulnerable life‐stages in wild cod. More research is needed on mechanisms and thresholds for harm. As the most important cod fisheries are found in northern Norway, where climate change also is rapid, we expect stronger and potentially more harmful interactions between fish farming and wild cod fisheries as aquaculture continues to expand. We hope that our analysis will inspire further research, on farmed salmon and wild cod interactions, but also on aquaculture and wild fish interactions in general. Such research is fundamental for the development of management systems that can reduce the impact of aquaculture on fisheries and the environment.

Modelling the impact of replacing fish oil with plant oils: A meta‐analysis to match the optimal plant oil for major cultured fish - Yi‐Fan Qian; Jun‐Xian Wang; Fang Qiao; Yuan Luo; Li‐Qiao Chen; Mei‐Ling Zhang; Zhen‐Yu Du (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
The replacement of fish oil with plant oils is a common practice in aquaculture to compensate for the shortage of fish oil supply and has been thoroughly studied. However, because the experimental conditions vary in many aspects, the results are usually inconsistent quantitatively. Therefore, a meta‐analysis was conducted based on a dataset containing 328 articles to systematically model the influence of plant oils on the main aquaculture fish. In addition to demonstrating the species‐specific dose‐dependent impact of plant oils on fish growth, feed utilization efficiency, lipid deposition and health parameters, we have also investigated the role of other factors in this process. We found that the adverse effects caused by plant oils worsen as the experimental duration extends for Atlantic salmon, while Gilthead seabream and European seabass gradually adapt to the change. Further, water temperature could be a decisive factor for Rainbow trout, and early adaptation to plant oils would be helpful for Gilthead seabream. Moreover, sufficient fishmeal supply could alleviate the adverse effects caused by plant oils for most species, but for Gilthead seabream and European seabass, the growth suppression effect of plant oil was larger when fed high‐fishmeal diets. Besides, by comprehensively considering the effects of plant oils, we matched the potential optimal plant oil for each fish species. Our article quantitatively modelled the adverse effects of replacing fish oil with plant oils, investigated the influences of assistant factors and offered a panorama of the research status with emphasis on potential breakthrough orientations.

Portuguese‐Brazilian abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)

Seeking the best alternatives: A systematic review and meta‐analysis on replacing fishmeal with plant protein sources in carnivorous fish species - Yi‐Fan Qian; Samwel M. Limbu; Fang Qiao; Yuan Luo; Li‐Qiao Chen; Mei‐Ling Zhang; Zhen‐Yu Du (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
The price of fishmeal (FM) has been increasing continuously due to the expansion of the gap between its stable production and rising demand. Therefore, plant protein sources are widely applied in the aquaculture industry to accomplish the protein requirement of farmed fish species. However, the massive number of results produced under various experimental conditions appended challenges for comprehensive summarization and comparison of the effects of plant protein sources on carnivorous fish species. Thus, a systemic review and meta‐analysis were conducted to compare the impacts of various plant protein sources on growth, feed utilization efficiencies, blood lipid, and liver health of representative carnivorous species. Supported by the data from 256 articles, our results indicated that Atlantic salmon, African catfish, Black seabass, and Hybrid striped bass were better at utilizing plant protein sources than Grouper and Japanese seabass. Cottonseed and lupin proteins were promising protein alternatives, while rapeseed showed significant growth suppression effects for these carnivorous fish species. Besides, deep processing methods such as fermentation and enzymolysis alleviated undesirable consequences effectively when less than half of FM was replaced by plant protein sources. Moreover, the optimal plant protein sources are discussed for each fish species. Overall, this article depicts the impact patterns of major plant protein sources on carnivorous farmed fish species and lays a solid foundation for further investigation on mechanisms for improving plant protein utilization.

Stronger together: A workflow to design new fish polycultures - Thomas Lecocq; Nellya Amoussou; Joël Aubin; Grégoire Butruille; Sébastien Liarte; Alain Pasquet; Marielle Thomas (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Polyculture is a relevant practice for improving the sustainability of aquaculture, which raises interest in implementing it in a variety of production systems. However, polyculture is a complex approach that can result not only in complementarity among species but also competition among them and animal welfare issues. Potential polyculture benefits can be expected provided that compatibility and complementarity occur among the combined species. This places a premium on identifying the best species combinations for a given aquaculture system. Here, we developed a conceptual integrative workflow to standardise and plan the development of new fish polycultures. This workflow is designed to screen all possible combinations in a set of species based on three successive steps of assessment. Overall, these steps consider the compatibility and complementarity of co‐farmed species as well as stakeholder demands, sustainability and fish welfare. Step 1 consists of selecting the most promising compatible species combinations (i.e., ‘prospective combinations’) as a function of stakeholder opinion and expectations using databases and surveys. Step 2 validates the effectiveness of prospective combinations based on bioassays by considering species complementarity and animal welfare. Step 3 implements the best species combination(s) in aquaculture production, during which prototyping allows the sustainability of the resulting commercial production system to be studied. In conclusion, the workflow aims at being a valuable tool to innovate in aquaculture by exploiting the opportunities and the strengths of polyculture.

Impacts of cyanobacterial metabolites on fish: Socioeconomic and environmental considerations - Éryka Costa de Almeida; Larissa Souza Passos; Paloma Nathane Nunes de Freitas; Alexander Ossanes de Souza; Ernani Pinto (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
The increasing global population has led to rising demand for food, particularly protein. As an excellent source of protein, fish play a crucial role in meeting this demand, making aquaculture a highly impactful industry. Floating cages have been developed as a method of fish management and production to achieve high productivity and volume. However, these intensive fish farming practices can contribute to eutrophication, leading to changes in primary producers and promoting the excessive proliferation of cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria blooms pose significant consequences to aquatic ecosystems, including potential risks to fish exposed to harmful cyanobacterial metabolites. Cyanobacterial metabolites encompass various chemical classes, such as terpenoids, carotenoids, alkaloids, cyanopeptides, amino acids, organophosphates, macrolides, and lipopolysaccharides. Some of these compounds' toxicity and impact on fish farms still need to be better understood. Cyanotoxins and off‐flavour compounds in fish farms can pose risks to water and fish quality and potential health hazards for humans throughout the food chain. Therefore, cyanobacteria in fish farms can have significant economic, environmental, and public health implications. This review examines the concerns associated with cyanobacterial natural products in fish farming, including off‐flavours, known cyanotoxins, and other potentially toxic compounds, while exploring their socioeconomic and environmental risks.

Fermentation in aquafeed processing: Achieving sustainability in feeds for global aquaculture production - Muhammad A. B. Siddik; Billie B. Julien; S. M. Majharul Islam; David S. Francis (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Improving feed suitability and bolstering the global upsurge in fish production is a strategic challenge for aquaculture. The utilization of plant and animal derived ingredients in aquafeed for achieving sustainable in finfish aquaculture is affected by various factors, including the presence of antinutritional factors, lowered nutrient bioavailability, indigestible particles and microbial contaminants. Applying fermentation to overcome these problems in aquafeed ingredients has received considerable attention in recent years as fermentation provides health‐promoting probiotic benefits to host organisms. Fermentation has also been shown in many studies to improve nutrient availability and bioavailability of feed, increased palatability and digestibility and eliminate anti‐nutritional compounds in dietary feed ingredients, making them more easily digestible which eventually improve growth and health performance of fish. Therefore, it is imperative to accelerate the use of fermented feedstuffs as aquafeed if sustainable aquaculture is to be achieved. This review reported the various methods of fermentation, characteristics of fermented feed ingredients, factors that are considered during fermentation and overall nutritional quality of fermented feed ingredients for aquaculture production. The role of fermented feed ingredients for various farmed species in terms of growth, feed utilization, gut microbiota composition, immunity and disease resistance in fish is thoroughly discussed. The possible drawbacks associated with the fermentation process are also discussed in the article.

Impact of bacteriocins on multidrug‐resistant bacteria and their application in aquaculture disease prevention and control - Xiaoli Chen; Hong Liu; Shuangping Liu; Jian Mao (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Aquaculture plays an important role in meeting human demand for animal protein. Disease is a critical factor that restricts the green and healthy development of aquaculture. Intensive aquaculture practices can increase the susceptibility of aquatic animals to pathogens due to environmental stress. Antibiotics are commonly used for disease prevention and control, but their frequent use in aquaculture can increase the risk of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria and resistance gene transmission, posing a threat to the health of aquatic animals and humans. Recent studies have shown that bacteriocins have inhibitory effects on different species of bacteria, fungi and viruses, and can even affect natural resistance structures such as bacterial biofilms, presenting promising prospects as antimicrobial agents. Bacteriocins have potential applications in various fields such as agriculture, food and medicine, but limited research has been conducted on their impact on aquaculture disease prevention and control, and the underlying mechanisms remain to be explored. Therefore, this review aims to summarise the classification, sources, preparation methods, antibacterial activity against multidrug‐resistant bacteria and application of bacteriocins as antimicrobial agents in aquaculture disease prevention and control. In addition, limitations of bacteriocin application in aquaculture and future research directions are also discussed.

Arabic Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)

Signalling regulation of reactive oxygen species in fish inflammation - Feng Gao; Yanjing Zhao; Xiaowei Shi; Dan Qiao; Chao Pei; Xianghui Kong (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are key cellular signalling molecules, are reactive chemicals containing oxygen. Cell survival or death is a critical issue in the inflammatory response. Accumulation of ROS involves ROS generation and scavenging, which determine ROS homeostasis. Understanding the roles of ROS in modulating the inflammatory response in fish is vital for helping protect fish from the damage of water pollutants in harsh environmental conditions. ROS‐related key genes and signalling pathways are relatively conserved in fish but vary among different species. Recent frequent incidences of fish diseases have posed a considerable challenge to large‐scale aquaculture. ROS is important in stress perception, integration of diverse stress‐responsive signalling networks, and activation of animal defence mechanisms, which frequently occur during inflammation in fish. This review summarises recent studies on ROS signalling pathways during inflammation in fish. Furthermore, it examines the relationship between ROS and inflammation in fish. This review may contribute to the understanding of the underlying mechanisms by which ROS regulate inflammation in fish and provide suggestions for sustainable development in aquaculture.

Cover Image - Shujuan Xing; Xiaofang Liang; Xiaoran Zhang; Aires Oliva‐Teles; Helena Peres; Min Li; Hao Wang; Kangsen Mai; Sadasivam J. Kaushik; Min Xue (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
The cover image is based on the Review Essential amino acid requirements of fish and crustaceans, a meta‐analysis by Shujuan Xing and Xiaofang Liang, et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.12886 . image

Salinity tolerance of fishes: Experimental approaches and implications for aquaculture production - Andre P. Seale; Ke Cao; Ryan J. A. Chang; Tyler R. Goodearly; G. H. T. Malintha; Reilly S. Merlo; Taylor L. Peterson; Jasmine R. Reighard (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
The life history, distribution and diversity of fishes are largely influenced by environmental salinity. Changes in salinity affect a range of physiological processes including metabolism, nutrition, reproduction and growth. Therefore, fish can be conditioned to environmental parameters most suitable for production, where distinct traits are optimised through species‐specific manipulation of salinities. The primary purpose of this review is to summarise the existing literature on the salinity tolerance of aquacultured fish. The various experimental approaches for determining salinity tolerance are compared, along with summarised information for key species employed in aquaculture, including their native distributions, life history stage and optimal salinity for survival and growth. The implications for production were assessed by considering the effects of salinity on growth, reproduction, management, disease mitigation and marketability.

New wine in old bottles: Modification of the Na + /K + ‐ ATPase enzyme activity assay and its application in salmonid aquaculture - Marius Takvam; Kristina Sundell; Henrik Sundh; Naouel Gharbi; Harald Kryvi; Tom Ole Nilsen (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
The Na + , K + ATPase (NKA) enzyme is important to generate the transmembrane ion gradient in the gills, intestine, and kidneys, hence, is vital for secondary transport of fluids and different solutes in teleosts. Gill NKA enzyme activity is often used as a proxy for parr–smolt transformation (PST) during which anadromous salmonids prepare for seawater (SW). Increased intensification and production of larger smolts in modern salmonid aquaculture has resulted in reports of gill NKA activity being less reliable as a proxy for smolt quality. Consequently, changes in mRNA nka ‐ α1b / α1a ratios in gills are increasingly used as indicators of PST. However, nka isoform mRNA abundance may not reflect translation into the functional protein, nor the activity of the mature enzyme. This may limit the predictive power of molecular markers under certain environmental conditions, rearing regimes and biological scenarios. During PST, the osmoregulatory transformations necessary for SW tolerance and survival does not only occur in the gills. Equally important are the changes in ion transporting activities, including NKA activity, in the intestine and kidneys. However, to our knowledge, there are no previous studies addressing the timing and concurrent changes in NKA activity in the three osmoregulatory tissue during PST. Here we present modifications and optimization of the NKA enzyme activity protocols for gill, intestinal and kidney tissue and outline how to best utilize NKA activity measurements as part of a more holistic approach to evaluate overall smolt quality in modern aquaculture.

Amyloodiniosis in aquaculture: A review - Márcio Moreira; Benjamín Costas; Pedro M. Rodrigues; Cátia Lourenço‐Marques; Rui Sousa; Denise Schrama; Cláudia Raposo de Magalhães; Ana Paula Farinha; Florbela Soares (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Fish ectoparasites are one of the pathogens groups that pose great concern to the aquaculture industry. The dinoflagellate Amyloodinium ocellatum is responsible for amyloodiniosis, a parasitological disease with a strong economic impact in temperate and warm water aquaculture, mainly in earthen pond semi‐intensive systems. Amyloodiniosis represents one of the most important bottlenecks for aquaculture and, with the predictable expansion of the area of influence of this parasite to higher latitudes due to global warming it might also be a threat to other aquaculture species that are not yet parasitized by A. ocellatum . This review made a compilation of the existing knowledge about this parasite and the disease associated with it. It was noticed that, except from the life cycle characterisation, detection methods, histopathological analysis, and treatments, there are still a lot of areas that need a further investment in research. Areas like parasite–host interactions, epidemiological models, taxonomy, host physiological responses to parasitism, and genome sequencing, amongst others, can contribute to a better understanding of this disease. These proposed approaches and routes of investigation will enhance and contribute to a more standardised knowledge, creating the opportunity for a better understanding of amyloodiniosis impacts on fish and contributing for the development of new tools against A. ocellatum , that may reduce fish mortality in aquaculture production due to amyloodiniosis outbreaks.

Omega‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in Atlantic salmon: Functions, requirements, sources, de novo biosynthesis and selective breeding strategies - Zeyu Zhang; Younes Miar; David Huyben; Stefanie M. Colombo (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
The aquaculture industry is a substantial user of wild‐sourced fish oil to supply omega‐3 (n‐3) long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFAs) in fish diets, which are required by many economically important farmed fish species, particularly Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar L.). Fish oil is commonly replaced with plant‐based oils as more environmentally and economically sustainable substitutes due to concerns regarding over‐fishing of wild stocks and increasing demand. One potential strategy to meet the physiological requirement for n‐3 LC‐PUFA is to improve n‐3 LC‐PUFA biosynthesis in salmon through selective breeding and strain enhancement. The objective of this review is to discuss strategies to supply sufficient levels of n‐3 LC‐PUFA to Atlantic salmon through the diet and de novo biosynthesis through selective breeding and salmon strain enhancement. This review provides an overview on the functions of n‐3 LC‐PUFA in Atlantic salmon, dietary requirements, source and supply of n‐3 LC‐PUFA in aquaculture feeds, and biosynthesis of n‐3 LC‐PUFA in fish. Several relevant studies have revealed the genetic influences on n‐3 LC‐PUFA biosynthesis and storage in Atlantic salmon. The results of the present review show that selective breeding of high n‐3 PUFA‐producing Atlantic salmon could be an effective strategy to improve the amount of EPA and DHA stored in tissues and reduce reliance on dietary sources of n‐3 LC‐PUFA such as fish oil.

Advancements in edible films for aquatic product preservation and packaging - Aydın Aytaç Gürdal; Turgay Çetinkaya (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
This review focuses on the incorporation of various bioactive compounds into edible films/coatings, improving their properties using novel techniques, and discussing their applications in aquatic food products. Aquatic food products with a high nutritional value play an important role in the market. However, these products are susceptible to microbiological spoilage, chemical oxidation, and physical deterioration. Therefore, the use of functional edible films and coating layers for shelf life extension is a critical issue. In this review, marine‐based biopolymers, peptides, biodegradable polymers, and their conjugates as edible film/coating materials are summarised, and commonly applied methods are explained. Polysaccharide and/or protein films enriched with plant extracts, phenolic compounds, and essential oils (EOs) have also been presented. Recent studies have indicated that nanostructures, such as nanofibers, nanoparticles, and nanoemulsions, have gained interest for the nanoencapsulation of bioactive ingredients or antimicrobial agents in edible films to preserve freshness. Therefore, nanocomposite packaging film materials with improved moisture barriers have a strong impact on oxidation and microbial delay. The combination of various compounds or synergistic treatment of edible films with other nonthermal methods such as ozonation, high hydrostatic pressure, and irradiation, are recommended as alternative edible film modification methods. Finally, the enrichment of edible films with microorganism‐based additives, bacteriophages, and enzymes is discussed. This review reports that the integration of natural antioxidants, phenolic compounds, probiotics, and bacteriocins with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities in edible films and their packaging applications has the potential to prolong the shelf life of aquatic products.

Optimising commercial traits through gene editing in aquaculture: Strategies for accelerating genetic improvement - Megan N. Moran; D. B. Jones; S. A. Jensen; R. Marcoli; D. R. Jerry (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Aquaculture is one of the fastest‐growing food production sectors. As the global human population continues to increase and further pressure is added to the prospects of achieving global food security, aquaculture is expected to play an integral role in meeting future nutrition demands. With advances in genetic technologies over recent years, much progress has been made within the realm of selective breeding. Despite success, selective breeding programs have limitations to the rate of genetic gain they can achieve. The incorporation of targeted genetic technologies, such as gene editing, into research related to selective breeding programs will help identify specific genes related to commercially desirable traits, as well as expedite genetic improvement. This review summarises research encompassing the most commonly targeted traits using gene editing within aquaculture, namely reproduction and development, pigmentation, growth and disease resistance. In addition, this review illustrates how the incorporation of gene editing can expedite genetic improvement through the rapid fixation of desirable alleles, as well as suggests strategies to accelerate genetic improvement for aquaculture production.

Essential amino acid requirements of fish and crustaceans, a meta‐analysis - Shujuan Xing; Xiaofang Liang; Xiaoran Zhang; Aires Oliva‐Teles; Helena Peres; Min Li; Hao Wang; Kangsen Mai; Sadasivam J. Kaushik; Min Xue (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
A meta‐analysis of literature data on essential amino acid (EAA) requirements of fish and crustaceans was performed to re‐estimate EAA requirements and provide ideal amino acid profiles. Large numbers of studies have been conducted on EAA requirements of fish and crustaceans over the past decades. However, estimated EAA requirements of different species showed a large variation due to differences in methodological approaches and regression models. An extensive search and inclusion of literature on EAA requirements were conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines in this study, resulting in a dataset of 358 studies covering 77 species. The relative percentage of maximum weight gain was used as the outcome to evaluate the 10 EAA requirements. Forest plots analysis was employed for heterogeneity analysis, study weight allocation and re‐estimation of the requirements. Results showed that trophic level, water temperature and dietary EAA inclusion levels affected EAA requirements estimation. The meta‐analysis suggested that the estimated 10 EAA requirements (expressed as % crude protein, CP) of the fish were: arginine (Arg) 5.0 (±0.14), histidine (His) 2.0 (±0.11), isoleucine (Ile) 3.3 (±0.16), leucine (Leu) 4.9 (±0.24), valine (Val) 3.8 (±0.11), lysine (Lys) 5.2 (±0.12), sulfur amino acids (Met + Cys) 3.5 (±0.18), total aromatic amino acids (Phe + Tyr) 6.2 (±0.12), threonine (Thr) 3.5 (±0.18) and tryptophan (Trp) 0.9 (±0.08). Estimated EAA requirements (expressed as % CP) of crustaceans were Arg 5.1 (±0.31), His 2.5 (±0.15), Ile 4.3 (±0.97), Leu 5.7 (±0.08), Val 4.3 (±0.30), Lys 4.9 (±0.28), Met + Cys 3.2 (±0.18), Phe + Tyr 5.1 (±0.65), Thr 3.8 (±0.04) and Trp 0.8 (±0.15).

Global yield from aquaculture systems - Caitlin R. Fong; Claire M. Gonzales; Mae Rennick; Luke D. Gardner; Benjamin S. Halpern; Halley E. Froehlich (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Aquaculture is expected to expand significantly in the coming decades to meet growing demand. A key variable for understanding the potential benefit of and impact from this growth is efficiency; yet a comprehensive assessment of on‐farm area use and yield is limited. Much like land‐based agriculture, range and variation in yields across space, species, and practice provide insights into area use and production efficiencies. Current estimates of aquaculture yields (production per area per time) aggregate on‐farm and off‐farm land use into one ‘land use’ category; in contrast, we disaggregate this category to provide on‐farm yield estimates and account for water area use. We use a quantitative review of scientific literature to synthesize and compare on‐farm area use and yield patterns across countries, taxa, aquatic systems, data source, and production mode ( n = 378). Because recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) have been touted as a particularly efficient production mode, we also found estimates for RAS from industry ( n = 4). Median, mean and range in yields among countries and taxa vary by orders of magnitude, with algal production greatly exceeding that of crustaceans, fishes and molluscs. Yields in marine systems were on average roughly 5× greater than yields in freshwater systems. RAS had particularly high yields but sparse data and estimates from private corporations were approximately 3.7× higher than literature estimates, on average. This comprehensive assessment of global aquaculture yields offers critical insight into the production efficiencies of different aquaculture forms and the large amount of variability, which could help guide aquaculture policy and practice.

Coral reefs of Australia: perspectives from beyond the water's edge, edited by S. M.Hamylton, P.Hutchings and O.Hoegh‐Guldberg, CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne, 2022, 344 pages, $99.99, ISBN 9781486315482 - Candida Savage (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)

Destruction and reconstruction: is freshwater offsetting achieving No Net Loss? - Chloe A. Price; Kevin S. Simon; Martin Neale (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
‘Biodiversity offsetting’ aims to address the residual negative environmental impacts of human development. It's goal is to achieve No Net Loss (NNL), and preferably a Net Gain of biodiversity attributes between development and offset sites. Biodiversity offsetting suffers from a lack of ‘proof of concept’, as little work has been done to critically test the ecological efficacy of offsetting practices. Offsetting of stream ecological functions was investigated in Aotearoa New Zealand, via review of regulatory documentation for 76 offsets and field assessments of 14 offset sites. Field results indicated some functions, including fish passage connectivity, respond rapidly post‐offset enhancement whilst others exhibit recovery lags (such as fish spawning habitat provision). However, most offsets were considered unlikely to achieve NNL due to failures in practice and process. Factors included inadequate consideration for restoration uncertainty, inappropriate monitoring conditions, insufficient data and inequivalent trade‐offs. Key linkages between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, particularly regarding floodplain connectivity, were poorly considered in offset implementation. Thus, development may be occurring based on inadequate regulatory processes, and poorly evaluated ecological outcomes. These findings join a growing body of evidence which indicates that, in the context of a global biodiversity crisis, offsetting is not achieving its purpose of NNL.

Occurrence and anthropogenic‐derived mortality of humpback whales ( Megaptera novaeangliae ) along the northern coast of Argentina, 2003–2021 - Gisela V. Giardino; Joaquín C. M. Gana; M. Carolina De León; M. Agustina Mandiola; Mariela Dassis; Pablo Denuncio; Andrea Elissamburu; Sergio Morón; Sergio Rodríguez Heredia; C. Karina Alvarez; Juan P. Loureiro; Victoria Massola; et al. (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
Sightings and strandings of humpback whales ( Megaptera novaeangliae ) along the coast of Buenos Aires Province in Argentina were once sporadic but have increased by up to 640% since 2018. Here, we assess the trends and seasonality of occurrence and anthropogenic‐derived mortality in this population between 2003 and 2021. Most of the humpback whales found dead were young animals, and 27% of the stranded whales showed signs of anthropogenic interactions. The information collected from Buenos Aires Province over the past two decades clearly indicates that humpback whales are becoming more frequent and growing in numbers along the Argentinean coast. For their protection, governmental regulations need to be implemented as soon as possible.

Heavy metal levels in blood cockle from south Vietnam coastal waters - Nguyen Phuc Cam Tu; Nguyen Ngoc Ha; Nguyen Van Dong; Dinh The Nhan; Nguyen Nhu Tri (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
The blood cockle, Anadara granosa , is a favoured bivalve mollusc species of Vietnamese people. Since the cockle is a filter feeder, heavy metals (HM) in the mudflat and natural food tend to accumulate in its tissues. This study was conducted to evaluate the concentrations of HMs (As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) in soft tissues of cockles from the southern coast provinces of Vietnam. Levels of HMs in the cockle were then used to estimate biota‐sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) and human health risk. The results showed that the concentrations of HMs generally did not differ significantly among provinces. The highest BSAF value was found for Cd in the cockle. The estimated target hazard quotients and hazard indices for HMs via consuming cockle were

Estimating the abundance of the Hector's dolphins ( Cephalorhynchus hectori hectori ) that use Porpoise Bay, New Zealand - Max Harvey; Steve Dawson; William Rayment (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
Hector's dolphin, an endangered species endemic to the coastal waters of Aotearoa New Zealand, has a highly fragmented population structure. Low abundance of some local subpopulations, coupled with a stepping‐stone mode of gene flow, suggests that these are at high risk of extinction. During the austral summer, dolphins from the small, genetically distinct subpopulation found along the South Island's south‐east coast frequently use Porpoise Bay, an important foraging and calving area. The estimate of abundance of dolphins using the bay has not been updated since the introduction of protection measures in 2008 intended to mitigate bycatch in fisheries. Photo‐ID surveys, including random photography to estimate mark rate, were conducted during summer 2020. Using Chapman's version of the Lincoln‐Petersen estimator, it was estimated that 63 Hector's dolphins (95% CI = 46–79), including three new calves, used Porpoise Bay during the study period. While regression analyses showed no evidence of change since previous abundance estimates in 1996–97, 2002–03, and 2008, the very low estimated abundance validates fears for the long‐term persistence of this subpopulation. In this context, potential threats need to be managed within a precautionary framework, with a clear goal of facilitating recovery.

Factors influencing cyanobacteria blooms: review of the historical monitoring data to assess management options for Lake Horowhenua - Max M. Gibbs; Jon Roygard; Maree Patterson; Logan Brown; David Brown (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
Factors influencing cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Horowhenua, Aotearoa/New Zealand, have been deduced from over 40 yrs routine monitoring data, detailed studies and high frequency (15‐min interval) data from an in‐lake monitoring buoy. Lake Horowhenua is currently hypertrophic but flips between a winter clear‐water, macrophyte dominated phase ( Potamogeton crispus), and a turbid phytoplankton dominated phase with substantial cyanobacterial ( Microcystis sp. ) blooms from mid‐summer to autumn. Nitrogen for growth comes from agriculture and horticulture via groundwater and spring‐fed streams. Phosphorus is released from the sediment when the weed beds die back. These nutrients stimulate the growth of Microcystis sp. , until the water temperature falls below 15°C. Microcystis sp can raise the pH to over 10, which releases P from the sediment, sustaining its growth. High pH transforms non‐toxic ammonium‐N released from the sediment to toxic unionised NH 3 , which may contribute to fish kills in summer/autumn. Management strategies cannot use P‐inactivation agents for cultural reasons and eradicating the macrophyte beds by spraying would cause the lake to permanently flip to a turbid state. Management of the macrophyte beds with a weed harvester is being trialled to allow a gradual replacement of P. crispus with indigenous species from the seed bank in the sediment.

On the projected changes in New Zealand's wave climate and its main drivers - João Albuquerque; Jose A. A. Antolínez; Fernando J. Méndez; Giovanni Coco (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
Wave climatologies from historical and projected simulations of the ACCESS1.0, MIROC5 and CNRM‐CM5 Global Circulation Models (GCM) were sourced from the Coordinated Ocean Wave Climate Project (COWCLIP) and downscaled using the SWAN wave model. Biases between GCM's historical simulations and a regional hindcast were assessed, and the two best‐performing models (ACCESS1.0, MIROC5) had their projections analysed. A general increase in wave height and period was observed along the south/west, together with a decrease in along the north/east coasts. The projected near‐term (NEA21C) period shows mostly a increase, whilst for the long‐term (END21C) period, increased and decreased are present. The areas of statistically significant changes are larger in the END21C than in the NEA21C period. The wave direction change is counter‐clockwise along the west and clockwise along the east coasts. This study is a first assessment of historical and projected GCM‐forced waves along New Zealand and the database we generated can be of great value for renewable energy research, risk assessment and the mitigation of future coastal hazards.

Transformation of nitrogen compounds in a regenerated urban drainage stream in New Zealand - Fabio C. Silveira; Ricardo Bello‐Mendoza; Tom A. Cochrane (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
Haytons Stream, a low laying stormwater and groundwater‐fed stream located in Christchurch, New Zealand, contains some of the highest levels of ammoniacal nitrogen and oxidised nitrogen in the country. To improve its water quality, the watercourse was reconditioned by adding retention ponds and riverbank riparian plants. The objective of this study was to assess the spatial and temporal changes in nitrogen species and concentration along the restored Haytons Stream to gain insight into the drivers of nitrogen compound transformation in urban streams. Water samples were collected from eight sampling stations along the stream in baseflow and stormflow conditions during dry and wet seasons. Results show that under baseflow, inorganic nitrogen was mostly present while under stormflow it was mainly in organic form. Overall, nitrogen concentrations increased from the upper to middle stream sections, decreasing downstream where the watercourse had been restored. The restoration of the stream was found to reduce all forms of nitrogen, except particulate organic nitrogen (PON, i.e. algae). The pond at the outlet of Haytons Stream contribute to converting dissolved inorganic nitrogen to predominantly PON, which should be removed through separation mechanisms in order to prevent PON from entering the Heathcote/Opawaho River at the Hayton's Stream discharge.

Understanding the diversity and phylogenetic placements of New Zealand amphipods within a global context - Eunji Park (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
Amphipods are an ecologically diverse group of crustaceans. Due to the limited number of fossil data and common morphological homoplasy, molecular data can be very useful to understand their evolutionary relationships and history. However, despite their global distribution and an increasing number of phylogenetic studies, molecular data from the Southern Hemisphere is considerably limited. Here, I report multigene data (18S, 28S, and COI) of New Zealand endemic freshwater families as well as some other marine taxa. Also, I report two new species/genera that have not been described yet. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted including major amphipod groups to understand phylogenetic placements of New Zealand amphipods. Based on the ML and Bayesian trees, Paracallipe , Paraleptamphopus , and the two unknown species belong to the eusiroids/iphimedioids clade; Parorchestia and a talitrid species clearly belong to talitroids; Paracorophium and Monocorophium were placed within corophiids; Themisto belongs to physosomatans; Josephosella was closely related to other hadzoids. The present study suggests that the Southern and Northern Hemisphere freshwater amphipods are likely to have originated from different marine ancestors. Molecular data from other regions in the Southern Hemisphere will be highly valuable for understanding the phylogeographic histories of amphipods that have shaped the current diversity and distribution.

Spanish abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)

Chinese abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)

Novel and continuous scientific and technical breakthroughs increase value and efficiency in aquaculture - Qingchao Wang; Pin Nie (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)

Arabic Abstract (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)

Cover Image - Qingshuang Zhang; Hongwei Yang; Tsegay Teame; Chao Ran; Yalin Yang; Yuanyuan Yao; Qianwen Ding; Shubin Liu; Shengkang Li; Zhen Zhang; Zhigang Zhou (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
The cover image is based on the Review Article Immune disorders induced by improper use of dietary immunostimulants in aquatic animals: Research progress and prospective solutions by targeting gut microbiota by Qingshuang Zhang and Hongwei Yang et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.12852 . [Correction added on 27 March 2024, after first online publication: Cover image has been changed] image

Portuguese‐Brazilian abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)

Innovation and development of the aquaculture nutrition research and feed industry in China - Xianyong Bu; Yueru Li; Wencong Lai; Chuanwei Yao; Yongtao Liu; Zhen Wang; Zengqi Zhao; Shangzhe Han; Jianlong Du; Xin Yao; Kangsen Mai; Qinghui Ai (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Aquaculture in China has undergone significant evolution in recent decades, transitioning from traditional practices to a vital food production industry. Alongside the rapid growth of aquaculture in China, aquafeed production continues to expand swiftly. This review attempts to establish an overview of the history and achievements in aquaculture nutrition research and feed industry in China. The development of scientific concept and methodology, especially the advanced molecular biology technology guarantees the shift from traditional nutrition to molecular nutrition, and subsequently to precision nutrition in aquaculture nutrition research. This evolution has facilitated the formulation of effective strategies to enhance the growth, health and product quality of aquatic animals. The advancements of aquaculture nutrition research and feed industry have also been propelled by innovative research concepts rooted in principles such as the health and safety of aquatic animals, the quality of aquatic products, resource conservation and environmental friendliness, and the advancements in key processing technologies within the aquafeed industry. The future perspectives of the aquaculture nutrition research and feed industry in China are also proposed. The present work aims to provide a reference for promoting the development of aquaculture nutrition research and feed industry in China.

The need for proactive environmental management of offshore aquaculture - Michelle N. Simone; Kay Vopel (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)

Advancements and hurdles of deeper‐offshore aquaculture in China - Shuang‐Lin Dong; Yun‐Wei Dong; Liu‐Yi Huang; Yan‐Gen Zhou; Ling Cao; Xiang‐Li Tian; Li‐Min Han; Da‐Hai Li (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Open offshore areas boast strong physical self‐purification capacity and abundant non‐fossil energy resources, such as wind, waves, and solar energy. Consequently, the global community anticipates nearshore aquaculture to transition towards offshore to help increase production, alleviate eutrophication, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To date, China has constructed over 40 sets of deeper‐offshore aquaculture (DOA) infrastructures, encompassing various types of pens, cages and closed containment systems. Although DOA holds vast potential to address food security and aquaculture sustainability in China, its current development trajectory struggles to meet those goals and primarily achieves profitability by focusing on high‐value species or products. For DOA to realize its potential, innovative production systems must tackle three key contradictions: enterprise profitability versus product affordability, clean energy‐based products versus carbon‐intensive products, and automated operation versus re‐employment of coastal fish farmers. Resolving these contradictions requires the development of a large‐scale, anti‐typhoon offshore enclosure that integrates mariculture with other industries, such as wind farming, food processing, and tourism. This approach will foster a sustainable balance between profitability, environmental impact, and employment opportunities in the sector.

Progress and perspective of trained immunity in teleost fish - Xinwei You; Jin Yang; Zhuang Wang; Qiyao Wang; Qin Liu; Yuanxing Zhang; Geert F. Wiegertjes; Dahai Yang (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Trained immunity defines the long‐term memory of innate immunity based on innate immune signalling, metabolic changes and epigenetic rewiring of trained innate immune cells, which are characterised by elevated inflammatory responses towards secondary stimuli. The activation of this non‐specific protection‐mediated memory in innate immune cells was identified to benefit host defences as well as play a detrimental role in inflammatory diseases. In this review, we focused on summing up the current progress about the inducers, effector cells, molecular mechanisms and protective effects of trained immunity that have been identified in both mammals and teleost fish, and discussing the future research and application of trained immunity in aquaculture. Revealing the mechanisms of trained immunity will not only provide a novel aspect for understanding the evolution of innate immune memory and their longer‐term protections, but also contribute to the rational design and evaluation of immunopotentiators, adjuvants and potential vaccines in aquaculture.

Transforming sustainable aquaculture by applying circularity principles - Killian Chary; Anne‐Jo van Riel; Abigail Muscat; Aurélie Wilfart; Souhil Harchaoui; Marc Verdegem; Ramón Filgueira; Max Troell; Patrik J. G. Henriksson; Imke J. M. de Boer; Geert F. Wiegertjes (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
A circular economy is considered one way to reduce environmental impacts of human activities, by more efficient use of resources and recovery, resulting in less waste and emissions compared to linear take‐make‐dispose systems. Muscat et al. developed five ecological principles to guide biomass use towards a circular economy. A few studies have demonstrated environmental benefits of applying these principles to land‐based food systems, but to date, these principles have not been explored in aquaculture. The current study expands on these principles and provides a narrative review to (i) translate them to aquaculture, while identifying implications for the main species and production systems, and (ii) identify the main pathways to make aquaculture more circular. We show that the underlying concepts of the ‘safeguard’, ‘entropy’, and ‘recycle’ principles have been well researched and sometimes well implemented. In contrast, the ‘avoid’ and ‘prioritise’ principles have been explored much less; doing so would provide an opportunity to decrease environmental impacts of aquaculture at the food‐system level. One example is prioritising the production of species that contribute to food and nutrition security, have low environmental impacts and thinking at wider food system scale to avoid feed‐food competition in aquaculture. We identified six priorities that could make aquaculture more circular: (i) increase production and demand for the most essential species, (ii) decrease food loss and waste at farm and post‐harvest stages, (iii) support nutrient recycling practices at multiple scales, (iv) adapt aquafeed formulations, (v) inform consumers about benefits of species of low trophic levels and other environmentally friendly aquatic foods, and (vi) address urgent research gaps.

Antiparasitic approaches and strategies in European aquaculture, with emphasis on Mediterranean marine finfish farming: Present scenarios and future visions - George Rigos; Francesc Padrós; Eleni Golomazou; Carlos Zarza (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Parasitic infections can be occasionally severe in the European marine aquaculture industry, including the Mediterranean region, as they can incur considerable financial losses. Due to the lack of commercial vaccines, therapeutic approaches seem the only measure to battle parasitic outbreaks. Integrated strategies and increased resilience of the hosts, may limit to some degree the level of infestation. Ectoparasitic therapy is traditionally based on baths, with few exceptions. Several antiparasitic compounds have been registered in European aquatic medicine to combat mainly salmon sea lice; however, few of them are readily used against Mediterranean fish parasites. Formalin and less commonly hydrogen peroxide baths are applied against ectoparasites in the Mediterranean region. Most of the registered anti‐lice antiparasitics have limited potential perhaps due to their adverse environmental impact. Future therapies against fish parasites will rely mainly on effective substances ensuring consumer, animal, and environmental welfare. Ideally, dietary antiparasitics such as praziquantel exhibiting mild environmental impact and high efficacy against a wide range of pathogens should be adopted. Moreover, combined strategies such as integrated pest management, involving various management practices with limited use of chemicals, should be a priority for specific parasitic outbreaks. The information presented in this review can guide future research and promote effective and prudent parasite control practices for Mediterranean‐farmed fish.

A strategic roadmap for carbohydrate utilization in crustaceans feed - Krishna P. Singha; Narottam P. Sahu; Parimal Sardar; Naseemashahul Shamna; Vikas Kumar (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Carbohydrates serve as essential macronutrients in aquaculture feeds, providing cost‐efficiency and numerous advantages, including energy supply, pellet stability, reduced ammonia excretion, and support for exoskeleton synthesis in crustaceans. Despite their significance, research on carbohydrate nutrition in crustaceans has been relatively limited compared to finfish. This comprehensive review addresses this knowledge gap by presenting contemporary insights into carbohydrate utilization in commercially important crustacean species, encompassing shrimps, prawns, crabs, lobsters, and crayfishes. The review underscores the pivotal role of carbohydrates, identifies limiting factors, and outlines strategies for enhancing efficiency. Wheat and sorghum/milo emerge as particularly promising carbohydrate sources. Nevertheless, determining species‐specific carbohydrate inclusion levels remains essential for further investigation. This review also emphasizes species‐specific distinctions in carbohydrate utilization during starvation, influenced by factors such as age, moulting stage, and digestive capacity. Challenging the misconception that carbohydrates are superfluous for crustaceans is imperative. Additional research to advance comprehension of their utilization mechanisms is vital. Enhanced knowledge of carbohydrate utilization can pave the way for economically sustainable and environmentally friendly feeds in crustacean aquaculture. Furthermore, exploring exogenous enzyme potential, optimizing pre‐treatment methodologies, and harnessing probiotics can further augment carbohydrate utilization. These advancements hold promise for bolstering the growth and sustainability of the crustacean industry, meeting the surging demand for seafood production while minimizing environmental impact.

Signatures of dysbiosis in fish microbiomes in the context of aquaculture - Raquel Xavier; Ricardo Severino; Sofia M. Silva (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Fish microbiome plays an important role in maintaining host homeostasis, with many bacterial functions directly linked to host fitness. Fish microbiome research is advancing fast, especially in the context of aquaculture where several stressors are known to disrupt stability of host‐associated bacteria, prompting dysbiosis. Therefore, understanding the signatures of dysbiosis in different fish mucosae and their association with such stressors is fundamental to set up efficient health‐monitoring strategies, as well as sound and objective working hypothesis for future research. Herein, we reviewed studies that employed culture‐independent approaches to assess the effects of disease, chemotherapeutics and water quality changes on several diversity metrics of gut, skin and gill microbiomes. We conclude that increases in abundance of potential pathogens and changes to bacterial community structure are reliable indicators of dysbiosis in fish. The gut microbiome emerged as being highly susceptible to salinity changes and chemotherapeutics, whereas external microbiota seems to be more susceptible to dysbiosis caused by disease and temperature changes. Our analysis showed that treatments with tetracyclines and florfenicol are more likely to elicit severe dysbiosis compared to quinolones and disinfectants that cause lesser disturbance to fish microbiome. Bacterial diseases also frequently elicit severe dysbiosis (enteritis in particular), whereas parasitic diseases are far less deleterious. Regarding impacts on water quality, only changes to salinity and temperature are reasonably studied. Recent developments in metagenomics, that include a fast turn‐around time of results, can be used to detect changes to fish homeostasis during critical periods of fish production, assisting aquaculture management.

Towards a ‘systems’ approach for viral challenge experiments in shrimp: Reporting guidelines for publication - P. M. Arbon; M. Andrade Martinez; D. R. Jerry; K. Condon (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
The success of contemporary disease management strategies in shrimp aquaculture, such as the ‘systems’ approach, is predicated on robust knowledge of the conditions and interactions between the host, pathogen and environment that promote disease. Pathogen challenge experiments (PCEs) are a power tool for investigating these conditions and interactions. However, absence of accurately reported experimental detail in published PCEs limits scientific transparency, reproducibility, and the potential for the research to make progressive advancements contributing to contemporary shrimp disease management strategies. This review identifies and discusses key factors relating to the host (shrimp), pathogen (virus), and environment that should be carefully considered during the design and publication of PCEs. We offer substantial evidence of their impact on viral disease outcomes, drawn from the existing body of literature, to supporting their consideration. The prevalence of reported experimental details for these factors across 186 viral PCEs in shrimp were evaluated. The review highlights a concerning paucity of experimental detail reported in published shrimp PCEs. We propose a checklist for the minimum reportable information in the publication of shrimp viral PCEs, hereafter referred to as the Shrimp PCE Reporting Guidelines (SPERG). The guidelines aim to enhance the transparency and standardisation of reporting in published PCEs, ensuring that key factors pertaining to the shrimp, pathogen, and environment are adequately considered and documented. Adoption of SPERG is envisaged to empower researchers, reviewers, and readers to assess the internal and external validity of PCEs, facilitating critical evaluation and improved utility of PCE findings for contemporary disease management.

Deformities in fish: A barrier for responsible aquaculture and sustainable fisheries - Gyan Chandra; V. P. Saini; Shailesh Kumar; Dorota Fopp‐Bayat (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Fish deformities are detrimental to aquaculture and conservation initiatives; it is also an ethical problem and causes substantial financial losses to the aquaculture industry. The exact mechanism of deformities is still a mystery. Several factors cause deformities in fish; it seems that the deformations are inevitable but can be minimised by adopting good aquaculture practices such as proper broodstock husbandry, standard breeding and larval rearing protocol, management of water quality parameters, and providing nutritionally balanced feed, especially to the broodstock and developing larvae. In addition, it can be minimised by early detection of deformities, especially at the embryonic and larval stages. Monitoring of stocking materials should be an essential part of responsible aquaculture and conservation programmes; stocking materials should be free from any types of deformities as it affects not only aquaculture production, profitability and success of conservation programmes but also the reoccurrence of deformities in nature. The mechanism behind deformities and the development of low‐cost, robust methods/tools for detecting deformities in fish remain a challenge. Still, the opportunity exists to develop a robust marker that can predict deformities even at early embryonic and larval stages.

Microalgae as feed sources and feed additives for sustainable aquaculture: Prospects and challenges - Mingyang Ma; Qiang Hu (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Aquaculture is an essential source of protein and essential fatty acids for humans. However, the sustainable development of aquaculture faces numerous challenges, including a shortage of high‐quality feed and feedstuff, and a degeneration in the safety and quality of aquatic products. This review explores how the use of microalgae as an aquafeed ingredient may help to solve these problems. Microalgae are a vital food source for larval bivalves, shrimps, and fish due to their high nutritional value and suitable cell size. Particularly, bivalves rely on microalgae as a direct feed source throughout their entire life cycle. Microalgae are also indispensable food sources or nutrient supplements for secondary live prey, including rotifers, Artemia , and copepods. Microalgae containing a large amount of protein and lipid can be used as alternatives to fishmeal and fish oil in aquafeed. Moreover, microalgae are rich in ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, vitamins, and β‐glucan. These bioactive substances can be used as feed additives to improve the growth rate, skin coloration, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and survival rate of aquatic animals. However, the high production cost of microalgae limits its widespread application in aquaculture. Recent advancements in the technology used to culture microalgae intensively, especially fermentation technology, have significantly improved the production efficiency and decreased the production cost. Therefore, accelerating the use of microalgae as aquafeed is crucial if sustainable aquaculture is to be achieved. The review concludes by discussing the opportunities and challenges involved in integrating microalgae into sustainable aquaculture and suggests a way forward.

Kelp breeding in China: Challenges and opportunities for solutions - Zi‐Min Hu; Ti‐Feng Shan; Quan‐Sheng Zhang; Fu‐Li Liu; Alexander Jueterbock; Gaoge Wang; Zhong‐Min Sun; Xiang‐Yu Wang; Wei‐Zhou Chen; Alan T. Critchley; Nai‐Hao Ye (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Breeding has played an important role in the mariculture and industrialization of kelp in China. However, the current kelp breeding systems in China have encountered some problems relating to germplasm diversity, management, technological innovations, and regional co‐operation. This review summarizes the main challenges, such as top‐down and fragmented management of germplasm libraries, as well as private industry breeding without government regulations, inter‐cultivar accidental admixing and genetic erosion, loss of heterozygosity due to repeated selection and self‐crossing. We outline multiple potential approaches to breed cultivars with improved qualitative/quantitative traits which can be subjected to changing environments, for example: (i) establishing a national germplasm repository to enhance integrative collection and preservation of kelp resources; (ii) planning and implementing kelp breeding programmes according to strategic priorities and goal‐orientations; (iii) optimizing a hybridization‐based breeding pipeline to produce robust cultivars through the introgression of novel alleles and thus the expression of hybrid vigour; (iv) enriching the high‐quality annotated reference genomes and functional analysis of trait‐associated markers/loci to develop DNA‐based breeding technologies; (v) developing new priming‐based (e.g., thermal and disease resistance) bio‐engineering breeding strategies to meet future unpredictable climate change; and (vi) breeding towards an ecological kelp‐microbiome interaction‐based technique to produce cultivars with enhanced performance and adaptability to environmental scenarios. Collectively, the lessons learned from kelp breeding in China and the solutions proposed here may not only potentially improve or re‐invigorate the Chinese kelp industry, but will also assist other developing countries in taking corrective actions to develop a sustainable future kelp farming industry.

Emerging technologies revolutionising disease diagnosis and monitoring in aquatic animal health - Kailash Bohara; Pabitra Joshi; Krishna Prasad Acharya; Grace Ramena (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
In recent years, aquaculture has seen tremendous growth worldwide due to technological advancements, leading to research and development of various innovations. Aquaculture farmers prioritise early diagnosis for timely treatment to achieve better productive and economic performance. Aquatic animal health experts still employ traditional diagnostic methods using visual diagnosis, cell culture, media culture, histopathology and serology. However, the developments of technologies in aquamedicine, such as sequencing, biosensors and CRISPR, have enabled rapid disease detection within minutes. Furthermore, integrating sensors, drones, artificial intelligence and the internet in aquaculture farm monitoring has helped farmers take decisive actions to improve production. Advancements in diagnostic techniques have significantly enhanced the efficient detection of bacterial, viral, parasitic and fungal diseases in aquatic animals. Moreover, monitoring water quality, aquatic animal health and animal behaviour on farms has become exceptionally streamlined with cutting‐edge tools like drones, sensors and artificial intelligence. Summarising research and development in aquatic animal health and monitoring aids efficient technology adoption in aquaculture. With these advanced technologies' continued development and adoption in developed countries, the aquaculture industry is experiencing growth and increased efficiency, benefiting farmers and consumers in these regions. However, farmers and educators in developing countries lack information about these technologies. Training of agricultural educators and efficient dissemination of knowledge and technologies through advertising and publication in collaboration with companies is essential. This review delves into emerging technologies capable of replacing the conventional diagnostic and monitoring methods utilised in aquaculture. We also explore their strengths, limitations and potential future applications within aquaculture settings.

Nucleic acid amplification‐based methods for diagnosis of shrimp viral diseases - Yoonhang Lee; Jasna Vijayan; HyeongJin Roh; Jiyeon Park; Ju‐Yeop Lee; Thanh Luan Nguyen; Hyoung Jun Kim; Wi‐Sik Kim; Arun K. Dhar; Chan‐Il Park; Do‐Hyung Kim (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Viral diseases are one of the constraints affecting the sustainability of the shrimp farming industry worldwide. The common causes of viral infections include white spot syndrome virus, infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrosis virus, hepatopancreatic parvovirus, Penaeus monodon nudivirus, decapod iridescent virus 1, Taura syndrome virus, yellow head virus, infectious myonecrosis virus and Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus. Accurate diagnostic methods are necessary for preventing the spread of these transboundary diseases. Many molecular diagnostic methods for shrimp viral diseases have been developed and are currently in use, including conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), nested PCR, loop‐mediated isothermal amplification PCR, recombinase polymerase assay and real‐time PCR. Although the World Organization for Animal Health (founded as OIE) recommends several PCR methods for shrimp disease diagnosis, there has been a lack of efforts to comparatively evaluate the performance of the available methods, resulting in a significant knowledge gap. Therefore, in this review, we compare various PCR assays and commercial PCR‐based diagnostic kits that have been developed and/or published previously, and discuss pros and cons of each of these methods. Our objective of this review is to offer enhanced clarity and a comprehensive overview of molecular diagnostic methods for shrimp viral diseases. This endeavour would serve as an important resource for researchers engaged in relevant studies and professionals within the shrimp‐farming industry, providing valuable guidance and insights.

Concentration of suspended solids in superintensive culture of the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei with biofloc technology ( BFT ): A review - Rodrigo Schveitzer; Roberto Fábio Conway Baccarat; Carlos Augusto Prata Gaona; Wilson Wasielesky; Rafael Arantes (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Microbial flocs (bioflocs) present in the water of intensive culture tanks are formed by a variety of microorganisms and other kinds of particulate organic matter, such as faeces and uneaten feed. During shrimp culture, biofloc concentrations increase. It has been reported that some level of control over biofloc levels, which can be quantified by the concentration of total suspended solids (TSS), is necessary for the adequate performance of the system. Some authors suggest that TSS concentrations below 600 mg L −1 are more appropriate for the superintensive culture of the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei in biofloc technology (BFT). However, subsequent research results contradict some of the arguments supporting the suggested solids limits, for example, the impact of increased solids on gill obstruction and subsequent shrimp survival. Recent studies have also shown the relationship between the control of solids and other important aspects of the system not considered so far, such as the control of opportunistic bacteria. Therefore, this topic seems worthy of revisiting, and it will be helpful to find new guidance toward understanding the levels of bioflocs that should be kept in L. vannamei culture tanks. In this review, we addressed the reasons that led to the establishment and limitations of the current biofloc levels for L. vannamei culture. The effects of maintaining low and high levels of bioflocs on both shrimp performance and the culture system are also analysed. Finally, perspectives on the management of biofloc levels are discussed, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each proposed strategy.

Genetic improvement of oysters: Current status, challenges, and prospects - Kunyin Jiang; Chen Chen; Gaowei Jiang; Yong Chi; Chengxun Xu; Lingfeng Kong; Hong Yu; Shikai Liu; Qi Li (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Oysters are one of the most commercially important shellfish species and have been cultured for thousands of years. Oyster aquaculture supports the major aquaculture industries in many countries. Over the last few decades, the oyster breeding and aquaculture industries have developed rapidly to meet the continually growing demand. Many researchers have made significant efforts toward the genetic improvement of commercially important traits in oysters. Some strains with fast‐growing, disease‐resistant, and stable shell‐colours have been developed through selective breeding. Some hybrid varieties have been developed by crossing different geographical populations or cultivated strains. Several hybrids exhibit considerable genetic variation and improved productive performance. Additionally, polyploid induction technologies have been applied in the oyster aquaculture industry, which provides a useful tool for performance improvement and genetic containment of cultured stocks. At present, the development of molecular breeding also provides a great opportunity for oyster genetic improvement. These advances in oyster breeding have improved the quality of oysters, brought great economic benefits, and been conducive to the sustainability of oyster production. Nonetheless, there are still some limitations and obstacles in oyster breeding, such as infectious diseases, summer mortality, conservation of germplasm resources, environmental contamination, and climate change. The present review provides an overview of the current status, challenges, and prospects in oyster breeding.

A guide to assess the use of gene editing in aquaculture - Nicholas A. Robinson; Tone‐Kari Knutsdatter Østbye; Anne H. Kettunen; Andrew Coates; Luke T. Barrett; Diego Robledo; Tim Dempster (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Aquaculture creates ‘aquatic foods’ such as fish, shellfish, and seaweeds that are critical for food security. Gene editing using CRISPR‐Cas9 has the potential to transform aquaculture by improving animal welfare, nutritional attributes, and farming efficiency, with benefits for environmental sustainability. However, gene editing also poses risks of harm via side effects on other important traits or genetic introgression into wild populations. Public acceptance of gene edited aquatic species will rapidly erode if risk mitigation is ineffective or not applied. Here, we review the benefits and risks for gene editing in aquaculture. A general framework for risk–benefit analysis of gene editing in aquaculture is proposed, incorporating nine key considerations: genetic impacts, ecological impacts, disease risk mitigation, nature of edit, supply chain environmental footprint, animal welfare, human nutrition, ethical business implications and impacts on local communities. When applied on a case‐by‐case basis, the framework will help identify how gene editing of a farmed species can most enhance production and nutritional benefits while minimising harms to animal welfare, the environment, and society.

Immune disorders induced by improper use of dietary immunostimulants in aquatic animals: Research progress and prospective solutions by targeting gut microbiota - Qingshuang Zhang; Hongwei Yang; Tsegay Teame; Chao Ran; Yalin Yang; Yuanyuan Yao; Qianwen Ding; Shubin Liu; Shengkang Li; Zhen Zhang; Zhigang Zhou (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Immunostimulants were widely used in aquafeed due to their multiple important functions, including promoting growth, enhancing non‐specific defence mechanisms and resisting infectious diseases. But the efficiencies of the positive effects of immunostimulants were affected by the duration of the administration and their dose. Short‐term and normal‐dose of immunostimulants promoted the growth and enhance non‐specific immunity of aquatic animals. However, improper use led to several immune disorders, including immune tolerance, immune exhaustion and over‐immunity. The application of two immunostimulant diets in rotation technique and the intermittent use of immune stimulant diets may solve the problems associated with immune disorders, but this application method will be limited by both species and immunostimulants. The occurrence of immune disorders is accompanied by different degrees of gut microbiota dysbiosis, especially significantly up‐regulated the abundance of Proteobacteria. Besides, the gut symbiotic microbiota plays a significant role in host immunity. Consequently, the regulation of gut microbiota may be an effective way to modulate immune disorders caused by improper use of polysaccharide immunostimulants. Regulating the gut microbiota not only solves the negative effects caused by improper use of immunostimulants without restrictions on both species and immunostimulants, but also has the advantage of simplicity and convenience compared to conventional approaches. In summary, this article reviews the possible negative effects caused by improper use of immunostimulants on aquatic animals and compares regular approaches with regulating gut microbiota. And gut microbiota maybe be used as a therapeutic target to improve immune disorders caused by immunostimulants in aquatic animals.

The growth‐promoting effects of exercise in finfish: A systematic review and meta‐analysis - Essie M. Rodgers; Daniel F. Gomez Isaza (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Exercise training may be an effective tool for promoting growth and production efficiency in finfish aquaculture. Yet, changes in growth and feed conversion ratios (FCR) following periods of exercise can be varied and context dependent. Variation in species and training protocols (duration, intensity and regime) can misalign interpretations, and individual studies hold limited statistical power. To remedy this, we compiled data from 69 studies spanning 31 species to quantify the effects of exercise training on growth rates and FCRs. Using meta‐analytic tools, we show that exercise training significantly increases growth rates across a range of taxonomically diverse finfish. Optimal training regimes were identified; effects were strongest when fish were exercised continuously rather than intermittently, at target swimming speeds ≤ 2 body lengths s −1 , for longer durations of time. These results are most applicable to juvenile fish (mean length of fish in the analyses = 16 cm). Exercise training was also shown to decrease variability in growth rates, leading to fish that are more uniform in size. FCRs were unaffected by exercise, showing that exercised‐ and control‐fish were equally efficient at converting food into body mass. Overall, our analyses show that exercise is a powerful management tool in promoting rapid growth, where fish can reach marketable sizes faster.

Interspecific hybridization of decapod crustacean species with commercial interest—A review - Muhammad Nur Syafaat; Muyassar H. Abualreesh; Norhafiza Ilyana Yatim; Hanafiah Fazhan; Khor Waiho; Hongyu Ma; Victor Tosin Okomoda; Mhd Ikhwanuddin (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Interspecies hybridization has been widely used in the development of aquaculture in fish species but there is not much impact in crustacean species. Several species of crustaceans that have been successfully crossed still have low hatching rates and the hybrids obtained have not met expectations. This review tries to summarize and analyse interspecific hybridization of cultured crustacean species (shrimps, lobsters, crayfish and crabs) and its potential for development of crustacean aquaculture production. The success of cross‐breeding on several species of shrimp and lobster has been supported by artificial insemination technology. In crabs, artificial insemination cannot be applied and cross‐breeding still relies on natural mating with an unstable success rate. In addition to cross‐breeding in captivity, cross‐breeding of crustacean species (shrimp, lobster, crayfish and crab) in nature has also been found. Interbreeding of crustacean species in nature cannot always be distinguished morphologically, hybrids between them can be known with certainty after carrying out molecular analysis. Even though the level of reproductive performance in cross‐breeding of shrimp, lobster, crayfish and crab species is still low, cross‐breeding efforts must be continued to obtain more information so that it can later be mapped which species have the potential to develop hybrids for cultivation. Furthermore, growth, reproductive performance, monosex hybridity and disease resistance are all hybrid parameters that must be evaluated.

Gill disorders in fish: Lessons from poxvirus infections - Maria Zawisza; Magdalena Chadzinska; Dieter Steinhagen; Krzysztof Rakus; Mikołaj Adamek (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Gill disorders are responsible for substantial losses in the aquaculture industry. This is because gills are delicate and anatomically complex tissues, responsible for maintaining homeostasis in fish by being involved in many important physiological processes. Pathogens that infect gills, together with chemical irritants can modify the function of this organ and seriously affect fish health often leading to mass mortality. Since many fish pathogens affect not only gills, but also other organs, the impact of gill disorders alone on disruption of fish homeostasis is difficult to determine. There are, however, fish poxviruses that have a high affinity for the gills: carp edema virus (CEV), salmon gill poxvirus (SGPV) and Plecoglossus altivelis poxvirus (PaPV). These poxviruses could therefore help in defining the principal characteristics of gill disorders. Thus, the present study reviews the effects of gill disorders caused by CEV, SGPV and PaPV on fish health. CEV and SGPV infect fish species that are very important for global aquaculture: common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ) and Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ), and induce gill pathology that has a very negative impact on respiratory and osmoregulatory functions, nitrogenous waste excretion and energy metabolism. Furthermore, we highlight that a disruption of these metabolic processes increases stress response and results in immunosuppression, exposing fish to secondary infections. Finally, this review emphasises the importance of maintaining gill health for fish in order to perform well in aquaculture settings as well as underlining that gill health should be focused on in fish farming.

Plant‐based feed additives in Cyprinus carpio aquaculture - Felix Kofi Agbeko Kuebutornye; Koushik Roy; Ewumi Azeez Folorunso; Jan Mraz (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024)
Species feeding lower at the food web like cyprinids (carp) are often advocated for sustainable aquaculture. However, their gastrointestinal biology (lack of stomach) has limited their acid‐peptic digestion, acid lysis of plants and invertebrate tissues, and phosphorus uptake. This review presents data from 118 articles on the use of plant‐based feed additives (PFAs) in Cyprinus carpio (common carp). Our review shows that most PFA research in carp is focused on improving feed and nutrient utilization efficiency along various levels (in vivo digestibility, metabolizability to in situ nutrient loading), while other half is focused on ensuring animal welfare standards (biomass, immunity, welfare). Several reviewed plant‐based additives however tend to do both. The PFAs include essential oils (EOs), plant‐part extracts (PPEs), medicinal plants (herbs) and spices. The effective inclusion rate of EOs is lower (0.5%–0.75%). Whereas PPEs, herbs and spices work at a generic inclusion rate of 2%–5% in carp feeds. Even at an optimum inclusion rate, there are factors controlling PFAs efficacy such as methods of preparation (reviewed). PFAs like lemon beebrush, geranium, dill, Rosemary pepper and common mallow with/without certain pre‐conditions are better to avoid in cyprinid diets. Although certain PFAs may potentially alter organoleptic qualities of carp flesh or might assist in training carp immunity, information on these aspects is limited. The review also provides a quick guide to researchers and feed companies interested in exploring the potential of PFAs in C. carpio aquaculture. Potential PFAs that could be valuable for cyprinids, but not yet explored are also listed.