Aquaculture Sector Research Articles

Production system and challenges of saline aquaculture in Punjab and Sindh provinces of Pakistan

IntroductionLack of data about saline aquaculture in Pakistan has curtailed informed policy and investment decision making resulting in undervaluation of and underinvestment in the sector. Therefore, saline aquaculture in Pakistan is today an underdeveloped sector despite its potential as an alternative livelihood for the country's rural farmers. This study represents one of the initial exploratory investigations into saline aquaculture systems in Pakistan, aiming to comprehend the existing sectoral landscape, production challenges, post-harvest constraints, and the associated capacity and investment needs.MethodsThe study employed purposive sampling to survey 121 low-income saline aquaculture farmers across five districts of Southern Punjab and Sindh provinces. The analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics.ResultsThe results revealed that the saline aquaculture sector is predominantly male-centric, with agricultural land utilized for both agriculture and aquaculture purposes. Ponds, which usually serve multiple functions, focus primarily on carp production, but adherence to good management practices remains limited. Farmers face various challenges, including the high costs of feed and seeds, freshwater scarcity, inadequate technical knowledge, and marketing issues.Discussion and conclusionThis study serves as a foundational assessment, addressing data and information gaps crucial for supporting the sustainable development of saline aquaculture in Pakistan. To facilitate such development, the study recommends initiating programs to strengthen technical skills in saline aquaculture, together with the establishment of hatcheries and breeding stations for saline-tolerant species, aiming to reduce dependence on freshwater species in saline pond environments.

Towards the Sustainable Intensification of Aquaculture: Exploring Possible Ways Forward

Meeting the global demand for aquatic products while maintaining sustainability is a critical challenge. This review article examines global practices of land-based aquaculture systems that could be implemented in the EU, as the EU has not yet fully realized its potential in developing the aquaculture sector. Therefore, the article examines different aspects (aquaculture systems, technological solutions and improvements, and best management practices) in achieving sustainable aquaculture and emphasizes the need for innovation and cooperation in the face of increasing environmental concerns and resource constraints. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for the sustainable intensification of aquaculture. The way forward requires a combination of different and improved-upon technological solutions complemented by technological innovation and better management practices. The sustainability of aquaculture requires a broader application of the ecosystem approach to aquaculture and the promotion of energy and resource efficiency measures in aquaculture systems.

The Bioeconomic Analysis of Hybrid Giant Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × Epinephelus lanceolatus) and Green Grouper (Epinephelus malabaricus): A Case Study in Taiwan

Grouper aquaculture is a rapidly growing and dynamic industry within the Taiwan aquaculture sector that serves as an important source of income generation. Farming fishes at a better location (FFABL) is a promising production strategy. This study evaluated the production and economic performance of grouper farming in Taiwan. This investigation employed two steps: (1) a cost–benefit analysis to determine the main component affecting profitability; and (2) multivariate statistics to clarify the relationship between biological and economic factors. The findings suggest that the best choice of species is hybrid giant grouper that generates and highlights a positive income, viable benefit–cost ratio and profit rate. The study found the feed management of hybrid giant groupers requires more consideration due to its low feed conversion ratio. The producers need to replace trash fish in commercial feed during the production cycle to ensure better feed management. Finally, this paper argues that feed is the main constraint for grouper farming, which is sensitive to any change in feed productivity, and this constraint must be solved to sustain the grouper industry in Taiwan.

Consumer perception versus scientific evidence of farmed and wild fish: insights from Malaysia

Understanding consumer perceptions is crucial for shaping market demand, building consumer confidence, and promoting sustainable practices in the aquaculture sector. The main goal of this study is to examine consumers' perceptions of farmed and wild fish on various attributes, aiming to identify any discrepancies between consumer perception and scientific facts. Using random purposive sampling, a survey was conducted with 250 consumers in selected Malaysian populations recruited via street-intercept interviews. The findings reveal that the debate between consuming farmed fish and wild fish lacks a clear answer, with consumer perceptions, especially regarding freshness and sensory characteristics, often differing from scientific evidence. While fish farming offers advantages in quality control and post-mortem biochemistry, the nutritional composition of fish can vary based on farming conditions. To ensure the success of the aquaculture industry in Malaysia, there is a need to enhance practices, raise awareness among aquaculturists, and educate consumers about the benefits of well-managed aquaculture. By adopting a multidisciplinary approach and addressing the crucial nexus between consumer perceptions and sustainable aquaculture, this study makes a valuable and timely contribution to the ongoing discourse in the aquaculture sector. It offers insights that can inform strategies for promoting responsible seafood consumption and advancing the sustainability agenda in Malaysia's aquaculture industry.

Characterization and Preliminary Application of a Novel Lytic Vibrio parahaemolyticus Bacteriophage vB_VpaP_SJSY21.

Litopenaeus vannamei is one of the most economically significant aquatic species globally. However, the emergence of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) in recent years has resulted in substantial losses within the L. vannamei farming industry. Phage therapy holds promise as an effective strategy for preventing and controlling bacterial infections like AHPND, thereby promoting the healthy and sustainable growth of the shrimp aquaculture sector. In this study, a novel and unique Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteriophage, named vB_VpaP_SJSY21, was successfully isolated from sewage samples. Using transmission electron microscopy, it was observed that phage SJSY21 has an elongated shell. Notably, phage SJSY21 exhibited high infection efficiency, with an optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI) of only 0.01 and a remarkably short latent period of 10 min, resulting in a lysis quantity of 508. Furthermore, phage SJSY21 demonstrated notable heat resistance and the capacity to withstand high temperatures during preservation, thus holding potential for application in phage therapy. Whole-genome sequencing and analysis confirmed that phage SJSY21 has a genome size of 110,776 bp, classifying it as a new member of the short-tailed bacteriophage family. Additionally, cultivation experiments indicated that phage SJSY21 has the potential to enhance the survival of L. vannamei in culture systems, thereby offering innovative prospects for the application of phage therapy in aquaculture.

A Study on Income and Expenditure Pattern of Fishermen During Fishing Holiday Period in Kakinada Harbour, Andhra Pradesh

India is the second leading fish producing country in the world accounting for 7.56 per cent of global production. Fisheries sector plays an important role in the Indian economy through contributing national income, employment creation; promote exports, provides food and nutritional security. Andhra Pradesh has favorable agro-climatic conditions for the growth of fisheries and aquaculture sector. The State is contributing about 29.7% of national fish production and is a major exporter of shrimp in India with share of 40.4% in total value of sea food exports of the country during 2019-20. The sector is providing employment to nearly 26.5 lakhs. Andhra Pradesh has 26 coastal districts. The present study analyzing the socio-economic status of fishermen and various problems encountered by the fishermen during fishing holiday period in the study area. To analyze the income and expenditure pattern and asset structure of fisher households. This study is confined to Kakinada Harbour Area. A major proportion of the sample respondents were joined in fishing due to poverty i.e. 45 per cent, a higher proportion of the respondents (67%) are living in nuclear family, Major proportion of respondents had 11-20 years of fishing experience (42%), followed by 21-30 years (24%), 1-10 years (17%) and more than 30 years (16%), 97 per cent of respondents are living in the pucca and semi-pucca houses

Antiviral effects of esculin on largemouth bass ranavirus in vivo and in vitro

Largemouth bass ranavirus (LMBRaV), a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus, leads to considerable mortality and significant economic impacts in the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) aquaculture sector. This study evaluated and screened compounds from Chinese herbs for their activity against LMBRaV. Esculin exhibited the highest rate (73 %) of inhibition on LMBRaV major capsid protein (MCP) gene expression at a concentration of 60 mg/L in a cellular environment. It also significantly reduced the cytopathic effect (CPE), protecting infected cells from LMBRaV-induced nuclear damage and hindering LMBRaV infection by modulating viral entry mechanisms. For in vivo study, esculin increased the survival rate of LMBRaV-infected largemouth bass by 60.0 % and 53.3 %, in prevention experiment and treatment experiment, respectively. Concurrently, esculin significantly reduced viral loads and induced the upregulation of antiviral-associated genes, indicating its potential for immunoregulation. In summary, esculin holds potential for both preventing and treating LMBRaV infections in the aquaculture context.

Innovation in Hungarian aquaculture

Before the regime change in Hungary, the aquaculture sector produced one of the largest income values within agriculture in the field of international knowledge and technology transfer. As a result of environmental effects, the strengthening of regulations and their enforcement, as well as the Covid-19 epidemic, marine fish catches decreased by 3.8% in 2020 compared to the average of 2017-2019. In addition, the EU is a net importer of aquaculture products (68% of the aquaculture products consumed in the EU are not produced in the EU). The decline in marine fisheries offers a chance to increase the market share of the freshwater aquaculture sector. However, the recent increase in energy and feed raw material prices makes the situation even more complicated. In the current economic environment, there is an increased need to respond to problems through innovation. The development of the Hungarian aquaculture sector has three target areas: i) traditional pond farming; ii) precision (intensive) fish production; iii) and modernization of fish processing are both priorities and at the same time complex development goals We examined the main challenges of these areas and identified proposed solutions that, can provide a solution to some of the sector's problems thanks to the recent innovative developments. It can be concluded that willingness and susceptibility to innovation are present in the sector. Excellent national and international developments have been made recently. It is a task for national economies to support actors in the aquaculture innovation chain in their renewal.

Learning to discuss safety within the European seaweed aquaculture sector

Seaweed is seen as a promising future source of biomass, and significant efforts are taken to upscale seaweed aquaculture production in Europe. Despite regulatory frameworks for food safety, environmental safety, and occupational health and safety applicable to seaweed production, a major barrier to upscaling production is the lack of commonly accepted, uniform frameworks for safety assessment. As a consequence, efforts to deal with food safety, environmental safety, and occupational health and safety are fragmented. Based on a literature review and consultations with stakeholders, this paper introduces a generic protocol on how to approach safety of the production of seaweed. A prototype version of the generic protocol was evaluated in a practical setting in Norway. Results show that a consistent, structured approach to safety makes it possible to identify hazards and prioritize and collect data on key hazards. The protocol facilitated a sector discussion on safety, providing a shared discourse to talk about safety. It must be acknowledged that the farming and processing practices and the location of cultivation strongly influence which hazards are most relevant. The protocol succeeded in bringing focus to data collection, putting effort into the analysis of hazards considered most relevant in a practical setting.

Ethics in aquaculture: animal welfare and environmental sustainability.

In recent decades, also driven by the European Union, aquaculture has undergone significant development to meet the increasing demand for seafood products. However, the concentration of efforts and resources in the fishing industry raises complex ethical issues that have yet to be fully explored, concerning animal welfare, environmental impact, and social justice. Balancing economic interests with environmental and ethical concerns is a challenging yet crucial task to ensuring a sustainable future for aquaculture. The adoption of ethical values in the fishing industry not only promotes economic, environmental, and social responsibility but also fosters consumer trust in responsible food sourcing. Interventions such as developing animal welfare standards, implementing sustainable farming techniques, adopting environmental management policies, and promoting ethically responsible business practices are pivotal. A multidimensional approach is essential to ensure an ethical and sustainable future for aquaculture, critical for global food security and marine environmental well-being. This holistic approach requires collaborative efforts from various stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, industry players, and consumers, to address the multifaceted challenges faced by the aquaculture sector. Additionally, raising awareness among consumers about the impact of their choices on the environment and animal welfare can further drive the demand for ethically produced seafood and encourage responsible practices within the industry.

The status of women’s empowerment in the aquaculture sector in Kenya

PurposeWomen’s empowerment remains a key development challenge in Kenya. The purpose of this study is to attempt to understand the status of women’s empowerment and the key contributors to their disempowerment in Kenya’s aquaculture sector.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional survey was conducted on 534 male and female fish farmers from 300 households drawn from six counties in Kenya (Kakamega, Kisumu, Kisii, Kiambu, Meru and Nyeri). The Abbreviated Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (A-WEAI) was adapted to Abbreviated Women’s Empowerment in Fisheries and Aquaculture Index (A-WEFI) to suit the aquaculture and fisheries sub-sector. The adapted A-WEFI was then used to estimate and the status of women’s and men’s using five domains of empowerment (5DE) and a gender parity index (GPI). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Cramer’s V and sensitivity analysis as test statistics.FindingsAbout 86% of the men and 80% of the women were classified as empowered. The mean score of the 5DE was 0.93 and 0.95 for women and men, respectively. In addition, 82% of the households achieved gender parity, suggesting that for such households, empowerment of men was no greater than that of women. Overall, the results suggest no major differences between the empowerment of women and men. Findings suggest areas of improvement in empowerment: when observed separately, women report lack of agency in production, resource, time-use and allocation and leadership.Originality/valueThis paper adapts the A-WEAI to the fisheries and aquaculture context, in bid to bridge the gap in standard women’s empowerment measurement methods in this area. Also, there are limited empirical studies on the multifaceted empowerment of women in aquaculture in Kenya. The findings are meant to serve as a point of reference for policymakers, as they develop gender-responsive intervention programmes, and in implementing gender mainstreaming in Kenya.

Effects of acclimation temperature on growth, physiology and thermal tolerance of the juvenile grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella

Aquatic ichthyofauna are facing unfavourable temperature fluctuations due to the anthropogenic activities and global climate change. Effects of temperature in aquatic environments need to be explored for revealing its potential effects on the aquatic organisms. In present study, the effects of different acclimation temperatures on the oxidative stress, metabolism, thermal tolerance and growth of the grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella were studied. Grass carp fingerlings (10.40 ± 0.37 g) were reared for 60 days under different acclimation temperatures, i.e., 22 °C, 26 °C, 30 °C, 34 °C and 38 °C respectively. Significantly higher growth rate (weight gain and specific growth rate) and improved FCR of fish reared at 30 °C were observed, while under higher or lower acclimation temperatures, fish showed slow growth rate and high FCR. Growth rate in term of % weight gain and specific growth rate showed positive correlation with pyruvate kinase activity. Moreover, antioxidant parameters catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione contents (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR) in different tissues (liver, brain, gills, muscles and intestine) of fish showed decreasing trend from 22 °C towards 30 °C acclimation temperatures. However, beyond 30 °C, i.e., from 34 °C to 38 °C fish showed oxidative stress response, indicated by increasing trend in antioxidant parameter levels. Moreover, thermal tolerance data revealed that fingerlings of C. idella reared at highest acclimation temperature (38 °C) showed highest CTMax and CTMin values, while those reared at lowest acclimation temperature (22 °C) showed lowest CTMax and CTMin values. Our present study provides new insights regarding the thermal tolerance of fish and can be practically implemented in aquaculture sector.

The structure of Norwegian seafood trade

While seafood is a highly traded commodity, lack of data has largely prevented examination of the firms and industries that are conducting the actual transactions. In this paper we use highly disaggregated data to provide an overview of the seafood exports from Norway, the world’s 2nd largest seafood exporting country, and a country where fisheries as well as aquaculture are important industries. The industry has a global reach with Norwegian seafood reaching 172 different countries in the period 2016–2020. While there are as many as 437 different exporting firms, this is relatively few firms compared to the 11,024 different buyers that import Norwegian seafood. There is significant heterogeneity in the export sector from very small firms handling only a few products to very large firms handling a large variety of products. The average firm is quite specialized and serves only 9 markets. However, there are also a handful of large exporters who ship products from all three main sectors in the Norwegian seafood industry to a large number of markets. The 10% largest companies make up 39% of the total export value and provide significant synergies between the aquaculture, pelagic and whitefish sectors.

Design of Automated Fish Feeder Using IoT

Abstract: The world's need for seafood is largely met by aquaculture, which calls for improvements in farming practises. In this paper, an Internet of Things (IoT)-powered Automatic Fish Feeder (AFF) system is presented. To collect data in real time, the AFF system makes use of a variety of sensors, such as those that measure ambient factors, fish activity, and water quality. Fish farmers are able to remotely monitor the conditions of the aquatic environment thanks to the processing and wireless transmission of this data by microcontrollers. Farmers may plan and modify feeding schedules, amounts, and feed mixes according to the individual requirements of the fish species using an easy-to-use mobile application. By analysing the gathered data, the system's clever algorithms optimise feeding schedules, guaranteeing that fish get the right nutrition while reducing feed waste. Moreover, by minimising overfeeding—which can result in water contamination and ecological imbalances—the AFF system fosters sustainability. This study shows how IoT technology may be successfully incorporated into aquaculture operations to improve production, save operating costs, and encourage environmental stewardship. The results of this study offer significant insights for the aquaculture sector, opening the door for the global adoption of IoT-based technologies to enhance fish farming methods

The Role of Environmental Communication in Advancing Sustainability in Fisheries and Aquaculture: A Case Study of Latvia

Latvia has abundant water resources, but the aquaculture sector has been slow to adopt technological advances and innovations. To address this gap, the Latvian Aquaculture Development Plan for 2021–2027 aims to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the sector. An essential component of this effort is the establishment of effective communication channels that bridge the knowledge gap between the general public, industry professionals and researchers. To promote consumer interest in sustainable aquaculture products, an environmental communication framework to assess their sustainability was used. This assessment utilised a multi-criteria analysis technique complemented by an online survey to formulate an effective communication strategy. According to the multi-criteria analysis, canned fish emerges as the most sustainable product, while fish oil, fish meal and spirulina show promise. The online survey identifies the most appropriate communication channels: social media, audio and video. To facilitate engagement and information sharing, we advocate for the practice of communication, which can effectively facilitate the sustainable use of biological resources and serve as a channel for knowledge sharing.

Comparative Description and Analysis of Oyster Aquaculture in Selected Atlantic Regions: Production, Market Dynamics, and Consumption Patterns

In the face of an increasing world population and a subsequent need for an increase in sustainable and healthy food production, low trophic species, such as oysters, emerge as a promising alternative. However, regional variations in oyster production techniques, market dynamics, and consumption patterns create challenges for both the global and local industry’s growth. In this study, a descriptive qualitative analysis of oyster markets across seven Atlantic regions was carried out. The Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) was found to be farmed in most Atlantic regions except the US but is classified as invasive in Sweden and potentially invasive in South Africa. Other farmed and/or harvested species include native species (C. gasar and C. rhizophorae) in Brazil, the American cupped oyster (C. virginica) in the US, and the European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) in France, Sweden, and the US. In Irish farms, Pacific oysters are primarily for export to European markets. The marine aquaculture sectors of Sweden, South Africa, and Namibia, as well as Brazil’s farming for C. gasar, were found to be underdeveloped. This study also observed a variation in licensing, property rights, and regulatory frameworks. Financial challenges for small businesses, ecological implications of seed production techniques, biosecurity risks, and public health considerations are emphasized as critical areas for attention. This study offers valuable insights into the selected markets and can serve as a useful resource for policymakers, aquaculture practitioners, and stakeholders in optimizing global shellfish industry strategies.

Digital twins for land-based aquaculture: A case study for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The virtual, digital counterpart of a physical object, referred as digital twin, derives from the Internet of Things (IoT), and involves real-time acquisition and processing of large data sets. A fully implemented system ultimately enables real-time and remote management, as well as the reproduction of real and forecasted scenarios. Under the emerging framework of Precision Fish Farming, which brings control-engineering principles to fish production, we set up digital twin prototypes for land-based finfish farms. The digital twin is aimed at supporting producers in optimizing feeding practices, oxygen supply and fish population management with respect to 1) fish growth performances; 2) fish welfare, and 3) environmental loads. It relies on integrated mathematical models which are fed with data from in-situ sensors and from external sources, and simulate several dynamic processes, allowing the estimation of key parameters describing the ambient environment and the fishes. A conceptual application targeted at rearing cycles of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in an operational in-land aquafarm in Italy is presented. The digital twin takes into account the disparate levels of automation and control that are found within this farm, and considerations are made on preferential directions for future developments. In spite of its potential, and not only in the aquaculture sector, the development of digital twins is still at its early stage. Furthermore, Precision Fish Farming applications in land-based systems as well as targeted at rainbow trout are novel developments.

Drying treatment for sludges of the Chilean salmon farming industry and its potential as an agricultural soil amendment

ABSTRACT Organic waste generation in aquaculture worldwide requires circular economy approaches. The revalorization of wastes in the Chilean salmon industry could be a potential soil amendment. We investigated the thermo-drying process on salmon sludge, evaluating it as an alternative to reusing in horticulture. The chemical characterization of untreated sludge (wet sludges: WS) and dried sludges (DS) were evaluated with thermogravimetry, IR spectroscopy, and fluorescence. Additionally, the germination index of the DS was determined in L. sativa, R. sativus, and S. lycopersicum. The results show that DS reduces salinity, ammonium content, and pathogens compared to WS. During the thermic process, there were no significant decreases in organic matter, phosphorus, potassium, and humic and fulvic substances. The high salinity in DS inhibited seed germination. This research constituted a novel contribution to studying the DS as a strategy for horticultural production. In the same way, the drying technology for salmon sludge favored the management of wastes, contributing to the circular economy in both the agricultural and aquaculture sectors. However, we recommend considering that excessive incorporation of DS into germination substrates or direct application into the soil could affect the crop’s performance due to its high salinity.

Comparative Chemical Profiling and Antimicrobial/Anticancer Evaluation of Extracts from Farmed versus Wild Agelas oroides and Sarcotragus foetidus Sponges.

Marine sponges are highly efficient in removing organic pollutants and their cultivation, adjacent to fish farms, is increasingly considered as a strategy for improving seawater quality. Moreover, these invertebrates produce a plethora of bioactive metabolites, which could translate into an extra profit for the aquaculture sector. Here, we investigated the chemical profile and bioactivity of two Mediterranean species (i.e., Agelas oroides and Sarcotragus foetidus) and we assessed whether cultivated sponges differed substantially from their wild counterparts. Metabolomic analysis of crude sponge extracts revealed species-specific chemical patterns, with A. oroides and S. foetidus dominated by alkaloids and lipids, respectively. More importantly, farmed and wild explants of each species demonstrated similar chemical fingerprints, with the majority of the metabolites showing modest differences on a sponge mass-normalized basis. Furthermore, farmed sponge extracts presented similar or slightly lower antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, compared to the extracts resulting from wild sponges. Anticancer assays against human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT-116) revealed marginally active extracts from both wild and farmed S. foetidus populations. Our study highlights that, besides mitigating organic pollution in fish aquaculture, sponge farming can serve as a valuable resource of biomolecules, with promising potential in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.

Innovative optical pH sensors for the aquaculture sector: Comprehensive characterization of a cost-effective solution

Optical fiber sensors show potential for monitoring multiple parameters essential to the growth and health of fish, particularly the pH value of the aquaculture medium. Two types of optical fiber sensors, using tapered silica single mode fibers with a Bragg grating inscribed and D-shaped plastic optical fibers (home-made and reused) were produced. A pH-sensitive layer made of polyaniline (PANI) was deposited on the optical fibers’ surface. The sensors demonstrated reproducibility and repeatability with a sensitivity of −0.22 ± 0.02 dB/pH, −472 ± 9 Counts/pH, and −(26 ± 2) × 102 Counts/pH for tapers, D-shape home-made, and reused, respectively, but only for increasing pH. Stabilization time tests indicated that a minimum of 60 s is required for a stable response, with no significant cross-sensitivities regarding temperature and ionic strength.