Aquaculture Sector Research Articles

Investigating the environmental sustainability of a seabass and seabream aquaculture system in Portugal based on life cycle and nexus approaches

Aquaculture plays an essential role in supplying animal-source food and protein worldwide, in this way contributing to several sustainable development goals. Notwithstanding this, the aquaculture sector's long-term environmental sustainability is a major concern due to overall environmental impacts. To date, and to the best of the authors' knowledge, assessments of aquaculture systems in Portugal from an environmental perspective, and the nexus between resource consumption and nutrition issues, are still lacking. This study bridges this gap by analysing an aquaculture system in Portugal in a comprehensive manner by applying and combining life cycle assessment and resources–protein nexus approaches. The overall results highlight feed as the main factor responsible for the total impact in all impact categories selected, ranging from 74 % to 98 %. Climate change impact results in 2.88 kg CO2-eq per kg of medium-size fish (functional unit). The resources–protein nexus shows that 504.1 MJex is needed to obtain 1 kg of edible protein, with a high dependency on non-renewable resources (59 %), mainly oil by-product fuels used in feed production. After identifying environmental hotspots, potential strategies to be adopted such as resource consumption reduction, eco-certification and ecosystem-based management are suggested, in this way ensuring long-term aquaculture production and environmental sustainability.

Impact of the Climate Change on the Production of the Fishing and Aquaculture Sectors of Latin America

In the last decade, Latin American countries have been afflicted by climatic changes that may affect the productivity of their populations and affect their economies. The objective of this study is to identify the impact of climate change on the production of the fisheries and aquaculture sector of Latin America. Through a random-effects model, the factors and components of climate change that may have an impact on fisheries and aquaculture production were analyzed. It was observed that as the average temperature increased by 1%, the fisheries and aquaculture production decreased by -0.08%. However, the variable is not statistically significant. Similarly, during rainfall, a decrease in the aquaculture and fisheries production of -0.22% could be observed, but this is not significant in relation to 5%. Finally, concerning CO2 emissions, these had an incidence in the increase of the fisheries and aquaculture production of 0.53%, being statistically significant. This work contributes to the literature on the effects of climate change on Latin American fisheries production, to serve future policies that help to mitigate these environmental effects

Everything comes at a price: The impact of eliminating harmful subsidies in the Spanish marine resources industry

One of the objectives for the European Horizon 2021–2027 is completely eliminating harmful fishery subsidies. Spain was the country that received the greatest amount of the previous European Marine Fishery Funds framed within EU horizon-2020. We explore the potential impacts of eliminating these harmful subsidies in the sectors related to marine resources in Spain. We address it with the novelty of applying an input–output model, disaggregating marine resource activities into three sectors (fishing, aquaculture and seafood processing sector). Our results show that the subtraction of these harmful subsidies will entail significant reductions in the value-added of the analysed sectors, which will impact their supply and demand of inputs affecting the rest of the sectors of the economy. It will affect the final demand for their outputs and the sectors linked to them. We derive policy recommendations to smooth the transition to a fishery-related industry without harmful subsidies.

On‐farm growth performance of different strains of tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus reared in earthen ponds

AbstractThe growth of aquaculture sector in Kenya has been anchored on farmed Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Different strains of the species exist in Kenya with unknown quality due to lack of stock improvement programmes coupled by variations in breeding and management practices in different hatcheries. The seeds supplied to farmers have not exhibited good performance and resilience to changing climate. There is need to validate the quality of strains supplied to fish farmers in Kenya. This study sought to compare the growth performance of three strains of farmed Nile tilapia; Sagana strain (SAG‐F8) produced through selective breeding, super YY strain (KAM‐YY) from Kamuthanga fish farm and the local strain (LOC‐T) obtained from Siaya County. The fish were stocked in fertilised earthen ponds measuring 300 m2 in triplicates at 3 fish/m2. The fish were fed on 35% crude protein diet for 180 days at Bukani Aquapark located in Busia County, Kenya. There was no significant difference in mean weight gain (MWG) between SAG‐F8 and LOC‐T strain exhibiting 159.786 ± 6.76 g and 158.623 ± 4.67 g, respectively. However, under similar conditions, the KAM‐YY strain had a significantly lower MWG (131.74 ± 4.75 g) compared to the two strains. Food conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR) did not demonstrate any significant difference among the different strains. The body protein content in the SAG‐F8 fish strain was higher (65.40 ± 0.20%) followed by LOC‐T strain (61.23 ± 2.34%) and lastly KAM‐YY strain had the lowest (60.37 ± 0.89%). In this study, the impact of genetic improvement has been demonstrated to influence growth and feed efficiency as well as body composition. These improved strains will substantially increase fish production and productivity, hence, a positive impact on the fish farmers' livelihoods when supplied to the farmers and seed multipliers.

Protein-protein interaction network analysis on the whiteleg shrimp Penaeus vannamei and Vibrio parahaemolyticus host-pathogen relationship reveals possible proteins and pathways involved during infection

Whiteleg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, is the prime candidate in shrimp aquaculture that significantly contributes to the economic growth of the global aquaculture sector. However, P. vannamei culture is constantly plagued with pathogenic infection of Vibrio spp., including Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which impairs shrimp production and consequently results in significant financial losses. Despite this persistent problem, the relationship between P. vannamei and V. parahaemolyticus remains unclear. The discovery of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) between host and pathogen might improve the understanding of bacterial infection in shrimp since most pathogenic bacteria infect hosts through multiple mechanisms. Hence, this study aims to identify the candidate effector proteins of V. parahaemolyticus and their targeted host proteins and potential pathways involved in its infection using a host-pathogen PPI approach. The P. vannamei – V. parahaemolyticus PPI (PVPPI) network was constructed using in silico methods, followed by clustering and pathway enrichment analyses. The constructed PVPPI network consisted of 448871 interactions between 4427 P. vannamei and 18119 V. parahaemolyticus proteins. Clustering analysis identified several effector proteins, i.e., secretion systems proteins, and their targeted proteins, including cell signalling proteins. The bacterial secretion system, mTOR signalling, and endocytosis were among the enriched pathways that might be involved during V. parahaemolyticus infection in P. vannamei. This study reports the first host-pathogen PPI network between P. vannamei and V. parahaemolyticus, where several hosts and pathogen proteins with potential pathways are highlighted. These findings offer new insights into the interaction between V. parahaemolyticus and P. vannamei, a vital aspect that could serve as a baseline for future disease prevention and treatment in the shrimp aquaculture industry.

Challenges and Barriers for Aquaculture Sector: Review Article on Freshwater Aquaculture

The EU aquaculture sector, like other sectors of the EU economy, must participate in the ‘green transition’ set out in the European Green Deal. The sector has a particular role to play in contributing to the transition towards sustainable food systems and the development of the bioeconomy and circular economy. Aquatic organisms and fish cultivated in aquacultures are important sources of food and feed, the importance of developing which has been highlighted in several EU policy planning documents. Due to high nutritive value, fish and aquatic organisms are a valuable food source. Despite the rapid growth of aquaculture in Europe and other parts of the world, the promotion of sustainable or organic aquaculture is crucial for the provision of high-quality, locally accessible food. Aquacultures produce relatively low greenhouse gas emissions compared to sources of protein grown on land. However, there is still room for growth, therefore, to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aquacultures and foster more sustainable practices and greater resource and energy efficiency are required. This review article includes an analysis of policy planning documents adopted in Latvia and the EU, outlining opportunities and risks for creating a sustainable aquaculture industry. The purpose of this review article is to identify the most significant problems and obstacles to achieving a sustainable aquaculture system at both the local and European levels. In addition, the review investigates and contrasts recent advancements in aquaculture technological processes and socioeconomic impact factors. Whether aquaculture’s path to sustainability is jeopardized by inefficient consumption of resources and wastes (feed, energy, emissions) at the beginning or end of the organisms’ life cycle.

PUFA and carotenoid producing thraustochytrids and their anti-microbial and antioxidant activities

Thraustochytrids contribute to the microbiota of mangrove ecosystem, and they hold promise as a potential source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), antimicrobials and antioxidants for their application in pharmaceutical, aquaculture, and human health sectors. However, the thraustochytrids have not been properly studied in Indian mangrove ecosystems for their PUFAs and biological activities, and hence, the present study was carried to isolate the PUFAs-rich thraustochytrids for their pigments, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This work isolated and identified the thraustochytrids that are capable of producing PUFAs from decomposing leaves of mangroves at Pichavaram, southeast coast of India. Two predominant isolates were identified as Thraustochytrium sp. and Aurantiochytrium mangrovei based on morphological and molecular characteristics. Thraustochytrium sp., produced the biomass of 4.72 g L-1, containing total lipids of 42.36% and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) of 32.69% of total lipids, whereas, A. mangrovei produced the biomass of 6.25 g L-1 containing total lipids of 49.81% and DHA of 44.71% of total lipids. Astaxanthin pigment accumulated up to 3.2 µg L-1 in A. mangrovei, whereas the pigment was not detected in Thraustochytrium sp. Further, the biomass extracted in organic solvents was tested for antibacterial activity against seven clinical pathogens along with positive control of ampicillin. Thraustochytrium sp., exhibited the highest antibacterial activity with the zone of inhibition of 78.77% against Staphylococcus aureus and the lowest (20.95%) against Klebsiella pneumonia. Thraustochytrium sp., also showed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 40 µg L-1 inhibiting the growth of S. aureus. The antioxidant activity of A. mangrovei was tested by using six assays and noted the highest free radical scavenging (87.37 ± 1.22%) and the lowest nitric oxide radical scavenging (75.12 ± 2.22%) activities. Hence, it is clear that the extracts of Thraustochytrium sp., and A. mangrovei are promising sources of lead compounds for biopharma and food industries.

Transient Numerical Study to Determine the Effect of Inlet Angle Variation on Flow Conditions inside a Circular Aquaculture Tank

Seeing how great the contribution and potential of the aquaculture sector to the fulfillment of food for the people of Indonesia, the development of aquaculture including the Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) is very important to be carried out intensively. An important aspect that should be considered for the development of RAS is maintaining water quality as the main medium of cultivation. Optimization of the aquaculture tank is an effort that can be conducted to achieve this goal. A transient numerical study to determine the effect of inlet angle variation on flow conditions inside a circular aquaculture tank was conducted to assess the optimum geometry for the application. Single-phase CFD simulations using the k-ω SST turbulent model were carried out to evaluate the effect of inlet nozzle angle variations. Three angle variations 0°, 45°, and 90° were selected and the resultant fluid flow conditions were analyzed. From the CFD results, it can be known that the optimum condition for the circular aquaculture tank is achieved for the angle 0° among the tested angle in this present study.

Aquaculture, household income and inequality in Vietnam’s coastal region

Using data from the 2020 Vietnam Household Living Standards Survey, we examine the link between aquaculture, household income, and inequality in Vietnam’s coastal region. Using a two-step cluster analysis, we identify five clusters of livelihood strategies (LS) pursued by local households. We find that about 13% of the total number of households are engaged in aquaculture, but only 6% pursued an aquaculture LS, while half the number of households followed a wage-earning LS. Our regression analysis shows that, on average, those in the aquaculture LS cluster have higher incomes than those in the wage-earning or “other income” LS clusters. Interestingly, the quantile regression result reveals that in the top percentiles of income distribution, those adopting an aquaculture livelihood attain higher incomes than those in all other livelihood clusters. This implies that there is a positive link between the choice of aquaculture LS and household income. Also, we find that aquaculture land is positively associated with the likelihood of participation in aquaculture and deriving income from it. Notably, Gini decomposition analysis indicates that the distribution of aquaculture land and income from it are highly uneven and skew much more towards the well-off. Given the significant positive relationship between aquaculture land and the profitability of the aquaculture LS, our findings imply that expanding the aquaculture sector (e.g., granting access to aquaculture land or/and training in skills for aquaculture farmers) may help local households boost their income and reduce inequality in the coastal region.

Pathogenic and Opportunistic Vibrio spp. Associated with Vibriosis Incidences in the Greek Aquaculture: The Role of Vibrio harveyi as the Principal Cause of Vibriosis.

A monitoring program to follow vibriosis incidents in the Greek marine aquaculture was implemented over the past 13 years. 273 isolates, from various cases originating from eight regions and nine hosts, were collected and characterized. The main aquaculture species of the survey were the European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Various species of Vibrionaceae were associated with vibriosis. Vibrio harveyi had the highest prevalence and was isolated throughout the year from all hosts. During the warm months, Vibrio harveyi prevailed with frequent co-isolations of Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae and Vibrio alginolyticus, while during spring, other Vibrio species were more abundant, such as Vibrio lentus, Vibrio cyclitrophicus, and Vibrio gigantis. Phylogenetic analysis using the mreB gene and the metabolic fingerprint of the isolates showed great variability within the species of the collection. The severity of the disease and the frequency of outbreaks make vibriosis (that is, mainly attributed to V. harveyi) an important concern for the regional aquaculture sector.

Pathological effects due to metacercariae of Clinostomum piscidium migration in snakeskin gourami (Trichopodus pectoralis) in Thailand.

Clinostomum spp. is a fish-borne pathogen and a digenetic trematode with a global range. Despite its zoonotic relevance, the pathogenic impact of the parasite in Thai aquaculture is currently unclear. The present study deals with the pathogenic changes that fluke causes in their host, Trichopodus pectoralis, and the molecular confirmation of the Clinostomum piscidium by targeting 18 s rDNA and ITS gene. The metacercariae of C. piscidium were discovered in the body cavity of infected fish. The gross pathological examination revealed a few white migratory tracks on the surface of the liver and spleen. The migratory track showed histologically as a primary hemorrhage and necrosis of hepatic cells surrounded by a layer of macrophages and epithelioid cells, inflammatory cells, and eosinophilic granular cells in the cytoplasm of liver cells and close to the epithelial cells of the intestine. Also, the migratory track in the spleen appeared as a marked decrease of Red Blood Cell (RBC) count and changes in the necrotic tissue. Infection with this metacercaria produced hepatic tissue injury, which disrupted hepatic metabolism and decreased body weight in the fish hosts. The findings of the study suggest that the pathological effect of C. piscidium on farm T. pectoralis can cause significant economic loss by stunting fish development and predisposing fish to opportunistic pathogens in the environment. Hence, the treatment and control of C. piscidium infections are crucial for the viability of the aquaculture sector since this parasite has been found to cause pathological damage to the vital organs of fish.

Investigating the Relationship between Aquaculture Investments, Training, and Environmental Factors in Guangdong: An Alternative Perspective

This study investigates the interplay between investment, training, and environmental factors in the aquaculture industry in the Guangdong region of China. Using NIPALS regression to address multicollinearity, we identify the factors that significantly impact losses of aquaculture products due to environmental factors. Our findings highlight the importance of targeted training and education for fisherfolks and extension staff to enhance environmental management practices and reduce losses. We also emphasize the need to consider regional variability and challenges in developing universal models. Based on our results, we propose using innovative technology, fostering public–private partnerships, and adapting to regional variability to address environmental challenges. Finally, we suggest establishing a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system to assess the effectiveness of interventions and promote evidence-based decision-making for sustainable development in the region’s aquaculture sector.

Intertwined realities - hybrid institutions in the Peruvian fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

Following pro-market policies, the Peruvian state has aimed to regulate profitable fisheries and aquaculture activities in order to increase their production. However, informal and illegal activities not only persist but are also interlinked with formal practices and frameworks, creating intertwined realities in fostering processes of institutional hybridization. This article analyses the (re)production of informal and illegal activities by explaining the formation of hybrid institutional entanglements in the Peruvian anchoveta (Engraulis ringens) fishery in Pisco and the Peruvian bay scallop (Argopecten purpuratus) aquaculture industry in Sechura. It argues that state policies to promote industrial fisheries and entrepreneurial aquaculture for the global market coupled with limited interest in supporting small-scale fisheries and aquaculture activities have resulted in processes of institutional hybridization. Within these processes, social actors resist and accommodate formal regulatory frameworks to suit their respective needs, while intertwining formal and informal practices and institutional arrangements, based on their political leverage or ability to produce hybrid institutional entanglements in a context where regulation is limited and state authority is negotiated. Under these forms of hybrid governance, the article shows that interactions between state and non-state actors do not lead to collaborations for solving problems but to the persistence of sustainability problems.

A brief overview of the issues faced by Harmful Algal Blooms along Johor straits

Urbanization of coastal areas worldwide has increased due to an increase in the global population. The production of sustainable aquaculture is greatly impacted by a surge of this urbanization. In certain countries, particularly for individuals with more limited space in metropolitan areas, such as along Johor’s coastal area, aquaculture might well be a good strategy to maintain food availability (continuous production plus high-quality meals). Consequently, the adoption of aquaculture along the Johor’s coastal area has lead to Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB). This paper examines the evolution of the aquaculture industry of Malaysian Johor coastal areas in relation to HABs. In addition to HABs, the aforementioned metropolitan regions confront diverse economic and geographical obstacles when attempting to increase their aquaculture production sustainably. Those problems are therefore addressed using a variety of operations as well as surveillance techniques in this brief overview. Lockdowns and border prohibitions caused by the continuous COVID-19 infection have had a global impact. These logistical difficulties in the seafood industry have increased dependency on imported supplies. It is suggested that international decision- making, supervision, and knowledge exchange can successfully solve the challenges urbanized areas have in ensuring sustainable food security through the evolution within the aquaculture sector.

Occupational allergic diseases among harvesting fishermen on the open sea: A systematic review

BackgroundNearly 60 million people work in the fishing and aquaculture sectors worldwide and are exposed to specific allergens. Some reviews have been published in occupational allergic diseases in seafood workers but none in fishermen. ObjectiveTo describe the morbidity and main causal agents of allergic diseases among harvesting fishermen. MethodsA protocol with predefined objectives and inclusion criteria was used in accord with the Preferred Items for Reporting Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses–Protocols statement. Population was defined as harvesting fishermen, and the conditions of interest were allergic pulmonary diseases, occupational allergic rhinitis, and allergic dermatologic disease. A literature search was carried out in EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and PASCAL databases. After the title-abstract and full-text selection of eligible studies, data were extracted and synthesized qualitatively. ResultsA total of 25 studies were selected, 15 articles on occupational asthma (OA) and 10 on dermatologic diseases. Most studies were case reports and case series from European countries. Most OAs were sensitizer induced, with common crab, Anisakis simplex, red soft coral, and cuttlefish as causal agents. Irritant-induced OA because of metabisulfites was also described. Occupational eczema caused by bryozoans was the most common of the cases among fishermen working in the North Sea and the Channel. ConclusionOccupational allergic diseases in harvesting fishermen are described in well-resourced countries, but there are few studies from countries with a high number of fishermen, such as in Asia, and these mostly include immunoglobulin E-mediated diseases. The presence of the healthy worker effect is probable. Atmospheric allergen concentration is a major risk factor for OA. Specific conditions, including cold air, fish-juice contact, and salt-water contact, are other risk factors. There is a need to investigate occupational allergic disease in all countries and develop specific studies in fishermen.

A new window into fish welfare: A proteomic discovery study of stress biomarkers in the skin mucus of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)

Fish skin mucus is a dynamic external mucosal layer that acts as the first line of defense in the innate immune system. Skin mucus' exudation and composition change severely under stress, making it a valuable biofluid to search for minimally invasive stress markers. This study focused on the skin mucus proteome response to repetitive handling, overcrowding, and hypoxia, using Sparus aurata, an important species in the Mediterranean aquaculture, as a model. Biomarker discovery analysis was performed using label-free shotgun proteomics coupled with bioinformatics to unveil the most predictive proteins for the stressed phenotype. A mean of 2166 proteins were identified at a < 0.2% false discovery rate, from which the differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were mainly involved in the immune system and protein metabolism. A sparse partial least squares regression analysis revealed a high correlation between DAPs and plasma physiological stress indicators. Feature selection, performed by recursive feature elimination followed by logistic regression analysis of the selected proteins, disclosed 28 candidate biomarkers with values of area under the curve >0.75. These minimally invasive biomarkers could be used in forthcoming species-specific stress management protocols to improve fish welfare and promote farmed fish safety, positive societal outcomes, and business sustainability. SignificanceThe fish skin mucus holds a great promise into fish welfare, as a valuable source of minimally invasive biomarkers for stress assessment. In this shotgun proteomics discovery study, we have identified 28 candidate biomarkers by combining a comprehensive functional analysis of the stress regulated proteome with predictive modeling, supported by a significant correlation (p < 0.01) with physiological stress indicators (cortisol, lactate and glucose). The candidate biomarkers showed a good predictive value in the testing set (AUC > 0.75), paving the way for the next step in their validation by targeted proteomics. An early and timely assessment of fish stressful events, by using minimally invasive biomarkers, as those that can be found in the fish skin mucus, can contribute to promote fish health/welfare in the aquaculture sector and its sustainability. The adoption of preventive and surveillance measures based on proteomics approaches can therefore help to avoid unnecessary adverse outcomes with a negative impact on this primordial food sector.

Historical aspects of carp domestication and breeding

Common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) is one of the most widely cultivated fish species in the world. According to FAO, in 2020, it ranked 4th in the global production of aquaculture products. When growing carp all over the world, both natural reservoirs and pond farms, trucks and industrial complexes of cage farms, UZS and others are used. In a number of countries, there is a traditional extensive production of carp in large ponds and natural reservoirs for recreational purposes. There are systems of ponds and reservoirs, the design and original construction of which in many cases date back hundreds of years, representing managed landscapes. This sector of aquaculture brings significant social and cultural dividends, at the same time, carp breeding is often criticized as an anthropogenic factor in the eutrophication of inland freshwater reservoirs. Currently, the process of domestication and the ways of settlement of this species have become the subject of close attention of many researchers. As with some other domestic animals, even the original habitat of the carp is subject to a number of doubts, and the place and time of the appearance of the mirror morph remains a mystery. The purpose of this review was to study the historical aspects and trends of carp domestication in the world, to identify the main time intervals of domestication and breeding, modern methods of working with carp and possible prospects for the development of carp farming in the world. In addition, the main theories of the origin and initial distribution of the species are considered.

Fishery products processing facilities and the socio-economic structure of their employees in Türkiye: A sectional study from Istanbul

In this study, both the business structure and the socio-economic structures of the employees in 13 active aquaculture processing plants operating in Istanbul were examined and it was aimed to reveal the data in social and economic terms. In the study, a 24-question questionnaire for employees and a 15-question questionnaire to evaluate the business structure were presented. It was seen that 52% of the employees were men and 48% were women and 34.29% were in the 31-40 age range. It was found that 73.14% of the respondents were married and most of them lived in apartments under 120m2. In the multiple compliance analyzes, it was determined that there was a relationship between education level and the number of social media uses, and between monthly income and job satisfaction. It was determined that 31% of the 13 enterprises in the study had an export permit and that the HACCP system was applied in all of them. It was seen that only 38% of the enterprises received state support. The problems and solution proposals of the sector are also put forward in titles. Turkey's aquaculture sector and the processing plants connected to this sector are very important in economic terms. With the two different survey applications used, both a different perspective on employee data and important data on general problems within the scope of the facility were revealed. When the importance of Istanbul and the aquaculture processing sector is considered, the originality of the study is revealed.

Transitioning from blue growth to the sustainable blue economy: A review of Ireland’s new marine governance in the aquaculture sector

This paper reviews the evolution of marine governance in Ireland in response to EU policy requirements in relation to the development of a sustainable blue economy in coherence with the United Nations Ocean Decade (2021-2030). In response to these EU requirements, Ireland has introduced the National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) and Maritime Area Planning Act, 2021 (MAPA) in 2021 to deliver this sustainable blue economy. This new marine and coastal governance framework in Ireland reforms the consenting regime for key blue economy sectors such as Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) and sets new policy requirements for the integration of aquaculture within the MSP framework. However, the exclusion of aquaculture from the new consenting regime may hinder the full integration of the sector into MSP and impede compliance with environmental goals established by EU Directives (e.g., WFD, MSFD, MSPD). This review identifies policy and legal gaps which may impede the integration of aquaculture into the new Irish marine governance and national MSP process. Furthermore, this paper analyses aquaculture licensing cases to assess the integration of environmental criteria into planning decisions to gather insight into the readiness of the sector’s transition towards a sustainable model. The analysis from this paper indicates that the legal framework underpinning MSP in Ireland may have a limited impact on the integration of aquaculture and hinder the delivery of sustainability across all marine sectors.

Current Disease Threats for Cultivated Crab Eriocheir sinensis in China

The Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, is a commercially important crustacean in China due to its great commercial value and compatibility in a variety of aquaculture systems. However, increases in its production have been accompanied by the emergence of various diseases affecting yield, profit, and trading potential. In this study, we review the pathogenic agents associated with E. sinensis since the start of its commercial culture. The history of crab cultivation implies that increased pathogen transfer can occur as E. sinensis aquaculture grows because polyculture of E. sinensis with other aquaculture species is a prevalent practice. With this in mind, a special focus of this review is placed on pathogens that were initially discovered in other crustacean species but have since been demonstrated to infect and cause disease in E. sinensis. We expect that this review will not only offer recommendations for disease management in the E. sinensis aquaculture sector but will also advance other crustacean cultivation.