aquaculture
aquaculture on World Data Ocean: a running collection of 19 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on aquaculture in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. A Global Hub for Ocean Intelligence 4 World Data Ocean is a centralized digital platform where researchers, scientists, and ocean enthusiasts converge to explore, analyze, and… New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around aquaculture, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything World Data Ocean is covering right now.
Natural reproductive modulators in aquaculture: endocrine mechanisms, microalgal and plant-derived bioactives, and sustainability perspectives
Modern aquaculture increasingly seeks sustainable alternatives to synthetic hormonal induction for reproductive management. This review critically examines natural reproductive modulators—specifically, bioactives derived from microalgae and plants—assessing their potential to support reproduction through various pathways. Evaluated compounds include LC-PUFAs, carotenoids, and phytoestrogens, with observed impacts on gamete quality, fecundity, and offspring survival. While promising, particularly for broodstock conditioning, current evidence suggests these bioactives function best as complementary tools, rather than direct replacements for hormonal induction.
Cannabidiol and microbubble aeration enhance stress resilience and physiological homeostasis in European sea bass: a multi-tissue integrative approach
Addressing growing concerns about animal welfare in aquaculture, this study investigates the potential of cannabidiol (CBD) and microbubble aeration to enhance stress resilience and physiological homeostasis in European sea bass. A five-week trial assessed the effects of dietary CBD (0.001%), environmental enrichment through modified aeration, or their combination on key welfare indicators.
Ginseng and its immuno-boosting properties: effects on fish immunity, mechanisms of action, and challenges in aquaculture
Modern aquaculture faces increasing challenges from disease outbreaks and antimicrobial resistance, driving the search for sustainable alternatives to enhance fish health. This review examines ginseng (Panax spp.), a plant renowned for its ginsenoside content and documented immunomodulatory effects. Ginseng modulates fish immunity by influencing key signaling pathways—NF-κB, JAK/STAT, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt—leading to balanced cytokine production and improved cellular function. Trials across species like tilapia and trout demonstrate its potential to reduce antibiotic reliance.
A comparative observational study of prokaryotic microbial community dynamics across different Litopenaeus vannamei cultivation systems
Prokaryotic microbial communities serve as critical indicators of ecosystem health within aquaculture. This observational study comparatively analyzes these communities across three commercial *Litopenaeus vannamei* cultivation systems, examining the impact of pond construction, salinity, and water-exchange intensity. Utilizing 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, researchers documented significant differences in community composition and diversity, revealing a trade-off between stability and potential pathogenic risk. For deeper exploration of coastal ecology, see our related article, "Abundance and physical controls of Mediterranean micro-estuaries."
Hypotheses-driven framework for the development of the yellowfin tuna second dorsal fin
Understanding the developmental origins of unique traits is critical for effective ocean stewardship. This Perspective outlines a hypotheses-driven framework to investigate the elongated second dorsal fin of adult yellowfin tuna ( *Thunnus albacares*), a distinctive feature within scombrids. Synthesizing existing morphological and genomic data, we propose a stepwise research program to test candidate developmental processes, separating these from alternative explanations related to function or environment.
Higher dietary EPA & DHA levels improve commercial salmon farming productivity, predictability and sustainability
A large-scale, longitudinal study analyzing over 430 million Atlantic salmon across 556 generations has validated a critical link between dietary EPA and DHA levels and aquaculture performance. Results demonstrate that populations receiving higher levels (>9% TFA) exhibited significantly improved outcomes, including an 8% reduction in mortality, a 13% improvement in feed conversion ratio, and a 2% increase in harvest quality. Furthermore, increased EPA+DHA enhanced production predictability, reducing variability in key metrics.
Perceived past and future changes in marine environments: community perspectives from coastal Vietnam
Understanding community perspectives on environmental change is paramount for effective marine management. This study, conducted within Vietnam’s Cù Lao Chàm–Hội An Biosphere Reserve, empirically assessed the perceptions of 252 coastal residents regarding marine environments over the past and anticipated future decade. Analysis revealed structured perceptions clustered around marine resources, water quality, aquaculture, and habitats, with significant declines in resources and aquaculture anticipated. Notably, differing perceptions between mainland and island communities highlight the influence of local context.
Climate change-related stressors in aquaculture: modulation of gill microbiota and transcriptome in Atlantic salmon
Climate change poses a significant and escalating threat to aquaculture, particularly through rising temperatures, marine heatwaves, and jellyfish blooms. This study investigates the complex interplay of these stressors on Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), focusing on gill health. Researchers utilized advanced sequencing techniques to analyze gill microbiota and transcriptome responses following exposure to elevated temperatures and jellyfish. Findings reveal a significant shift in microbial communities, notably increased Streptococcus and Staphylococcus, alongside altered gene expression related to immune response and tissue integrity.
What is this pink mass that develops on the tank walls?
Observations of pink masses developing on tank walls within oyster and clam hatcheries warrant careful investigation. This phenomenon, reported by users like /u/hotel-room-sofa, likely represents a biofilm—a complex community of microorganisms including bacteria, algae, and potentially other organisms. Given the use of harbor saltwater, the source of these organisms is likely environmental. Further analysis, potentially including microbiological testing, is recommended to validate the specific composition and assess any potential impact on larval health.
Sex-related differences in the lipid and micronutrient profile, but not the proximate composition, of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis: a pilot study with implications for sex-targeted aquaculture
Bivalves represent a vital, sustainable source of protein and essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), notably EPA and DHA. This pilot study of the Mediterranean mussel, *Mytilus galloprovincialis*, reveals significant sex-related differences in nutritional composition, despite comparable proximate values between male and female specimens. Notably, female mussels exhibited substantially elevated lipid content, PUFA fractions, and critical n-3 fatty acids, alongside higher levels of vitamin B12, iron, selenium, and iodine.
Functional probiotic attributes of Bacillus subtilis ULB16, an endophyte isolated from marine macroalga, Ulva lactuca
Marine-derived probiotics offer a compelling alternative to traditional antibiotics in aquaculture, and *Bacillus subtilis* ULB16, an endophyte isolated from *Ulva lactuca*, demonstrates significant promise. This study validates its probiotic potential, revealing tolerance to gastrointestinal stressors and notable interactions with both enteric and aquaculture-associated pathogens. Furthermore, the isolate exhibits β-galactosidase activity, suggesting added nutritional benefits. These findings, alongside its biofilm-forming ability and epithelial adhesion, collectively position *B.
Wild-harvesting of the fucoid Fucus vesiculosus (Phaeophyceae) at an active oyster aquaculture site
Wild-harvesting of the fucoid *Fucus vesiculosus* presents a potentially sustainable biomass resource at active oyster aquaculture sites. Commonly colonizing intertidal zones and artificial structures like oyster farms, this species represents an unexploited opportunity. This study, conducted over a 12-month period, quantified the regrowth potential of *F. vesiculosus* following partial harvesting on an Irish oyster farm, demonstrating up to 87% regeneration. Results indicate that low-intensity harvesting could be sustainable, with estimates suggesting ~11 tonnes of biomass potentially harvestable per kilometer.
Multi-horizon forecasting of coastal high water temperature events for operational marine-heatwave early warning in South Korean aquaculture: a walk-forward benchmark of eleven statistical and deep-learning models
Coastal aquaculture in South Korea faces repeated losses due to marine-heatwave events impacting key species like olive flounder. Addressing this, a recent study benchmarks eleven statistical and deep-learning models for forecasting high water temperatures, culminating in the development of the Hybrid GNN-BiLSTM. This innovative architecture demonstrates superior long-horizon predictive skill, achieving the lowest root-mean-square error and calibrated probabilistic forecasts. The research highlights a 38-hour advisory lead time, demonstrating the potential for operationally actionable early warnings—a critical advancement for protecting vulnerable aquaculture operations.
Autonomous quantification of kelp biomass on offshore aquaculture installations using side scan sonar
The escalating global demand for macroalgae—driven by its potential as a sustainable food source, carbon dioxide removal tool, and resource for pharmaceuticals—necessitates efficient monitoring methods. Traditional techniques are costly and limited in scope. This research introduces an innovative approach: autonomous quantification of kelp biomass on offshore aquaculture installations using side scan sonar. Our validated method estimates kelp height and standing biomass, demonstrated on a commercial installation off Santa Barbara, California.
From by-product to benefit: the effect of white grape marc extracts on European seabass growth, gut microbiota, immune status, and resistance to Vibrio harveyi
Aquaculture intensification presents a significant challenge: increased susceptibility of farmed fish to disease. Addressing this sustainably requires innovative solutions beyond traditional antibiotics. This study, stemming from the NeoGiANT project, investigates the potential of white grape marc extracts – a polyphenol-rich by-product of winemaking – to enhance European seabass health. Results indicate that a glycol-based extract (PLN450) improved antioxidant status and modestly bolstered disease resistance, suggesting a viable pathway toward more sustainable aquafeeds.
The future of our oceans: negotiating marine fisheries, aquaculture, and living resources with unbiased science
Navigating the future of our oceans demands a rigorous, unbiased scientific foundation. Marine fisheries, aquaculture, and living marine resources—integrating biology, climate science, and policy—face accelerating challenges requiring proactive solutions. Key priorities include climate adaptation, sustainable aquaculture, and ecosystem-based management, underpinned by technologies like artificial intelligence and genomics. Addressing fragmented governance and translating complex science into actionable policy is critical for long-term global food security.
Research on China’s green total factor productivity of aquaculture industry and its influencing factors
Assessing the green development performance of China's aquaculture industry is crucial for sustainable resource management. This study utilizes a rigorous, longitudinal analysis of panel data (2009–2023) from 38 Chinese provinces to measure Green Total Factor Productivity (GTFP) and identify key influencing factors. Employing the Super-SBM model and GML index, findings reveal significant regional disparities and highlight technological progress as a primary driver of growth, particularly in freshwater aquaculture.
A sustainable seaweed win-win: dietary fortification with Irish Wakame (Alaria esculenta) enhances Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) muscle growth and modulates gene expression
Seaweed integration into aquaculture diets offers a compelling pathway towards sustainable food production. Recent research validates a significant benefit: dietary inclusion of *Alaria esculenta* (Irish Wakame) demonstrably enhances muscle growth and modulates gene expression in Atlantic salmon (*Salmo salar*). Utilizing contrast-enhanced computed tomography and transcriptomic analysis, scientists observed improved body condition and increased filet muscle area. These findings indicate that *A. esculenta* represents a valuable, sustainable functional food, positively impacting both salmon health and aquaculture practices—a clear win-win scenario.
What are these?? WA state near Oyster bay
Encountering unidentified marine organisms can spark significant curiosity, as demonstrated by a recent query from a Washington state shellfish farmer. Harvesting clams near Oyster Bay, the farmer discovered a novel worm-like creature not typically observed with oysters. Notably, the specimen released a green, viscous substance upon being handled, prompting a search for identification. This situation echoes similar inquiries, such as our recent exploration of identifying sharks in Raja Ampat, highlighting the challenges of pinpointing marine life.