New Challenges in Marine Aquaculture Research

A special issue of Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (ISSN 2077-1312). This special issue belongs to the section "Marine Aquaculture".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2024) | Viewed by 24951

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Institute for the Ocean and Atmosphere (IPMA), Aquaculture Research Station (EPPO), 8700-194 Olhão, Portugal
Interests: aquaculture; fish nutrition; protein degradation; fish growth; biochemistry; metabolism
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET—Aquatic Research Network, Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI), Caminho da Penteada Edif Madeira Tecnopolo, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
Interests: marine aquaculture; production systems; invertebrates and fish biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Scientific research was greatly challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic, which pressured research institutes to challenge themselves to give a quick answer to the worldwide humanitarian urgent situation. When it began to lighten, a conflict in Europe started, causing severe apprehension for future times. This unpredictable situation triggered a global energy and food crisis, which elevated calls to urgently invest in food systems to ensure secure, affordable, healthy, and nutritious food for a growing population. Aquatic products are increasingly recognized as key players in these food systems, representing, in 2020, more than 60 percent higher than the average in the 1990s, largely due to increasing aquaculture production. Despite significant progress in the marine aquaculture industry, researchers still face great challenges concerning species diversification, animal growth efficiency, climate change, alternative sources to fishmeal and oil, safeguarding natural resources, and reducing the environmental footprint. Therefore, marine aquaculture research is vital and requires an integrated approach to develop and strengthen the aquaculture sector to be able to follow the increasing global demand for aquatic foods.

Dr. Ana Catarina Matias
Dr. Carlos Andrade
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • energy resources
  • sustainability
  • scientific research
  • climate changes
  • marine aquaculture
  • environment
  • food
  • natural resources
  • fish growth
  • fish nutrition

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Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 3804 KiB  
Article
Seasonal Variability in the Influence of Coastal Aquaculture Operation on Benthic–Pelagic Coupling Processes in Shallow Aquatic Ecosystems
by Alexander Deen, Shu Kitajima, Waka Sato-Okoshi and Toyonobu Fujii
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(8), 1293; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12081293 - 31 Jul 2024
Viewed by 868
Abstract
Coastal shellfish aquaculture can influence benthic–pelagic-coupled systems because cultured species consume phytoplankton in the water column and return the captured organic matter and nutrients to the environment as biodeposits, which fall to the seafloor, affecting local sediment characteristics and the benthic community. In [...] Read more.
Coastal shellfish aquaculture can influence benthic–pelagic-coupled systems because cultured species consume phytoplankton in the water column and return the captured organic matter and nutrients to the environment as biodeposits, which fall to the seafloor, affecting local sediment characteristics and the benthic community. In 2023, we conducted monthly field surveys to characterize the relationships between shellfish aquaculture and the surrounding environment by examining a range of physical and biological variables along the benthic–pelagic gradient at multiple sampling locations in relation to their distances from the aquaculture facilities in Onagawa Bay, Japan. The abundances of benthic macrofauna were dominated by polychaetes (86.3%), followed by gastropods (4.7%), malacostracans (2.7%), ophiuroids (2.1%), and bivalves (1.5%). Both benthic biomass and biodiversity were markedly higher, but the chlorophyll-a concentration of the water column and the sediment organic matter content were significantly lower at the closest proximity to the aquaculture facilities. Although the physical presence of shellfish aquaculture may effectively enhance pelagic–benthic energy fluxes, such processes may also pose a new challenge under the influence of recent global warming, causing widespread hypoxic conditions due to increased stratification in the water column accompanied by excess organic inputs from the aquaculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges in Marine Aquaculture Research)
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8 pages, 786 KiB  
Article
Express Diagnosis and Prediction of Remote Mass Mortality of Scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis in Mariculture Farms Using Biomarkers
by Valentina Vladimirovna Slobodskova, Nadezhda Vladimirovna Dovzhenko, Sergey Petrovich Kukla, Victor Pavlovich Chelomin and Andrey Alexandrovich Mazur
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(7), 1151; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12071151 - 9 Jul 2024
Viewed by 673
Abstract
The cage method for the cultivation of the seaside scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis is the most developed and popular method at sea farms in Primorsky Krai (Sea of Japan). However, this method of mollusk cultivation requires the careful planning of farming activities. Recently, mariculture [...] Read more.
The cage method for the cultivation of the seaside scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis is the most developed and popular method at sea farms in Primorsky Krai (Sea of Japan). However, this method of mollusk cultivation requires the careful planning of farming activities. Recently, mariculture farms in different countries have often encountered the mass mortality of cultured hydrobionts. The causes of such diseases are not quite clear, and often their identification requires a large amount of time and financial expenditure. Therefore, the use of predictive mechanisms based on biomarkers can help identify hidden threats in cultured scallop organisms that lead to mass mortality. In this study, we propose a rapid diagnostic method for predicting the distant mass mortality of M. yessoensis cultured in cages using biomarkers. The assessment of the pathological state of cultured mollusks at earlier developmental stages using the DNA comet method and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde) will allow the diagnosis and prediction of significant losses of marketable individuals in marine farms. In this study, we evaluated different age groups of mollusks cultured in the different water areas of Peter the Great Bay (Sea of Japan). During the study, we found that the death of cultured mollusks increased with increasing DNA damage and the active accumulation of malondialdehyde in tissues. It was observed that in scallops aged 1+ cultured in Severnaya Bay, high levels of DNA molecule damage and malondialdehyde were registered in the digestive glands and gills, which subsequently led to the death of almost all marketable individuals aged 3+. Therefore, the work is of significant value in assisting the aquaculture industry in solving the emerging problems of scallop farming and preserving marketable products. The proposed markers effectively reflect the condition of molluscs under extreme conditions caused by various factors, making them highly suitable for monitoring studies and forecasts on aquaculture farms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges in Marine Aquaculture Research)
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13 pages, 1495 KiB  
Article
Physiological Response of European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Juveniles to an Acute Stress Challenge: The Impact of Partial and Total Dietary Fishmeal Replacement by an Insect Meal
by Ana Basto, Diogo Peixoto, Marina Machado, Benjamin Costas, Daniel Murta and Luisa M. P. Valente
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(5), 815; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12050815 - 14 May 2024
Viewed by 1184
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the effect of FM substitution by defatted Tenebrio molitor larvae meal (dTM) on the response of European seabass to an acute stress challenge. An FM-based diet was used as a control and two other isoproteic/isoenergetic diets were formulated [...] Read more.
This study aimed to explore the effect of FM substitution by defatted Tenebrio molitor larvae meal (dTM) on the response of European seabass to an acute stress challenge. An FM-based diet was used as a control and two other isoproteic/isoenergetic diets were formulated to replace 50 and 100% of FM by dTM. Each diet was tested in quadruplicate groups of 15 fish (69 ± 5 g) fed until visual satiety for 16 weeks. After the feeding trial, fish were subjected to 1 min air exposure followed by 1 h of recovery before sampling. The haematological profile, plasma metabolites, and humoral immunity biomarkers, as well as hepatic oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity, were analysed. A clear response to acute stress was observed by a significant increase in haemoglobin, haematocrit, red blood cells, and almost all evaluated plasma metabolites and humoral parameters, regardless of dietary treatment. The obtained results demonstrated that partial substitution of FM by IM did not affect the stress response of seabass. However, total FM replacement increased the hepatic activity of total peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in fish fed TM100. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges in Marine Aquaculture Research)
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12 pages, 3104 KiB  
Article
A Preliminary Assessment of Microalgal Diets for Echinopluteus Larvae Culture of the Sea Urchin Sphaerechinus granularis (Lamarck, 1816) (Echinoidea: Toxopneustidae)
by Ricardo Luís, Ricardo José, João Castro and Carlos Andrade
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2023, 11(10), 1870; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse11101870 - 26 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1019
Abstract
Sea urchins play an important role in coastal marine ecosystems and are an economically valuable resource for their gonads (roe or uni). Increased demand by Asian and European countries caused overfishing of wild stocks resulting in a sharp decline of sea urchin populations. [...] Read more.
Sea urchins play an important role in coastal marine ecosystems and are an economically valuable resource for their gonads (roe or uni). Increased demand by Asian and European countries caused overfishing of wild stocks resulting in a sharp decline of sea urchin populations. The increased efforts in developing cost-effective protocols are focused on larval development up to pre- and post-metamorphosis stages, as they are one of the main difficulties of echinoculture. This is a preliminary study to evaluate the influence of microalgal varying diet rationing on larval development, growth, and survivorship at pre-metamorphosis of Sphaerechinus granularis echinopluteus (30 days post-fertilization). Three microalgae diets based on Dunaliella tertiolecta and Rhodomonas marina and the combination of both species were tested. Each diet used three ration treatments: low ration (500–3000 cells⋅ml−1); medium ration (1000–6000 cells⋅ml−1); and high ration (4000–24,000 cells⋅ml−1), which were cell-density adjusted to larval development. Assays used three triplicated treatments in 8 L cylindrical–conical glass incubators. Results showed that the survival of S. granularis echinopluteus was positively influenced by diets of lower cellular densities and a combined microalgae diet. Adoption of this type of diet regime is expected to improve larval production and provide the groundwork for future research on S. granularis in aquaculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges in Marine Aquaculture Research)
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15 pages, 1144 KiB  
Article
Effect of Long-Term Day/Night Temperature Oscillations on the Overall Performance of Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata) Juveniles
by Ana Catarina Matias, Ravi Luna Araújo, Laura Ribeiro, Narcisa Maria Bandarra, Amparo Gonçalves and Pedro Pousão-Ferreira
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2023, 11(9), 1687; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse11091687 - 27 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1307
Abstract
Water temperature variations affect fish growth and health, often leading to huge losses in fish production, especially during the cold season. To alleviate this constraint, fish farmers can use a water heating system driven by solar energy during daytime. This action will cause [...] Read more.
Water temperature variations affect fish growth and health, often leading to huge losses in fish production, especially during the cold season. To alleviate this constraint, fish farmers can use a water heating system driven by solar energy during daytime. This action will cause a water temperature drop during the night period, making it important to understand the physiological response of fish exposed to the resulting day/night temperature oscillations. To investigate this scenario, gilthead seabream juveniles (96.3 ± 1.0 g) were exposed to different thermal regimes for 67 days: Tconstant and Tdaily cycles. The latter group was exposed to daily water temperature oscillations between ~19 and 13 °C compared with a constant temperature of ~19 °C for the other experimental group. Temperature fluctuations compromised fish growth efficiency and reduced the proportion of fatty acids in several tissues, with implications for the whole proximate composition. Moreover, temperature oscillations influenced several blood parameters. These results favor the usage of a constant water temperature of ~19 °C for optimal gilthead seabream juvenile production instead of a day/night water temperature oscillating regime. Nevertheless, the type of energy used to warm the water will depend on the operational conditions and/or business strategy of fish farmers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges in Marine Aquaculture Research)
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13 pages, 973 KiB  
Article
Mussel Meal as a Promotor of Growth Performance for the Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
by Stef Claessens, Cláudia Aragão, Flávia Banderó Hoffling, Isabela Pinheiro, Débora Machado Fracalossi and Felipe Nascimento Vieira
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2023, 11(9), 1670; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse11091670 - 25 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1809
Abstract
Mussel meal (species Perna perna) was evaluated as a potential feed additive for whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) diets to improve growth and cold resistance. Five experimental diets (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4% of mussel meal inclusion) were tested in [...] Read more.
Mussel meal (species Perna perna) was evaluated as a potential feed additive for whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) diets to improve growth and cold resistance. Five experimental diets (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4% of mussel meal inclusion) were tested in quadruplicate in whiteleg shrimp, using twenty polyethylene tanks of 400 L. Each tank was stocked with 40 shrimp (3.5 ± 0.5 g), filled with seawater and kept under constant aeration and a temperature of 28.4 ± 0.4 °C. After 8 weeks, the growth and feed efficiency of the shrimp were evaluated, and a thermal shock was administered. The shrimp that were fed with the addition of 3 or 4% mussel meal in their diets showed similar results as the control (0% inclusion), while the addition of 1 or 2% mussel meal in the diet resulted in a significantly higher final weight, weight gain and relative growth rate and a lower feed conversion ratio. Further, no differences were observed in thermal shock resistance and survival among the treatments. In conclusion, mussel meal can be used as a feed additive in whiteleg shrimp diets to improve growth, and quadratic regression models indicate that the best levels of inclusion range from 1.73 to 2.00%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges in Marine Aquaculture Research)
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23 pages, 1471 KiB  
Article
Alternative Feed Formulations Impact Growth Performance, Flesh Quality and Consumer Acceptance of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
by Gabriella do Vale Pereira, Luis E. C. Conceição, Filipe Soares, Jessica Petereit, Bela H. Buck, Johan Johansen, Jorge Dias and Filippo Faccenda
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2023, 11(6), 1135; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse11061135 - 28 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2133
Abstract
This trial aimed to assess the growth performance of trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed novel formulations, evaluate fish welfare status, and determine flesh quality as part of the evaluation of sustainable feeds. A control diet containing fish meal and soy products (CTRL) [...] Read more.
This trial aimed to assess the growth performance of trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed novel formulations, evaluate fish welfare status, and determine flesh quality as part of the evaluation of sustainable feeds. A control diet containing fish meal and soy products (CTRL) was compared to: a diet with processed animal proteins (PAP); a diet without PAP (NoPAP); a PAP diet lower in protein (PAP−); and a NoPAP diet higher in protein (NoPAP+). Groups of 50 fish, weighing 58.84 ± 1.39 g (IBW), were allocated to 20 tanks and fed with formulated diets ad libitum over 91 days. Better growth performance was observed after the experiment in fish fed the NoPAP+ diet when compared to other diets. Protein retention was higher in CTRL diets than in PAP and PAP− diets. Protein and phosphorous digestibility were lower in fish fed PAP− diet. Diets did not influence the texture analysis. However, sensory analysis revealed higher acceptance for fish fed the NoPAP diet when compared to the PAP diet. Lysozyme was higher in the NoPAP diet than in other treatments. In addition, long-term predictions using FEEDNETICSTM software suggest some of these alternative formulations may be economically sustainable. Overall, these results support the hypothesis that the new formulations are viable options for trout farming. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges in Marine Aquaculture Research)
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12 pages, 2396 KiB  
Article
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Mycobiont Extract of Parmotrema austrosinense (Zahlbr.) Hale in a Zebrafish Model
by Kalidoss Rajendran, Ponmurugan Karuppiah, Ponmurugan Ponnusamy, Mohammed Rafi Shaik, Mujeeb Khan, Tae Hwan Oh and Baji Shaik
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2023, 11(5), 1081; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse11051081 - 20 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1539
Abstract
Thousands of different kinds of lichen metabolites are being examined for their biological activities, including anticancer properties. In this context, the present study aims to assess the anti-inflammatory activity of the acetone extract of Parmotrema austrosinense mycobiont. A lipid peroxidation assay was performed [...] Read more.
Thousands of different kinds of lichen metabolites are being examined for their biological activities, including anticancer properties. In this context, the present study aims to assess the anti-inflammatory activity of the acetone extract of Parmotrema austrosinense mycobiont. A lipid peroxidation assay was performed with the acetone extracts of P. austrosinense mycobiont, which was further used to evaluate its anti-inflammatory efficacy using a zebrafish model. Furthermore, the histopathological study was also carried out with muscle tissues and amplification of its inflammation marker. The results revealed that the lichen compound (i.e., lecanoric acid) in the acetone extract of P. austrosinense possesses anti-inflammatory activity. Histopathology studies confirmed the decreased numbers of neutrophil cells in the 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced zebrafishes, as confirmed by changes in the fishes’ weight before and after the sample treatment, prompted by TNBS inflammation. The present results also demonstrated a dose-dependent decrease in the lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels in the muscle tissues of zebrafishes. Gene amplification studies suggested that the lichen compound might perform dose-dependent downregulation of the inflammatory gene marker of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α gene; this further confirms that the extract should possess anti-inflammatory activity. As per the literature, this study is one of the most complete, comprehensive in vivo anti-inflammatory analyses in which inflammation was induced in zebrafish by using 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Particularly, this study successfully identified a bioactive compound isolated from the lichen P. austrosinense, and which exhibited decent anti-inflammatory activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges in Marine Aquaculture Research)
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31 pages, 5857 KiB  
Article
Development and Application of a Mechanistic Nutrient-Based Model for Precision Fish Farming
by Filipe M. R. C. Soares, Ana M. D. Nobre, Andreia I. G. Raposo, Rodrigo C. P. Mendes, Sofia A. D. Engrola, Paulo J. A. P. Rema, Luís E. C. Conceição and Tomé S. Silva
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2023, 11(3), 472; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse11030472 - 22 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2333
Abstract
This manuscript describes and evaluates the FEEDNETICS model, a detailed mechanistic nutrient-based model that has been developed to be used as a data interpretation and decision-support tool by fish farmers, aquafeed producers, aquaculture consultants and researchers. The modelling framework comprises two main components: [...] Read more.
This manuscript describes and evaluates the FEEDNETICS model, a detailed mechanistic nutrient-based model that has been developed to be used as a data interpretation and decision-support tool by fish farmers, aquafeed producers, aquaculture consultants and researchers. The modelling framework comprises two main components: (i) fish model, that simulates at the individual level the fish growth, composition, and nutrient utilization, following basic physical principles and prior information on the organization and control of biochemical/metabolic processes; and (ii) farm model, that upscales all information to the population level. The model was calibrated and validated for five commercially relevant farmed fish species, i.e., gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), using data sets covering a wide range of rearing and feeding conditions. The results of the validation of the model for fish growth are consistent between species, presenting a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) between 11.7 and 13.8%. Several uses cases are presented, illustrating how this tool can be used to complement experimental trial design and interpretation, and to evaluate nutritional and environmental effects at the farm level. FEEDNETICS provides a means of transforming data into useful information, thus contributing to more efficient fish farming. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges in Marine Aquaculture Research)
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16 pages, 1336 KiB  
Article
Salinity Tolerance and the Effect of Salinity and Algal Feed on the Demographics of Cultured Harpacticoid Copepods Tisbe holothuriae and Tigriopus sp. from the Messolonghi Lagoon (W. Greece)
by George N. Hotos, Evi Kourelea and Ioannis Fotodimas
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2022, 10(11), 1663; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10111663 - 4 Nov 2022
Viewed by 2590
Abstract
The locally isolated harpacticoid copepods Tigriopus sp. and Tisbe holothuriae were subjected to salinity tolerance experimentation at salinities under and above of 40 ppt, and presented high halotolerances in Tigriopus LC50 (24 h) of 1 ± 4.43 ppt and 132 ± 5.35 ppt, respectively, [...] Read more.
The locally isolated harpacticoid copepods Tigriopus sp. and Tisbe holothuriae were subjected to salinity tolerance experimentation at salinities under and above of 40 ppt, and presented high halotolerances in Tigriopus LC50 (24 h) of 1 ± 4.43 ppt and 132 ± 5.35 ppt, respectively, and in Tisbe of 15 ± 2.41 ppt and 93 ± 3.23 ppt, respectively. Tetraselmis suecica, among other microalgal feeds (Asteromonas gracilis, Rhodomonas salina, Dunaliella salina and Isochrysis galbana), resulted in the higher production of nauplii in Tigriopus and R. salina and D. salina in Tisbe (also close to T. suecica in Tigriopus). The demographics (number of nauplii, egg sacs, completion of hatching) of both copepods, using combinations of salinities in the range of 22–60 ppt and D. salina and R. salina as feeds, exhibited almost the same preference for microalgae but were negatively affected by the salinity of 60 ppt. The present experiments showed that these local copepods that have extreme salinity tolerance and a wide preference for easily cultured microalgae can be used in ecological studies and for mass production as live feed in marine fish hatcheries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges in Marine Aquaculture Research)
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Review

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27 pages, 2074 KiB  
Review
Understanding Carbon Footprint in Sustainable Land-Based Marine Aquaculture: Exploring Production Techniques
by Marta Castilla-Gavilán, José Manuel Guerra-García, Ismael Hachero-Cruzado and Marcelino Herrera
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(7), 1192; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12071192 - 16 Jul 2024
Viewed by 2229
Abstract
In aquaculture, it is crucial to understand and mitigate the carbon footprint for sustainable production. As demand for seafood increases, various production techniques compete for an eco-friendly status. This review examines the carbon footprint of various land-based marine aquaculture systems, highlighting their environmental [...] Read more.
In aquaculture, it is crucial to understand and mitigate the carbon footprint for sustainable production. As demand for seafood increases, various production techniques compete for an eco-friendly status. This review examines the carbon footprint of various land-based marine aquaculture systems, highlighting their environmental impact. Through exploring innovations and best practices, it navigates the complexities of reducing emissions and promoting carbon sequestration. Some proposals for this purpose are based on diversification through low-trophic-level species, the preservation of high-carbon sequestration sites, polyculture, organic aquaculture and improvements in nutrition, feeding, waste and energy management. In this sense, some land-based aquaculture systems are progressively adapting and updating their zootechnical procedures. Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RASs) offer interesting advantages such as water conservation, pollution reduction and biosecurity. Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture systems (IMTAs) aim to address two major issues in aquaculture: efficient water usage and the environmental impact of effluents, which are rich in organic particles and dissolved nutrients from undigested food and feces; hence, these systems involve cultivating multiple species (polyculture). Biofloc Technology (BFT) is based on the formation of bioflocs in a culture medium. These systems can enhance feeding efficiency and waste management, thus optimizing nutrient utilization and minimizing environmental impact, achieved through reduced water and fertilizer usage. Traditional (extensive) aquaculture systems operate with minimal input of feed and chemicals, relying heavily on the natural productivity of the ecosystems; thus, the need for manufactured feed, the environmental impact associated with feed production and the transportation and overall costs are significantly reduced. Overall, while RASs, BFT and extensive systems in general offer significant sustainability benefits, IMTA’s holistic approach to ecosystem management and nutrient recycling makes it, in our estimation, the most effective method in terms of ecological footprint in aquaculture. However, its quantitative evaluation is extremely complex, and there is currently a lack of references about its global carbon footprint. Therefore, further research and development are required, as well as collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges in Marine Aquaculture Research)
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Other

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11 pages, 2032 KiB  
Brief Report
Offshore Wind Farms in South Korea: A Potential Site for Scallop Culture
by Dae-Won Lee, Sung-Yong Oh, Jordan Jun Chul Park, Yun-Hwan Jung, Han-Jun Kim, Dong Mun Choi, Young-Ung Choi and Jeonghoon Han
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2023, 11(10), 1988; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse11101988 - 14 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1632
Abstract
Owing to the constant wind generated by the vast ocean, energy production from offshore wind farms (OWFs) plays an important role in the expansion of renewable energy. However, areas close to large wind farms are often left unutilized, and aquaculture farmers find it [...] Read more.
Owing to the constant wind generated by the vast ocean, energy production from offshore wind farms (OWFs) plays an important role in the expansion of renewable energy. However, areas close to large wind farms are often left unutilized, and aquaculture farmers find it difficult to efficiently utilize these unoccupied spaces due to limited information showing the feasibility of utilization of OWFs as potential scallop culture sites. To analyze whether the two scallop species Zhikong scallop (Chlamys farreri) and bay scallop (Argopecten irradians) can be grown at OWFs of Gochang and Buan, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea, the growth characteristics of the two scallop species were analyzed and compared with those grown at the Tongyeong Megacosm Test Station. The results clearly showed that the growth of scallops at the OWF was significantly lower with respect to the shell lengths, height, width, and weight, compared to those grown at the megacosm station. However, scallops grown at the OWF still showed consistent growth in parallel with those grown at the megacosm test station. Yet, there was a species-specific mortality rate between the two sites. In addition, our results suggest that temperature may be a key determinant of the growth of C. farreri and A. irradians. Overall, this study contributes to establishing a foundation for the stable and continuous farming of marine bivalves (e.g., clams, oysters, mussels, and scallops) in OWF areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges in Marine Aquaculture Research)
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19 pages, 1562 KiB  
Systematic Review
Ocean Acidification and Aquacultured Seaweeds: Progress and Knowledge Gaps
by Tan Hengjie, Simon Kumar Das, Nur Farah Ain Zainee, Raja Yana and Mohammad Rozaimi
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2023, 11(1), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse11010078 - 3 Jan 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2975
Abstract
This systematic review aimed to synthesise the existing studies regarding the effects of ocean acidification (OA) on seaweed aquaculture. Ocean acidification scenarios may increase the productivity of aquacultured seaweeds, but this depends on species-specific tolerance ranges. Conversely, seaweed productivity may be reduced, with [...] Read more.
This systematic review aimed to synthesise the existing studies regarding the effects of ocean acidification (OA) on seaweed aquaculture. Ocean acidification scenarios may increase the productivity of aquacultured seaweeds, but this depends on species-specific tolerance ranges. Conversely, seaweed productivity may be reduced, with ensuing economic losses. We specifically addressed questions on: how aquacultured seaweeds acclimatise with an increase in oceanic CO2; the effects of OA on photosynthetic rates and nutrient uptake; and the knowledge gaps in mitigation measures for seaweed farming in OA environments. Articles were searched by using Google Scholar, followed by Scopus and Web of Science databases, limiting the publications from 2001 to 2022. Our review revealed that, among all the OA-related studies on macroalgae, only a relatively small proportion (n < 85) have examined the physiological responses of aquacultured seaweeds. However, it is generally agreed that these seaweeds cannot acclimatise when critical biological systems are compromised. The existing knowledge gaps regarding mitigation approaches are unbalanced and have overly focused on monitoring and cultivation methods. Future work should emphasise effective and implementable actions against OA while linking the physiological changes of aquacultured seaweeds with production costs and profits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges in Marine Aquaculture Research)
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