Search Results (430)

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production sector and plays a pivotal role in global food security. However, the reliance on conventional fishmeal and fish oil in aquafeeds raises sustainability concerns due to overfishing, high costs, and ecological burden. This review explores the valorisation of microalgae as a sustainable and functional alternative for aquafeed development. Microalgae are rich in proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, bioactive compounds, and pigments that support aquatic animal growth, immunity, and product quality. We critically examine the integration of green technologies, including cultivation systems, biomass harvesting, and eco-friendly extraction methods for optimising microalgal biomass and bioactive recovery. The review also discusses recent innovations in bioremediation and circular aquaculture systems, highlighting the role of microalgae in reducing nutrient discharge, carbon footprint, and operational cost. Challenges such as scalability, digestibility, and economic feasibility are also addressed, providing insight into pathways toward industrial adoption. This review aims to provide an updated and holistic perspective on microalgae-based aquafeeds in advancing sustainable aquaculture practices. Full article

Background: Liver cirrhosis is a complex and chronic pathology with the potential to impact a number of factors, including the patient’s health, nutritional status and diet. Proper nutritional intake plays an essential role alongside the necessary medical and recovery treatments. Methods: This study was conducted on a group that included patients of varying age demographics. They were required to undertake a 24 h food recall as well as two other questionnaires (CNAQ and CLDQ-NASH) that reported the level of appetite and nutrition and other aspects that focused on the patient’s general health and quality of life, respectively. Results: The results of the study indicated the presence of reduced appetite and a decrease in quality of life, as reported by questionnaire scores of less than 28 points for appetite and less than 4 points for quality of life. The 24 h dietary recalls revealed that the majority of patients exhibited a preference for meals comprising red and processed meats and traditional foods such as soups and animal foods and a low consumption of white meat, fish, legumes and fiber. Conclusions: The study’s findings reveal an imbalance in the patients’ nutritional intake and underscore the critical importance of nutritional support for patients with liver cirrhosis. However, further research is needed in this regard to determine the factors leading to nutritional deficiencies and the causes leading to refusal of nutritional intervention within the management of this disease. Full article

Coral reef degradation has spurred the development of artificial structures to mitigate losses in coral cover. These structures serve as substrates for coral transplantation, with the expectation that growing corals will attract reef-associated taxa—while the substrate’s ability to directly support biodiversity is often neglected. We evaluated a novel 3D-printed modular tile made of porous terra cotta, designed with complex surface structures to enhance micro- and cryptic biodiversity, through a restoration project in Hong Kong. Over four years, we monitored 378 outplanted coral fragments using diver assessments and photography, while biodiversity changes were assessed through visual surveys and eDNA metabarcoding. Coral survivorship was high, with 88% survival after four years. Visual surveys recorded seven times more fish and almost 60% more invertebrates at the restoration site compared to a nearby unrestored area. eDNA analyses revealed a 23.5% higher eukaryote ASV richness at the restoration site than the unrestored site and 13.3% greater richness relative to a natural reference coral community. This study highlights the tiles’ dual functionality: (1) supporting coral growth and (2) enhancing cryptic biodiversity, an aspect often neglected in traditional reef restoration efforts. Our findings underscore the potential of 3D-printed ceramic structures to improve both coral restoration outcomes and broader reef ecosystem recovery. Full article

Macroinvertebrates are a crucial part of aquatic ecosystems and significantly contribute to the maintenance of their health and stability. Our aims were to explore spatio-temporal patterns in macroinvertebrate communities and evaluate the ecological health of various parts of the Poyang Lake Basin during the early stage of a fishing ban. We collected samples using a Peterson grab sampler and conducted ecological evaluations using the B-IBI index. A total of 107 species of macroinvertebrates were identified, and most species were arthropods. The density and biomass of macroinvertebrates significantly differed among seasons and water bodies. No significant differences in diversity among seasons were observed; however, diversity significantly varied among water bodies. Environmental parameters such as water depth, pH, turbidity, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll a played a crucial role in shaping the community structure of macroinvertebrates. Most of the sampling sites were classified as healthy or sub-healthy, indicating that the fishing ban policy has started to have a positive effect. The effects of this ban are achieved through a cascading sequence of processes, including the elimination of fishing disturbance, the restoration of habitat structure, and the reallocation of trophic energy, in addition to increases in microhabitat diversity associated with habitat heterogeneity. Together, these processes drive the multidimensional recovery of macroinvertebrate communities, manifested as increased species richness, higher density and biomass, and elevated B-IBI scores. Full article

Fisheries management in Abu Dhabi has undergone a significant transformation over the past two decades, shifting from an open-access system to a more regulated framework aimed at stock recovery and sustainability. This study evaluates the status of 13 commercially important fish species—accounting for 95% of total landings—using two complementary stock assessment methods: CMSY++, a Bayesian catch-based model, and the Length-Converted Catch Curve (LCCC), a length-based mortality estimation approach. Fisheries-dependent and fisheries-independent data collected from 2001 to 2024 were analyzed to assess trends in biomass, exploitation rates, and spawning stock biomass per recruit (SBR). CMSY++ outputs indicate that in 2005, only 1 out of 13 stocks was sustainable, with biomass (B) above the biomass that can reproduce maximum sustainable yield (BMSY) and fishing mortality (F) below the fishing mortality that gives the maximum sustainable yield (FMSY), and 5 stocks were overexploited. By 2024, seven stocks had recovered to sustainable levels, with biomass at or above BMSY and exploitation rates below FMSY. LCCC results for 2024 further confirm these findings, with most species exhibiting SBR values above the 30% threshold, except for Lethrinus nebulosus (Forsskål, 1775), which remains close to overexploitation limits. The observed stock recovery coincides with effective governance and key fisheries management measures, including effort reduction, gear restrictions, and spatial protections. While most stocks are now within sustainable biological reference points, transboundary species such as Scomberomorus commerson (Lacépède, 1800) require continued regional cooperation for effective management. These findings contribute to ongoing efforts to achieve and maintain fully sustainable fisheries in the Arabian Gulf while aligning with international conservation frameworks, biodiversity protection goals, and climate-resilient fisheries management strategies. Full article

Peripheral rural coastal areas in Europe face persistent structural challenges, including demographic decline, aging populations, and the collapse of traditional sectors like fishing. These are further aggravated by environmental disasters, which weaken local economies. Public sector intervention is therefore essential, not only to provide an immediate response, but also to guarantee long-term solutions. This study explores the contribution of state-led tourism infrastructures to rural development and post-disaster recovery, taking the Parador Costa da Morte in Galicia as a case study. Based on data from a survey of parador guests, it identifies tourist profiles through factor and cluster motivation analysis. The parador’s impacts on the surrounding region are assessed by examining tourists’ travel patterns and spending behavior, as well as the analysis of secondary data on regional changes in tourism supply and demand. The results show widely differing motivations and, despite varying visitor profiles, the predominance of a tourism typology that generates significant local spillovers. These findings support the potential of high-quality, publicly driven tourism initiatives to stimulate the economy of structurally disadvantaged rural areas. The article ends with recommendations for tourism strategies aligned with local recovery and development goals. Full article

The ten-year fishing ban on the Yangtze River aims to restore aquatic biodiversity and rebuild fishery resources. Megalobrama skolkovii, a key species in the basin, was investigated using 2024 data to provide a preliminary assessment of its population structure, stock dynamics, and early recovery. Age analysis (n = 243) showed that 1–6-year-olds were dominated by fish aged 3 (35%), with few older than 4, indicating moderate structural truncation. Growth parameters modeled by the von Bertalanffy Growth Function yielded L_∞ = 61.89 cm and k = 0.25 year⁻¹, with a weight–growth inflection age of 4.4 years. Natural mortality (M = 0.48 year⁻¹) was estimated using Pauly’s empirical formula, and total mortality (Z = 0.55 year⁻¹) was estimated from the catch curve analysis. While fishing mortality (F) was statistically indistinguishable from zero, a plausible low-intensity fishing scenario was explored to assess potential impacts of residual activities. Length-based indicators (LBIs) showed P_mat = 46.05%, P_opt = 9.51%, and P_mega = 6.88%, suggesting reproductive recovery but incomplete structural restoration. These preliminary findings reveal an asymmetrical recovery trajectory, whereby physiological improvements and enhanced recruitment have occurred, yet full structural restoration remains incomplete. This underscores the need for continued, long-term conservation and monitoring to support population resilience. Full article

Effective transport strategies are critical for the survival and welfare of juvenile Ictalurus punctatus, but the effects of pre-transport salt bath treatments remain uncertain. In this study, we systematically evaluated the effects of pre-transport salt bath acclimation at 0‰ (S1), 1‰ (S2), 5‰ (S3), and 9‰ (S4) salinity for 30 min on stress resilience and recovery in fingerlings during 12 h of simulated transport and 24 h of recovery. All fish survived, but total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) increased, and pH decreased in all groups, except S3, which showed significantly lower TAN and higher pH (p < 0.05). The S3 and S4 groups showed attenuated increases in serum cortisol and glucose, with S3 exhibiting the fastest return to baseline levels and stable serum sodium and potassium levels. Liver antioxidant enzyme activities in group S3 remained stable, with the lowest malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation. Integrated biomarker response (IBR) and histological analyses demonstrated that S3 had the lowest systemic stress and tissue damage, whereas S1 and S4 displayed marked cellular disruption. These results indicate that a 5‰ salt bath applied prior to transport may improve water quality, mitigate stress responses, and preserve tissue integrity in juvenile channel catfish. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in other species and under commercial transport conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) essential oil exhibits antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anesthetic activities, mainly due to eugenol, methyl eugenol, and β-caryophyllene. However, its clinical application is limited by poor water solubility, instability, and low bioavailability. This study developed and compared two delivery systems, self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) and microemulsions (ME), to enhance their stability and fish anesthetic efficacy. Methods: The optimized SNEDDS (25% basil oil, 8.33% coconut oil, 54.76% Tween 80, 11.91% PEG 400) and ME (12% basil oil, 32% Tween 80, 4% sorbitol, 12% ethanol, 40% water) were characterized for droplet size, PDI, zeta potential, pH, and viscosity. Stability was evaluated by monitoring droplet size and PDI over time and by determining the retention of eugenol, methyl eugenol, and β-caryophyllene after storage at 45 °C. Fish anesthetic efficacy was tested in koi carp (Cyprinus carpio var. koi). Results: SNEDDS maintained a small droplet size (~22.78 ± 1.99 nm) and low PDI (0.188 ± 0.088 at day 60), while ME showed significant size enlargement (up to 177.10 ± 47.50 nm) and high PDI (>0.5). After 90 days at 45 °C, SNEDDS retained 94.45% eugenol, 94.08% methyl eugenol, and 88.55% β-caryophyllene, while ME preserved 104.76%, 103.53%, and 94.47%, respectively. In vivo testing showed that SNEDDS achieved faster anesthesia (114.70 ± 24.80 s at 120 ppm) and shorter recovery (379.60 ± 15.61 s) than ME (134.90 ± 4.70 s; 473.80 ± 16.94 s). Ethanol failed to induce anesthesia at 40 ppm and performed poorly compared to SNEDDS and ME at other concentrations (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: SNEDDS demonstrated superior physical stability and fish anesthetic performance compared to ME. These findings support SNEDDS as a promising formulation for delivering holy basil essential oil in biomedical and aquaculture applications. Full article

In the 2021 summit, ASEAN leaders acknowledged the ocean as an essential driver of economic recovery post pandemic, leading to the ASEAN Declaration on the Blue Economy for the responsible management of marine resources. As an ASEAN nation with a long history in the fishing sector, Indonesia then actively spread this concept across the region. The hegemony theory of Gramsci, which considers the interaction of a nation’s material resources, ideational influence, and institutional strategy, is further used to assess Indonesia’s leadership dynamics in the ASEAN to obtain consensus-based power. In this study, Joko Widodo’s speeches from 2023 are taken out and coded to determine the narrative that Indonesia constantly reinforces. With thematic analysis, speech data is processed to generate keywords such as unity, cooperation, and shared responsibilities, which Indonesia often uses to advance its regional agenda. By aligning member states’ interests with regional goals, Indonesian governance creates common ground for a blue economy and emphasizes how the sea is an integral source of opportunity for the region’s position as the Epicentrum Of Growth. Instead of pushing countries to agree with directives, Indonesia effectively advocates for regional agreements and ASEAN-led structures through the blue economy framework, with the ABEF emerging at its 2023 ASEAN chairmanship deliberations. Full article

Over 40% of freshwater fish species in Europe are currently at risk of extinction, highlighting the need for improved conservation planning. This study examines whether the threat status is associated with life-history and ecological traits across 580 autochthonous (native and endemic) freshwater fish species in European inland waters. Using data from FishBase and the IUCN Red List, we assessed associations between threat level and both categorical (e.g., migratory behavior, commercial importance, reproductive guild, and body shape) and numerical traits (e.g., maximum length, weight, age, growth parameters, and maturity traits). Significant, though modest, associations were identified between species threat level and migratory behavior and reproductive guild. Non-migratory species exhibited higher median threat levels, while amphidromous species showed a non-significant trend toward higher threat, suggesting that limited dispersal ability and dependence on fragmented freshwater networks may increase extinction vulnerability. Species with unclassified reproductive strategies also showed elevated threat levels, possibly reflecting both actual risk and underlying data gaps. In contrast, body shape and trophic level were not significantly associated with threat status. Critically Endangered species tend to be larger, heavier, and mature later—traits characteristic of slow life history strategies that limit population recovery. Although length at maturity and maximum age did not differ significantly among IUCN categories, age at maturity was significantly higher in more threatened species, and growth rate (K) was negatively correlated with threat level. Together, these patterns suggest that slower-growing, later-maturing species face elevated extinction risk. Overall, the findings underscore that the threat level in European freshwater fish is shaped by complex interactions between intrinsic biological traits and external pressures. Trait-based approaches can enhance extinction risk assessments and conservation prioritization, especially in data-deficient freshwater ecosystems facing multifaceted environmental challenges. Full article

Ornamental fish shipped by road or rail may spend days in transit without food, leading to a reduction in somatic growth after transportation and during acclimatization. In the present study, a time-series (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 days) experiment was conducted to investigate the growth recovery of male Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens, 1.56 ± 0.02 g body weight, n = 15 per group) transported by road for two days. Biometric changes, nesting activity, skin pigmentation, digestive enzyme activity, muscle quality, and whole-body composition, were compared across all fish groups. The recovery in growth, as indicated by final body weight, increased with post-transportation time (p < 0.05), causing a significant reversal of weight loss with a proportionally stable condition factor from day 8 until the end of observation (p > 0.05). During this time period, the fish exhibited similar bubble-nest building activity to the control group that was not transported (p > 0.05). Color parameters, digestive enzyme activities, muscle quality, and whole-body composition of fish 8 days after shipping were comparable to the control fish group (p > 0.05). Our findings indicate that an 8-day recovery time is an appropriate protocol for Siamese fighting fish acclimatization following overland shipping. Full article

Biofloc technology (BFT), traditionally centered on feed supplementation and water purification in aquaculture, harbors untapped multifunctional potential as a sustainable resource management platform. This review systematically explores beyond conventional applications. BFT leverages microbial consortia to drive resource recovery, yielding bioactive compounds with antibacterial/antioxidant properties, microbial proteins for efficient feed production, and algae biomass for nutrient recycling and bioenergy. In environmental remediation, its porous microbial aggregates remove microplastics and heavy metals through integrated physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms, addressing critical aquatic pollution challenges. Agri-aquatic integration systems create symbiotic loops where nutrient-rich aquaculture effluents fertilize plant cultures, while plants act as natural filters to stabilize water quality, reducing freshwater dependence and enhancing resource efficiency. Emerging applications, including pigment extraction for ornamental fish and the anaerobic fermentation of biofloc waste into organic amendments, further demonstrate its alignment with circular economy principles. While technical advancements highlight its capacity to balance productivity and ecological stewardship, challenges in large-scale optimization, long-term system stability, and economic viability necessitate interdisciplinary research. By shifting focus to its underexplored functionalities, this review positions BFT as a transformative technology capable of addressing interconnected global challenges in food security, pollution mitigation, and sustainable resource use, offering a scalable framework for the future of aquaculture and beyond. Full article

Background: Optimal nutrition and training regimens are essential for athletes to maximize performance and recovery. Probiotic supplementation, through the modulation of the gut microbiota, and omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, may enhance physiological adaptations when combined with targeted training. This study evaluated the effects of probiotics and omega-3 supplementation, alongside ultra-short race pace training (USRPT), on performance metrics in competitive sprint swimmers. Methods: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 male sprint swimmers (age: 19.2 ± 3.6 years; height: 182.2 ± 5.2 cm; weight: 81.6 ± 4.4 kg) with a minimum of five years of training experience, were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 10 per group): (1) Control (CON), (2) USRPT only, (3) Placebo + USRPT (PLA + USRPT), (4) Probiotics + USRPT (PRO + USRPT), (5) Omega-3 + USRPT (OMEGA + USRPT), and (6) Probiotics + Omega-3 + USRPT (PRO + OMEGA + USRPT). Over the eight-week intervention, the participants in PRO + USRPT consumed one multi-strain probiotic capsule daily (4.5 × 10¹¹ CFU) and a placebo capsule. Those in OMEGA + USRPT ingested 1000 mg of fish oil after lunch (500 mg EPA and 180 mg DHA per capsule) paired with a placebo capsule. The combined supplementation group (PRO + OMEGA + USRPT) received both probiotic and omega-3 capsules. The PLA + USRPT group consumed two starch capsules daily. The USRPT protocol was implemented across all the training groups, where the swimmers performed 17 sets of 25 m and 12.5 m sprints based on weekly recorded race times. Performance assessments included pre- and post-test measurements of sprint times (50 m and 100 m freestyle), vertical jump tests (both in water and on dry land), and other strength and endurance metrics (reaction time, agility T-test, sprint index, fatigue index, and velocity). Results: The combined intervention of probiotics and omega-3 with USRPT produced the greatest improvements in performance. The PRO + OMEGA + USRPT group reduced 50 m freestyle time by 1.92% (p = 0.002, pEta² = 0.286) and 100 m freestyle time by 2.48% (p = 0.041, pEta² = 0.229), demonstrating significant Time × Group interactions consistent with a synergistic effect. Additionally, the sprint index improved (pEta² = 0.139, p = 0.013) and reaction time decreased (pEta² = 0.241, p = 0.009) in the combined group, indicating enhanced anaerobic capacity and neuromuscular responsiveness compared to single interventions. Conclusions: This study suggests that combining probiotics and omega-3 supplementation with USRPT leads to synergistic improvements in sprint swimming performance, enhancing anaerobic power and recovery beyond what is achieved with individual interventions. This integrated approach may provide a practical strategy for competitive swimmers seeking to optimize their performance. Future studies should incorporate mechanistic markers, longer intervention durations, and diverse athlete populations to clarify further and extend these findings. Full article

This study evaluated the impact of transporting Nile tilapia at stocking densities of 250 kg/m³ and 500 kg/m³ for 1 h, with post-transport resting periods of 0, 2, 4, and 6 h, on biochemical parameters and fillet quality. A 2 × 4 factorial design was employed for the experiment, with 15 repetitions per treatment. The density of 500 kg/m³ resulted in a longer time to rigor mortis after 4 h of rest, while shorter rigor times were observed at 0 and 2 h. Fillets taken from fish transported at 250 kg/m³ for 4 h exhibited greater intensities of red and yellow color. The highest weight loss during cooking occurred in fish transported at 500 kg/m³ without rest. High-density stocking increased the pH of the fillets, reduced color intensity, and increased weight loss and drip loss. Resting periods of 4 and 6 h resulted in firmer fillets with improved water retention. Fish rested for 6 h at 250 kg/m³ recovered glycogen and glucose levels, indicating restored homeostasis. In contrast, fish subjected to high-density transport showed impaired metabolic recovery and compromised fillet quality. These results support the use of resting periods to improve fish welfare and product quality in aquaculture systems. Full article