Innovations in Aquaculture: New Technologies, Culture Systems and Integration of Emerging Species

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Aquatic Animals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 766

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Aquaculture Laboratory, Catarinense Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology, Campus Araquari, Araquari, Brazil
Interests: biofloc; integrated multi-trophic aquaculture; culture systems; probiotics; bioremediation
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Guest Editor
Santa Catarina State Rural Extension and Agricultural Research Enterprise (EPAGRI), Itajaí, Brazil
Interests: feed additives; bioflocs; tilapia

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Aquaculture, a cornerstone of sustainable food production, continues to evolve through technological and scientific innovations that enhance its efficiency and environmental sustainability. Notable advancements include the development of water-efficient systems, such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) and biofloc technology (BFT), which enable fish farming in controlled environments with reduced environmental impact. Similarly, integrated approaches, such as integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) and aquaponic systems, have optimized nutrient utilization.

These integrated systems, often involving multiple species, require specialized knowledge in the reproduction, management, and nutrition of both established and emerging species. Frequently, the additional species in these systems perform secondary but essential roles, such as maintaining water quality and recycling nutrients, which are crucial for the ecological balance and sustainability of aquaculture practices.

Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence, automation, and sensor technologies revolutionize management, while biotechnology fosters resilient, fast-growing species.

These innovations not only drive productivity but also bolster the industry's resilience to climate change and address global demands for sustainable practices. With a focus on novelties, we welcome contributions to the Special Issue titled “Innovations in Aquaculture: New Technologies, Culture Systems and Integration of Emerging Species”.

Dr. Adolfo Jatobá
Dr. Bruno Silva
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • integrated multitrophic aquaculture
  • biofloc technology
  • aquaponics
  • aquaculture recirculation system
  • new species

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 873 KiB  
Article
The Effect of the Use of a Settling Chamber in the Cultivation of Penaeus vannamei and Salicornia neei in Aquaponics with Bioflocs
by Isabela Pinheiro, Flávia Banderó Höffling, Felipe Boéchat Vieira and Walter Quadros Seiffert
Animals 2025, 15(9), 1294; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15091294 - 30 Apr 2025
Viewed by 46
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the continuous use of the settling chamber for solids removal in the cultivation of the marine shrimp Penaeus vannamei and the halophyte Salicornia neei in an aquaponic system with bioflocs. Two treatments were tested: with [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the continuous use of the settling chamber for solids removal in the cultivation of the marine shrimp Penaeus vannamei and the halophyte Salicornia neei in an aquaponic system with bioflocs. Two treatments were tested: with settling and without settling. Each experimental unit consisted of an 800 L tank for shrimp rearing (stocking density of 375 shrimp m−3) and a hydroponic bench of 0.33 m2 for 28 seedlings (84 plants m−2). In the treatment without settling, water was continuously pumped to the hydroponic bench. In the treatment with settling, the water was first pumped to the chamber, and the overflow was then distributed across each irrigation channel, returning to the tank by gravity. To maintain the concentration of suspended solids in the shrimp culture, solids that accumulated in the settling chamber were pumped back into the tank every 30 min. During the 54-day trial, the reduction in suspended solids in the treatment with settling led to an increase in TAN and NO2 levels, while the concentration of NO3 remained stable. Although water quality parameters were more stable in the treatment without settling, no significant differences were observed between the treatments regarding plant and shrimp production indices. These results demonstrate the feasibility of cultivating P. vannamei and S. neei in a biofloc-based aquaponic system without the continuous use of a settling chamber during the pre-grow phase (until 10 g), offering a potential method for simplifying aquaponic system design. Full article
21 pages, 1107 KiB  
Article
Sustainability in Intensive Aquaculture—Profitability of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Production in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems Based on a Hungarian Case Study
by Laura Mihály-Karnai, Milán Fehér, Péter Bársony, István Szűcs, Tamás Mihály, Dániel Fróna and László Szőllősi
Animals 2025, 15(7), 1055; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15071055 - 5 Apr 2025
Viewed by 498
Abstract
This study examines the sustainability and economic viability of intensive common carp (Cyprinus carpio) production in recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) in Hungary. Using a deterministic model, the research identifies production costs, profitability, and the critical factors influencing economic efficiency. It also [...] Read more.
This study examines the sustainability and economic viability of intensive common carp (Cyprinus carpio) production in recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) in Hungary. Using a deterministic model, the research identifies production costs, profitability, and the critical factors influencing economic efficiency. It also evaluates the impact of key variables, such as the feed purchase price, the market-sized common carp sales price, the specific gross yield, the electricity price, and electricity consumption, on economic performance by using a sensitivity analysis. Primary data were collected from an experimental trial conducted under controlled conditions in Hungary, dividing the production process into three phases: pre-rearing, post-rearing, and market-sized fish production. The unit production cost of market-sized common carp in 2024 was 5.47 EUR/kg, with energy (47.01%) and feed (24.18%) as the main cost drivers. While the sales price covered variable costs, it failed to offset fixed costs, resulting in a loss of 0.41 EUR/kg. The results reveal that while RAS technology offers high productivity and efficient resource utilization, its economic viability is challenged by high initial investment and operational costs. Nevertheless, the study identifies optimization opportunities in feed management, water usage, and electricity efficiency to enhance sustainability and profitability. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating economic, environmental, and technological considerations to advance intensive aquaculture practices. Full article
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