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A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Water, Agriculture and Aquaculture".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 February 2026) | Viewed by 12207

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Prof. Dr. Ta-Jen Chu

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Guest Editor

Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China
Interests: recreational fisheries; ecology; restoration; fishery management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Wen-Shu Huang

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Guest Editor

Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
Interests: marine fishery; aquatic animal immunization; disease control
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Prof. Dr. Tian-Sheng Chen

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Guest Editor

Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China
Interests: marine fishery; molecular breeding; sex determination; functional genomic; fish developmental genetic
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Global demand for aquaculture and fishery products, as well as ecological and environmental sustainability, is driving the adoption of new technologies and processes in aquaculture and fisheries. Innovation and automation in aquaculture and fishery methods, increased productivity, enhanced environmental sustainability, and improved fish product quality are driving the industry's growth. As a result, a wealth of academic research continues, including advances in recirculating aquaculture systems, smart farming technologies, fish genetics and selective breeding, and more.

In order to take into account climate change and its impact on fishery resources, identifying and adopting sustainable management measures for fish populations have become global priorities. These academic studies primarily concern the economic (and/or ecological) importance of each species. Assessments are based on available data, the best available methods, and/or biological knowledge about the species under consideration. Interest in multispecies and multitrophic models has grown significantly in recent years, particularly with the increasing importance of assessing the health of different ecosystems.

In this context, it is necessary for this Special Issue to link multispecies fishery management models, trophic relationships of species, and ecosystem responses to aquaculture and fishing pressures, starting from the identification of aquaculture, fishery, ecological, and environmental conditions. This era also produced extraordinary collaborations among farmers, ecologists, environmental scientists, engineers, government officials, and non-government officials.

Prof. Dr. Ta-Jen Chu
Prof. Dr. Wen-Shu Huang
Prof. Dr. Tian-Sheng Chen
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Water is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

aquaculture innovation
aquaculture systems and environments
biology for aquaculture
aquatic genetics and breeding
coastal cage farms
aquatic animal nutrition and feed
resource assessment and sustainable management
smart aquaculture
smart fisheries
sustainable water environment

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Related Special Issue

Aquaculture, Fisheries, Ecology and Environment, 2nd Edition in Water

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 588 KB

Open AccessArticle

Interactive Effects of Cadmium and Microplastics on Oxidative Stress and Digestive Physiology in the Male Euryhaline Species Poecilia sphenops

by Murugan Vasanthakumaran, Li-Chun Tseng, Kadarkarai Murugan, Rajapandian Rajaganesh, Devakumar Dinesh, Pavithra Krishanasamy, Mathan Ramesh, Thirunavukkarasu Muralisankar, Sajna Beegum, Mubarak Mammel, Jishnu Panamoly Ayyappan, Fajun Chen, Sabin Saurav Pokharel, Yan-Guo Wang, Reza Khakvar Khakvar, Karthi Natarajan and Jiang-Shiou Hwang

Water 2026, 18(9), 1008; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18091008 - 23 Apr 2026

Viewed by 720

Abstract

The estuarine and coastal regions of India and Taiwan are under increasing threat from pollutants such as microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals including cadmium (Cd). These contaminants are known to have adversely affect biodiversity and water quality. In this study, the combined toxic effects of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) and Cd were evaluated using Poecilia sphenops, a euryhaline fish species, selected for its adaptability to varying salinity conditions. P. sphenops were exposed to Cd (20, 40, and 60 μg/L), MPs (8, 16, 24 mg/L), and co-exposure combinations ranging from Cd 5 μg/L + MPs 4 mg/L to Cd 20 μg/L + MPs 16 mg/L Results showed significant (p < 0.05) negative effects on growth parameters including body weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), and survival rate. Hematological analysis revealed significant (p < 0.05) decreases in hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs), and white blood cells (WBCs), indicating impaired oxygen transport and compromised immune function. Elevated blood glucose levels indicated physiological stress, while reduced total protein levels suggested a compromised nutritional status. Antioxidant enzyme activities, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in the toxicant-treated groups compared with the control. Digestive enzyme activities (proteases, amylases, and lipases) were also reduced, suggesting impaired digestion and nutrient assimilation. The study also included a comparative assessment of water quality between the exposed and control tanks. Water quality parameters such as turbidity, salinity, hardness, alkalinity, chloride, fluoride, and total suspended solids (TSSs) were elevated in the toxicant-treated media, accompanied by a notable decline in dissolved oxygen (DO) levels. These findings highlight the urgent need for integrated pollution control and water quality monitoring, particularly in coastal regions vulnerable to desalination discharges and plastic contamination. Sustainable management strategies must address these complex interactions between multiple pollutants to protect aquatic ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquaculture, Fisheries, Ecology and Environment)

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16 pages, 1765 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pilot-Scale Evaluation of Coral Reef Media for pH Buffering and Nutrient Supply in Koi-Lettuce Aquaponics

by Syed Ejaz Hussain Mehdi, Aparna Sharma, Suleman Shahzad, Sandesh Pandey, Fida Hussain, Woochang Kang and Sang-Eun Oh

Water 2026, 18(4), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18040459 - 10 Feb 2026

Viewed by 755

Abstract

Nutrient deficiencies and pH fluctuations are among the major issues identified in most aquaponic studies. Studies have mainly used chemical fertilizers and pH adjusters to resolve these issues; however, a sustainable and environment friendly permanent solution is needed. In this novel pilot study, we incorporated coral carbonate media into a koi carp-lettuce aquaponic system-A (APA) to provide a continuous release of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe, and P and to support accumulation in plant and fish biomass while maintaining neutral pH, in order to compare with the control aquaponic-B (APB). In APA, mean FCR, SGR, and PER were recorded as 1.57 kg feed·kg fish⁻¹, 0.58%·day⁻¹, and 1.77 kg feed·kg fish⁻¹ protein, respectively, in comparison with the control APB which showed mean FCR, SGR, and PER as 3.45 kg feed·kg fish⁻¹, 0.27%·day⁻¹, and 0.80 kg fish·kg protein⁻¹, respectively. Also, the mean plant mass obtained during this 28-day study was 5.28 and 4.40 kg with a fish weight gain of 0.51 and 0.22 kg for APA and APB, respectively. In this pilot-scale study (n = 2 independent systems per treatment), the observed plant and fish biomass in APA were 20.9% and 10.1% higher respectively than APB; these values show descriptive differences observed in this study. Nutrient analysis was found to show higher release and accumulation of key nutrients in APA. This study examined a low-chemical, sustainable approach for aquaponics by using reusable coral carbonate media to maintain neutral pH and to improve nutrient availability and productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquaculture, Fisheries, Ecology and Environment)

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23 pages, 2752 KB

Open AccessArticle

Metagenomic Analysis Reveals Adaptive Responses of Intestinal Microbial Community in Penaeus vannamei to Hypersaline Conditions

by Mingyang Wang, Bo Wang, Yang Liu, Kai Luo, Guangcai Qin and Xiangli Tian

Water 2026, 18(3), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18030366 - 31 Jan 2026

Viewed by 821

Abstract

The intestinal microbiota plays a vital role in host health and environmental adaptation. However, the response of the gut microbial community in Penaeus vannamei to hypersaline conditions remains poorly understood. In this study, we used metagenomic sequencing to compare the structural and functional profiles of intestinal bacteria in shrimp reared in the L-, M- and H-salinity groups. Alpha-diversity increased significantly with salinity, and PCoA revealed clear separation of microbial communities among groups. Core species analysis showed that five of the seven shared core taxa belonged to Vibrio. Microbial source tracking indicated that the proportion of environmentally derived bacteria increased with salinity. Co-occurrence networks under M and H salinities were more complex but maintained stability comparable to L. Notably, the low-salinity group was enriched with potential pathogens (e.g., Vibrio, Chryseobacterium) and infection-related functions. Functional analysis revealed that the high-salt H group exhibited enrichment of enzymes such as proline dehydrogenase (PutB), glutamate-cysteine ligase (GshA), and methyltransferases (HpnR). These enzymes interconnect compatible solutes including L-proline, L-glutamate, betaine, dimethylglycine, and glutathione, playing a crucial role in enhancing microbial osmoprotection. Furthermore, shared functions across salinities were associated with energy metabolism, protein synthesis, osmoprotection, and antioxidation. These findings, for the first time, simultaneously reveal the potential pathogenic characteristics of the L-salinity group and the adaptation mechanisms of the H-salinity group to hypersaline environments from both structural and functional perspectives of shrimp intestinal microbiota, providing insights for health management in high-salinity aquaculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquaculture, Fisheries, Ecology and Environment)

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19 pages, 4346 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Stock Enhancement Efficacy for Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Aristichthys nobilis in the Xixi of Jiulong River Basin

by Hong Li, Ta-Jen Chu, Qing-Min Zeng, Jia-Qiao Wang, Liang-Min Huang, Kai Liu, Fen-Fen Ji, Shao-Peng Guo and Yi-Jia Shih

Water 2025, 17(18), 2667; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17182667 - 9 Sep 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1195

Abstract

Stocking and replenishing fish are crucial for the ecological restoration of aquatic biological resources. Since 2017, a long-term stocking program of Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Aristichthys nobilis has been underway in the Xixi River basin of the Jiulong River. To understand the status of fishery resources following this long-term stocking program, field surveys were conducted every two months from October 2023 to October 2024. Traditional netting, resource assessment and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis methods were used to conduct a comprehensive assessment of resource abundance, stocking contribution and ecological adaptability. The research revealed that the annual survival rates for H. molitrix and A. nobilis were 40.25% and 48.19%, respectively. The current numerical ratio of H. molitrix to A. nobilis stands at 1.97:1, indicating that the survival number of H. molitrix is better than that of A. nobilis. No mature gonads were observed in any sampled individuals, demonstrating that the current population is highly dependent on artificial replenishment. This study provides valuable data support for aquatic resource restoration and ecological management in the Jiulong River Basin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquaculture, Fisheries, Ecology and Environment)

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29 pages, 996 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Environmental Cognition Through Kayaking in Aquavoltaic Systems in a Lagoon Aquaculture Area: The Mediating Role of Perceived Value and Facility Management

by Yu-Chi Sung and Chun-Han Shih

Water 2025, 17(13), 2033; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17132033 - 7 Jul 2025

Viewed by 1738

Abstract

Tainan’s Cigu, located on Taiwan’s southwestern coast, is a prominent aquaculture hub known for its extensive ponds, tidal flats, and lagoons. This study explored the novel integration of kayaking within aquavoltaic (APV) aquaculture ponds, creating a unique hybrid tourism landscape that merges industrial land use (aquaculture and energy production) with nature-based recreation. We investigated the relationships among facility maintenance and safety professionalism (FM), the perceived value of kayaking training (PV), and green energy and sustainable development recognition (GS) within these APV systems in Cigu, Taiwan. While integrating recreation with renewable energy and aquaculture is an emerging approach to multifunctional land use, the mechanisms influencing visitors’ sustainability perceptions remain underexplored. Using data from 613 kayaking participants and structural equation modeling, we tested a theoretical framework encompassing direct, mediated, and moderated relationships. Our findings reveal that FM significantly influences both PV (β = 0.68, p < 0.001) and GS (β = 0.29, p < 0.001). Furthermore, PV strongly affects GS (β = 0.56, p < 0.001). Importantly, PV partially mediates the relationship between FM and GS, with the indirect effect (0.38) accounting for 57% of the total effect. We also identified significant moderating effects of APV coverage, guide expertise, and operational visibility. Complementary observational data obtained with underwater cameras confirm that non-motorized kayaking causes minimal ecological disturbance to cultured species, exhibiting significantly lower behavioral impacts than motorized alternatives. These findings advance the theoretical understanding of experiential learning in novel technological landscapes and provide evidence-based guidelines for optimizing recreational integration within production environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquaculture, Fisheries, Ecology and Environment)

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21 pages, 11640 KB

Open AccessArticle

Biofouling Community Dynamics on Nylon and Polyethylene Aquaculture Nets in the North Yellow Sea: Colonization Patterns and Mytilus edulis Mechanical Properties

by Sai He, Qingsong Xue, Zhixuan Fu, Lei Bao, Kuo Li, Guochen Zhang, Hanbing Zhang and Tianlong Qiu

Water 2025, 17(9), 1250; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17091250 - 23 Apr 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1479

Abstract

A hanging net test was conducted from May to November 2022 on Takifugu rubripes culture nets at Wang Jia Island in the North Yellow Sea, China. The study identified 21 species of fouling organisms, with Mytilus edulis emerging as the dominant fouling organism colonizing aquaculture net cages. Coverage rates varied temporally, with water depth, and by net material, exhibiting a unimodal pattern that peaked between June and October (38.46–98.45%). At different depths, the coverage rates were highest at −0.5 m (75.14% to 98.65%). Additionally, nets made of nylon (29.41% to 98.65%) had an average coverage rate 8.2% higher than those made of PE mesh (26.34% to 90.45%). To assess the growth and mechanical properties of M. edulis, we analyzed its morphological relationships. A strong positive linear correlation was observed between shell length, width, and thickness, while body weight followed a power function relationship with shell dimensions. Growth curve analysis indicated that M. edulis reached maturity in late August. Compression tests revealed a defined yield point, with crack propagation varying by force direction. The maximum compressive force occurred in the thickness direction (195.95 N), with resistance increasing progressively from length to width to thickness. These findings elucidate biofouling dynamics on aquaculture nets and support the development of improved antifouling technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquaculture, Fisheries, Ecology and Environment)

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17 pages, 3101 KB

Open AccessArticle

Morphometric Diversity and Population Structure of the Crucifix Crab (Charybdis feriatus) in East Asian Recreational Fisheries

by Wei-Chieh Kao, Chun-Han Shih, Yu-Chi Sung, Po-Cheng Chen, Yu-Ming Lu, Yu-San Han and Tzong-Der Tzeng

Water 2025, 17(5), 688; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17050688 - 27 Feb 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2268

Abstract

This study delves into the fascinating morphological diversity and population groups of the Crucifix crab (Charybdis feriatus), a species steeped in the cultural and spiritual significance of recreational fisheries across East and Southeast Asia. It is known in the West as the “Crucifix crab” due to the distinct cross pattern on its shell. In this research, we collected 759 specimens from seven estuarine locations: Kyushu (Japan), Shanghai, Xiamen, Hong Kong (China), Yilan, Kaohsiung (Taiwan), and Singapore. Using advanced statistical methods, including canonical variate analysis (CVA) and hierarchical clustering, we identified three distinct population groups: the Northeast Asian group (NAG), the Kuroshio tributary group (KTG), and the Southeast Asian group (SAG). Significant morphological differences were found between these populations, suggesting that the crab’s adaptation to varying sea environments is as unique as its symbolic cross-shaped marking. The canonical variate analysis revealed that the first two eigenvalues explained 88% of the total variance (61% and 27%, respectively) in females and 80% in males (62% and 18%, respectively). The key morphometric traits CP1 (frontal teeth) and CP4 (posterior margin) showed the highest variability (correlation coefficients ranging from 0.76 to 0.82, p < 0.001). Interestingly, the traits CP1 (frontal teeth) and CP4 (posterior margin) emerged as key drivers of allometric growth variation, further enriching our understanding of this species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquaculture, Fisheries, Ecology and Environment)

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15 pages, 1634 KB

Open AccessArticle

Morphological Difference Analysis of Triplophysa strauchii from Different Geographical Populations in Xinjiang, China

by Zhengwei Wang, Shixin Gao, Syeda Maira Hamid, Qing Xiao, Wentao Zhu, Zhulan Nie and Jie Wei

Water 2025, 17(4), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17040467 - 7 Feb 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2069

Abstract

Spotted stone loach (Triplophysa strauchii), a common fish species in Xinjiang, China, is ecologically pivotal within the local ecosystem; regrettably, human-induced factors like habitat destruction, pollution, and overfishing have gravely imperiled its survival, and compounding this is the dearth of research on the morphological disparities among its geographically diverse populations. Thus, between April and October 2024, 198 specimens were procured from Sayram Lake, Khamusigou Reservoir, and Chaiwopu Lake using cage traps and gillnets; post-collection, an array of morphological metrics were meticulously measured, and then statistical methods such as one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal component analysis (PCA), stepwise discriminant analysis, and cluster analysis were employed for comprehensive data interrogation. Findings show that, across all sampled populations, the mean values of the total length (X1), body length (X2), body height (X3), and body width (X4) of the Chaiwopu Lake population are significantly lower than those of the Sayram Lake population and the Khamusigou Reservoir population; except for head length, the Khamusigou Reservoir population has lower variability in other morphological traits compared to the others. Moreover, significant divergences were detected in multiple trait ratios among the populations; PCA yielded five principal components, cumulatively accounting for 77.45% of the total variance, spotlighting the key ratios; discriminant analysis further validated highly significant morphological distinctions (p < 0.01), with the Khamusigou Reservoir population having the highest discriminant accuracy; cluster analysis graphically showed the Sayram Lake and Chaiwopu Lake populations clustering together while the Khamusigou Reservoir population formed a separate cluster; and the Chaiwopu Lake population had the most pronounced divergence in morphological traits. This research not only provides novel perspectives on the adaptive evolutionary mechanisms of T. strauchii but also serves as a cornerstone for formulating evidence-based conservation and management strategies for this species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquaculture, Fisheries, Ecology and Environment)

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