Search Results (67)

Global marine coastal aquaculture increased by 6.7 million tons in 2024, with whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) dominating crustacean production. However, reliance on a single species raises sustainability concerns, particularly in the face of climate change. Diversifying shrimp farming by cultivating native species, such as the European brown shrimp (Crangon crangon), presents an opportunity to develop a sustainable blue bioeconomy in Europe. C. crangon holds significant commercial value, yet overexploitation has led to population declines. Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) offers a viable solution by utilizing fish farm wastewater as a nutrient source, reducing both costs and environmental impact. Research efforts in Germany and other European nations are exploring IMTA’s potential by co-culturing shrimp with species like sea bream, sea bass, and salmon. The physiological adaptability and omnivorous diet of C. crangon further support its viability in aquaculture. However, critical knowledge gaps remain regarding its lipid metabolism, early ontogeny, and reproductive biology—factors essential for optimizing captive breeding. Future interdisciplinary research should refine larval culture techniques and develop sustainable co-culture models. Expanding C. crangon aquaculture aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by enhancing food security, ecosystem resilience, and economic stability while reducing Europe’s reliance on seafood imports. Full article

Although biofloc technology (BFT) currently offers advantages such as improving aquaculture water quality, providing natural bait for cultured animals, and reducing pests and diseases, single BFT systems face technical bottlenecks, including the complex regulation of the carbon–nitrogen ratio, accumulation of suspended substances, and acidification of the bottom sludge. Therefore, constructing a composite system with complementary functions through technology integration, such as with aquaponics, biofilm technology, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems (IMTAs), and recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs), has become the key path to breaking through industrialization barriers. This paper systematically reviews the action mechanisms, synergistic effects, and challenges of the four mainstream integration models incorporating BFT, providing theoretical support for the environmental–economic balance of intensive aquaculture. Full article

The aquaculture sector is essential for meeting seafood demand while ensuring sustainability. It involves farming fish, mollusks, crustaceans, other invertebrates, and algae in controlled environments, helping to conserve marine resources and reduce ecological pressures. Sustainable practices, such as an integrated multitrophic recirculating aquaculture system (IMTA-RAS) with fish and seaweed, can minimize the environmental impact of fish aquaculture. However, the impact of the introduction of macroalgae on the fish muscle metabolism has not been studied. This research examines the impact of growing Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) together with sea lettuce (Ulva ohnoi) on fish metabolism using high-resolution ¹H-NMR-based metabolomics. Three farming systems were compared. These were E₁, a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS); E₂, an IMTA-RAS integrating U. ohnoi for biofiltration; and E₃, an IMTA-RAS with U. ohnoi and Phaeobacter sp. strain 4UAC3, a probiotic bacterium isolated from wild U. australis known to counteract fish pathogens. A metabolomic analysis revealed that energy metabolism was enhanced in IMTA-RAS and even more in IMTA-RAS-Phaeobacter–grown fish, increasing overall metabolic activity. These results indicate that the presence of the algae with the probiotic had a clear impact on the physiological state of the fish, and this deserves further investigation. This study contributes to the understanding of the physiological responses of fish to innovative aquaculture practices, supporting the development of more sustainable and efficient management that reduces the environmental impact and increases fish health and welfare. Full article

Recent interest in integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) as an ecologically-sustainable and climate-conscious aquaculture system has resulted in testing different species partnerships and configurations in anticipation of industrialization. Deposit feeders like the California sea cucumber (Apostichopus californicus) have been suggested as ideal partners for IMTA with finfish, due to their ability to consume fish waste as well as their passive nature. However, the nutritional impacts of feeding on fish waste in IMTA have not yet been established for this species. The present study tested the effect of 3 months of inclusion in IMTA with Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) on the fatty-acid and nitrogenous-metabolite profiles of California sea cucumbers. The fatty-acid profiles of IMTA sea cucumbers showed significant changes from wild reference individuals, while few differences were detected in amino acids and other nitrogenous metabolites. Sea cucumbers housed directly in cages with salmon showed distinct shifts in their fatty-acid profiles toward higher levels of MUFAs and lower levels of SFAs, while PUFA concentrations remained the same. Sea cucumbers included in IMTA with finfish may be even more healthful for humans due to the accumulation of certain unsaturated fatty acids in their tissues not seen in wild reference individuals. Full article

The Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) model is an eco-friendly aquaculture system that enhances water purification through ecological niche utilization. A study employing 16S rRNA sequencing analyzed microbial communities in aquaculture water at initial, middle, and final stages. Results indicated that physicochemical parameters were lower at the final stage. The removal efficiencies of Total Nitrogen (TN) and Total Phosphorus (TP) reached 79.10% and 63.64%, respectively. The Simpson and Shannon indices revealed that microbial diversity was significantly higher in the final stage compared to the initial and middle stages (p < 0.05). Dominant bacterial phyla included Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, while dominant genera included Candidatus_Aquiluna, NS3a_marine_group, and NS5_marine_group. Functional prediction results demonstrated that metabolic pathways such as amino acid metabolism, biosynthesis of other amino acids, and energy metabolism were upregulated in the final stage compared to the initial stage. Correlation analysis of environmental factors suggested that TN and TP significantly influenced the microbial community structure. Key microorganisms such as Candidatus_Aquiluna, Marinomonas, and Cobetia played crucial roles in carbon fixation, nitrogen reduction, and phosphorus removal. In summary, the IMTA model effectively purifies water, with microbial communities contributing to the stability of the aquatic environment. Full article

This review examines the current state of the supply chain management for Dicentrarchus labrax (sea bass) and Sparus aurata (sea bream), two key commercial fish species in the Mediterranean. It provides a comprehensive analysis of sustainable innovations in aquaculture, processing, and packaging, with particular attention to circular economy-based biopreservation techniques. A major focus is on the Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system, an advanced farming approach that enhances sustainability, promotes circular resource utilization, and improves fish welfare. By fostering ecological balance through the co-cultivation of multiple species, IMTA contributes to the overall quality of fish products for human consumption. Beyond aquaculture, the review addresses the critical challenge of food loss, which stems from the high perishability of fish during storage and processing. In this regard, it highlights recent advancements in biopreservation strategies, including the application of antagonistic microorganisms, their metabolites, and plant-derived extracts. Particular attention is given to the development of edible antimicrobial films, with a focus on the valorization of citrus processing by-products for their production. By centering on innovations specific to the Mediterranean context, this review underscores that a holistic, integrative approach to supply chain management is essential for transitioning the aquaculture sector toward greater efficiency and sustainability. Full article

Aquaculture plays a crucial role in meeting the needs of a growing human population and achieving the sustainable development goals outlined in Agenda 2030. However, it is essential that this sector grows sustainably. In this study, we hypothesized that environmental sustainability decreases as the trophic level of farmed species increases and that it is higher in integrated systems compared to monocultures. To test these hypotheses, we conducted a comparative analysis of the environmental sustainability indicators of some aquaculture systems, including the farming of primary producers, filter feeders, and low-trophic phagotrophs. We compiled secondary data on eighteen environmental sustainability indicators from seven aquaculture systems. Five are monocultures, including the farming of macroalgae (Hypnea pseudomusciformis), oysters (Crassostrea gazar) in a tropical environment, oysters in a subtropical environment, as well as tambatinga (hybrid Colossoma macropomum × Piaractus brachypomus) and tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). Additionally, two are integrated systems: tambaqui raised in hapa nets (small cage-like enclosures) within Amazon river prawn (Macrobrachium amazonicum) ponds, and tambaqui and prawns cohabitating freely in the same ponds. A benchmark tool was utilized to establish reference values for comparing indicators between the systems, and a method was developed to create environmental sustainability indices that integrate all indicators. Environmental sustainability tends to decrease as trophic levels rise, supporting the initial hypothesis. However, the data revealed that Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) systems ultimately have lower environmental sustainability than monocultures, which was contrary to our expectations. Algae and oyster farming were found to be more environmentally sustainable than low-trophic fish farming systems. Among these, the integrated systems did not demonstrate significantly greater sustainability than the monocultures, as initially anticipated. To gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainability, further research on the social and economic sustainability of these systems is necessary. Full article

The concept of Quality of Aquaculture Services (QoAS) is inspired by the Quality of Service (QoS) principle, originally developed in the field of networks and telecommunications, where it refers to the ability to guarantee the quality, availability, and priority of service in a communications system. Adapted to the aquaculture context, QoAS is fundamental to maximising the benefits of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA). IMTA has emerged as a sustainable approach to meet the growing global demand for aquatic food products by combining species from different trophic levels in a single system, optimising resource use, improving environmental performance, and diversifying production. However, ensuring QoAS in these complex systems requires the implementation of advanced technologies to monitor, manage, and optimise every aspect of the aquaculture process. This article presents a comprehensive review of technologies applied at IMTA, focusing on IoT-based monitoring systems, resource management algorithms, water recirculation technologies, intelligent automation, biosecurity, and data management platforms. Our review finds that IoT and automation-based solutions significantly enhance real-time monitoring, increasing operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. Key challenges identified include integration complexity, high costs, and technical expertise requirements, but the ongoing development of modular, user-friendly solutions indicates a promising trajectory. This review highlights the transformative role of technological innovation in IMTA, providing a foundation for future research and advancements in QoAS management in aquaculture. Full article

This study investigates the effects on hard-bottom macro-zoobenthic communities of converting a mariculture plant into an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system. This study was conducted from 2018 to 2021 in the semi-enclosed Mar Grande basin of Taranto (northern Ionian Sea), on a facility located 600 m off the coastline, with a production capacity of 100 tons per year of seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and seabream (Sparus aurata). The results from seasonal sampling performed in a treatment site, where bioremediators (filter-feeding invertebrates such as sponges, polychaetes, mussels, and macroalgae) were deployed, and a control site without bioremediators were compared. Before the IMTA installation, the hard substrates under the cages were sparsely inhabited, with significant sediment coverage. By 2021, the treatment site exhibited revitalized and more diverse macro-zoobenthic communities, with species richness increasing from 83 taxa in 2018 to 104 taxa, including notable growth in sponges, annelids, mollusks, and bryozoans. In contrast, the control site showed no substantial changes in biodiversity over the same period. Biodiversity indices, including Shannon and Margalef indices, improved significantly at the treatment site, particularly during summer months, highlighting a more resilient and balanced benthic environment. Taxonomic distinctness (delta+) and multivariate analyses (PERMANOVA, PCO) confirmed significant spatial and temporal shifts in community structure at the treatment site, driven by IMTA implementation. SIMPER analysis identified key taxa contributing to these changes, which played a pivotal role in structuring the community. The emergence of filter feeders, predators, and omnivores at the treatment site suggests enhanced nutrient cycling and trophic complexity, while the decline in opportunistic species further supports improved environmental conditions. These findings demonstrate the potential of IMTA to promote recovery and sustainable mariculture practices, also offering a comprehensive understanding of its positive effects on hard-bottom benthic community dynamics. Full article

Giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) farming in Bangladesh began in the 1970s and has become a significant export industry. Despite its potential, there are concerns about the environmental sustainability of prawn farming due to its high greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint, but implementation of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) may help minimize the GHG emission. A key element in IMTA is using plants to take up inorganic nutrients released by the prawns, producing valuable plant products and cleaning the water. Using a quadrat sampling method, we conducted a field study in combined prawn and shrimp ponds, aquaculture fishponds, and non-aquaculture waters in south- west Bangladesh to characterize plant diversity and identify suitable species for IMTA in prawn farms. A total of 38 plant species were identified with densities ranging from 4.5–6.1 plants/m² in the aquaculture ponds to 11.6–17.1 plants/m² in the prawn/shrimp and the non-aquaculture ponds. Free-floating plants were the most abundant, followed by emergent, floating anchored, and submerged plants. Most plants have commercial values as food, fodder, fish feed, fertilizer, or medicines to local people. Our results suggest that species within the Oxalis, Ipomoea, Azolla, and Lemna genera are suitable extractive aquatic plants for the implementation of IMTA in prawn farms and may improve the sustainability of prawn production. Full article

Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) has been demonstrated to be a very useful tool to minimize the waste product production of fish monocultures whilst promoting biomass that can be used for different purposes. The stable isotope analysis (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, and C:N ratio) of bioremediating organisms present in an IMTA facility is critical to understanding the nutrient flow between farm food waste and filter-feeding organisms, and hence the bioremediation capability of the IMTA system. Here, we report the isotopic signature of the sediment below the fish cages, the fish artificial food and sixteen different suspension feeding species present in the IMTA system in the Mar Grande of Taranto (Italy). A comparison of the stable isotopes results of the bioremediating organisms with those of the same species collected from a control (Cnt) site, unaffected by the plant discharges, was thus conducted looking for trophic level patterns. This assessment aimed to evaluate the possible influence of aquaculture waste on the diet of the organisms, revealing these findings for the first time. Similar δ¹⁵N values (below 2–3‰ between areas) were found between the IMTA and Cnt sites, while differences in δ¹³C values were found among multiple organisms between the two sites, suggesting a possible different primary source of the organic matter that supports the trophic web. Almost all analyzed species in the IMTA site reported δ¹³C values lower than Cnt site, being more similar to the isotopic signature of the aquaculture finfish food. However, the wide IMTA isotopic range for both δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C suggested a broad spectrum of diets for bioremediating organisms that can actively mitigate the impacts of mariculture by capturing different particles and using various food sources, leading to more sustainable mariculture activities. Full article

This review evaluates regenerative aquaculture (RA) technologies and practices as viable pathways to foster resilient, ecologically restorative aquaculture systems. The key RA technologies examined include modern periphyton technology (PPT), biofloc technology (BFT), integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA), and alternative feed sources like microalgae and insect-based diets. PPT and BFT leverage microbial pathways to enhance water quality, nutrient cycling, and fish growth while reducing environmental pollutants and reliance on conventional feed. IMTA integrates species from various trophic levels, such as seaweeds and bivalves, to recycle waste and improve ecosystem health, contributing to nutrient balance and reducing environmental impact. Microalgae and insect-based feeds present sustainable alternatives to fishmeal, promoting circular resource use and alleviating pressure on wild fish stocks. Beyond these technologies, RA emphasizes sustainable practices to maintain fish health without antibiotics or hormones. Improved disease monitoring programs, avoidance of unprocessed animal by-products, and the use of generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substances, such as essential oils, are highlighted for their role in disease prevention and immune support. Probiotics are also discussed as beneficial microbial supplements that enhance fish health by promoting gut microbiota balance and inhibiting harmful pathogens. This review, therefore, marks an important and essential step in examining the interconnectedness between technology, agroecology, and sustainable aquaculture. This review was based on an extensive search of scientific databases to retrieve relevant literature. Full article

Monitoring seaweed growth rates and biomass is crucial for optimizing harvest strategies in aquaculture systems. While such a task can be managed manually on a small farm with a few seaweed tanks, it is not feasible on a commercial farm with 1000s of tanks. To this end, an Internet of Things (IoT) based seaweed growth monitoring system is being developed at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Using the Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system at HBOI as the test site, the project aims to develop a solution that allows farm managers to monitor seaweed growth remotely using automated sensors. An important component of this IoT solution is the machine learning-based prediction model. This study introduces an advanced Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM)-based approach for forecasting seaweed growth and biomass. In particular, an algae growth mathematical model driven by readily available environmental and aquaculture conditions has been integrated as a physical constraint in the LSTM model. This design addresses a principal challenge in this study—the lack of continuous ground truth measurements, as the biomass is recorded only at discrete intervals (e.g., initial, weekly partial harvests, and final harvest). The LSTM models are trained and evaluated for their predictive performance using experimental and synthetic data. Compared with the LSTM models with MSE loss function alone, the results showed that the model with a loss function under physics constraint achieved a significantly lower error in predicting seaweed growth. The rationale behind choosing LSTM over other state-of-the-art models is presented in the paper. This study highlights the potential of integrating machine learning with physical models to optimize seaweed cultivation and support sustainable aquaculture practices. The proposed methodology can seamlessly extend to the remote sensing data in other aquaculture settings. Full article

To advance environmentally friendly technologies in the aquaculture of Atractoscion nobilis, and simultaneously to diversify seafood production, a 79-day trial was conducted to assess the performance of Ulva lactuca and Devaleraea mollis cultured in the effluent from A. nobilis in a land-based integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) system in southern California, USA. Water quality and performance of macroalgae were measured weekly. The impacted factors on the growth of macroalgae and nutrient uptake rate of macroalgae were assessed. The specific growth rate of juvenile A. nobilis was 0.47–0.52%/d. Total ammonia nitrogen in effluents of A. nobilis tanks ranged from 0.03 to 0.19 mg/L. Ulva lactuca and D. mollis achieved an average productivity of 24.53 and 14.40 g dry weight (DW)/m²/d. The average nitrogen content was 3.48 and 4.89% DW, and accordingly, the average nitrogen uptake rate was 0.88 and 0.71 g/m²/d, respectively. Temperature and nutrient concentration were key factors impacting macroalgae growth, and light intensity also impacted the growth of D. mollis. The high protein content of U. lactuca and D. mollis would make them good for use as human or animal food, or for use in other industries. Research on the interaction effects between seawater exchange rates and aeration rates on the performance and nutrient uptake rates of macroalgae will be conducted in future studies. Full article

The incorporation of aquaponics into saline integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems, employing biofloc technology (BFT), relies on the cultivation of halophytes capable of withstanding the physical–chemical conditions created by the unique microbial communities in BFT systems. This study aimed to evaluate the integration of the halophyte Salicornia neei with tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and marine shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) reared in BFT systems dominated by chemoautotrophic (CHE) and heterotrophic (HET) microorganisms over a period of 84 days in southern Brazil. Each BFT treatment had three replicates, composed of IMTA units. The stocking densities were 400 ind. m⁻³ (17 m³ circular tanks), 44 ind. m⁻³ (4 m³ circular tanks), and 30 ind. m⁻² (4.8 m² hydroponic benches) for shrimp, fish, and halophyte, respectively. The highest S. neei individual shoot production (up to 31 g per 30 days) was observed in the CHE treatment, along with favorable agronomic characteristics, possibly due to overall elevated nitrate (98.41 mg N−NO₃ L⁻¹) and phosphate concentrations (4.62 P−PO₄ L⁻¹). Shrimp in the CHE treatment displayed higher average final weight, specific growth rate, productivity, and survival (11.24 g, 2.88% day⁻¹, 3.86 kg m⁻³, and 90%, respectively) compared to the HET treatment. Results indicated no significant difference in tilapia zootechnical performance between treatments. Full article