Articles tagged with Aquaculture
A landmark study reveals that more than 90% of global aquaculture and capture fisheries face substantial risks from environmental change. The study highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the need for transboundary collaboration, diversification, and stakeholder engagement to adapt to climate change.
A University of Gothenburg study reveals that fish farm waste can be converted into biogas, reducing waste and generating nutrients for plants. The biogas can power the aquaponic farm, making it a sustainable energy source.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered twenty species of sea lettuce in the Baltic Sea region, including three invasive species. The survey highlights the importance of knowing which species grow in specific areas to maintain and protect valuable ecosystems.
Researchers identified candidate genes and loci associated with aquaculture-relevant traits in tilapia, providing valuable insights to breed more resilient fish. The findings aim to guide selective breeding programmes and enhance the climate resilience of freshwater aquaculture.
A longitudinal study using acoustic telemetry monitored rays in clam leases, finding that rays spent more time near sites than reported, but not necessarily preferring them. The study highlights the need to understand if clam leases are part of rays' natural foraging habitats and if they interact with the clams.
The Chinese sturgeon, critically endangered with a limited spawning ground, has a polygynandry mating system and breeding interval of 2-6 years. Genetic diversity remains relatively high despite inbreeding coefficients indicating low detrimental effects on offspring.
Aquaculture can help restore ecosystems by removing excess nutrients and promoting biodiversity. Conservationists are using aquaculture techniques to create healthy habitats for marine species, including shellfish reefs and fish populations.
Researchers at MIT have developed a membrane-free electrochemical process to remove carbon dioxide from seawater, potentially reversing ocean acidification. The system could be integrated with existing desalination plants or ships to help mitigate emissions.
A $10 million USDA grant will help increase the production of seafood in the Midwest, which is healthier and more sustainably produced than land-based foods. The project aims to promote aquaponics and reduce reliance on imported seafood, which can be affected by volatile markets and environmental issues.
A study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that 95% of the cumulative environmental footprint of farmed chicken and salmon is concentrated on less than 5% of the planet, with 85.5% spatial overlap between the two products due to shared feed ingredients. This highlights opportunities for promoting sustainability in the food system.
The first full reference genome for a genetically improved tilapia strain has been published, revealing substantial genetic variation that highlights the need for strain-specific breeding programmes. The genome assembly provides crucial resources for breeders to develop strains with enhanced growth rate, immunity, and resilience.
A new laboratory study shows that microplastics increase the severity of an important viral fish disease. Nylon fibers had the greatest impact on disease severity. The findings have major implications beyond fish farming, affecting human health and natural environments.
A novel long non-coding RNA, MIR144HG, has been identified as a key player in the immune escape of pathogenic Vibrio in teleost fish. It negatively regulates antibacterial immunity and enhances bacterial escape by suppressing the expression of MyD88 and p65 proteins.
Researchers found four genetic populations of the finless porpoise in Chinese waters and three in the Gulf of Thailand, with unique matriline lineages. The study suggests ongoing gene flow among populations, requiring careful evaluation of inter-population connectivity for conservation action.
Researchers developed AI-powered software to measure and classify pacu fish, enabling breeders to select animals with higher fillet yield and faster weight gain. The system uses deep learning and can recognize different parts of the fish even in challenging environments.
Researchers at FAU Harbor Branch Institute found that Florida pompano larvae can be grown in salinities as low as 10 parts per thousand without adverse effects. The study showed that growth, fatty acid profiles, and transcriptome responses were normal across different salinities.
A new study finds that seafood farming's growth rate has already peaked in 1996 and is now declining, requiring rebuilding of wild fish stocks to meet future demand. Without this approach, relying solely on aquaculture could lead to a global seafood shortage by 2030.
A new study found that offshore mussel farms can increase species abundance, including Atlantic horse mackerel and European lobster, on degraded seabed habitats. The research suggests that this practice could have wider environmental benefits, supporting the national and international Blue Growth agenda.
The study reveals that cumulative pressures of food production are more concentrated than previously believed, with 92% of pressures from land-based food production concentrated on just 10% of the Earth's surface. The top five offenders are pig farming, cow farming, rice, wheat, and oil crops.
Research found that native predatory fish like jacks and barracuda feed on Australian mullet, an invasive species introduced to Oahu waters. This shift in diet helps control the invasive mullet population, which competes with native fish for resources.
A 20-year study found that selectively bred rainbow trout need less feed to achieve the same growth, reducing environmental impact. The fish also achieved similar nutritional quality when fed a locally produced, soy-free feed.
Growing onshore algae in seawater-fed aquaculture systems along the Global South's coasts could increase food production by 50% and feed 10 billion people by 2050. Algae provide high protein content, essential amino acids, and minerals found in meat, making them a sustainable solution to climate change.
MIT researchers create a low-power, sound-harvesting camera that captures color photos and transmits data wirelessly. The autonomous device can run for weeks without power, enabling scientists to explore remote oceans and monitor climate change impacts.
Researchers at Aalto University suggest using crop residues and by-products in livestock and aquaculture production to free up human-usable material. This could increase the global food supply by up to 13% without increasing resource use or requiring major dietary changes.
Researchers gauged small-scale fishers' willingness to use vessel tracking systems, finding that safety functionality and ownership of data were key factors. In a survey of 211 fishers, 67% were willing to pay for the technology, while those citing corruption as their main problem were more likely to participate if paid.
A recent study reveals that the production of fish feed is the greatest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in China's aquaculture industry. The research found that provinces such as Guangdong, Hubei, Jiangsu, and Shandong have the highest GHG emissions, accounting for approximately 46% of all emissions.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife are working on developing effective nutritional strategies to improve the health, growth, and productivity of hybrid striped bass in aquaculture, using protein substitutes like glycine and glutamate to replace fishmeal.
Shellfish farmers in California are adapting to ocean acidification by diversifying their operations and relying on scientific resources to pinpoint environmental factors contributing to large die-off events. Growers also emphasize the need for policy changes, such as adjusting regulatory requirements and permitting processes.
Researchers have successfully developed a fishmeal and fish oil-free feed for largemouth bass that delivers excellent growth, survival, feed conversion, and fillet quality. The alternative diet uses locally sourced ingredients like soybean meal and algae oil, reducing costs by up to 90%.
Mariculture holds great potential to help satisfy global demand for meat, but requires careful governance and efficient operations. The study suggests that finfish and shellfish farms can increase seafood availability, while maintaining ecosystem health.
A recent study found that yellow perch can expel microplastics from their bodies, but the process reduces nutritional value and alters liver function. The fish also experienced changes in gut microbiota communities and reduced body protein and mineral levels.
Researchers found that genetic relatedness correlates with hormonal responses and behavioural reactions in fish, allowing for selective breeding of less-stressed fish. This approach could simplify breeding methods for aquaculture and aquariums.
The project aims to grow Golden Shiners from eggs to market size within one year using four different strategies. The goals are to serve the bait industry, aquaculture and aquaponics producers, and anglers in Minnesota, while reducing pressure to import bait fish from other states.
A new study by the University of Exeter reveals two previously unknown Vibrio species in UK waters, which can cause gastroenteritis and skin infections in humans. The increasing range of these bacteria also threatens marine biodiversity and the seafood industry, with potential economic costs estimated at £6 billion annually.
The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) has successfully cultured the pygmy zebra octopus, a new model organism for biological research. This species offers unique features, such as small adult body size and predictable breeding schedule, making it an ideal candidate for further exploration and research.
A new study projects that farmed seafood supply will drop by 16% globally by 2090 if no action is taken to mitigate climate change. The industry is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, and some regions could see a decline in mariculture production by up to 90%.
A blind taste test by University of Copenhagen researchers shows Danes prefer conventional and organic farmed smoked salmon over wild-caught. The study reveals that people's expectations about a product affect their overall taste experience.
Invasive fish and crustaceans significantly reduce lake organism abundance, degrading water quality. Researchers provide guidance on managing waterbodies to prevent ecosystem collapse.
Scientists at Kobe University have created plants that can identify polychlorinated biphenyls and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which contaminate soil and water. The plant-based method offers a convenient and inexpensive way to monitor toxicity levels.
SECORE International's coral breeding technique shows significant success in closing the gap to scale for coral restoration, using floating mesocosms to produce thousands of coral recruits. The approach promotes genetic diversity and can help corals cope with climate change.
Researchers at the University of Maine are developing more effective, safe, and sustainable fish vaccines using nanocellulose to protect Atlantic salmon against lethal pathogens. The goal is to reduce vaccine costs and side effects while increasing effectiveness.
A study recommends expanding conservation aquaculture in ten priority estuaries on the West Coast to restore declining Olympia oyster populations, benefiting both local shellfish growers and Tribal communities. Aquaculture can support wild populations without harvesting or selling native oysters.
Researchers investigated molecular characteristics of DOM pool in Xiangshan Bay, a semi-enclosed coastal bay in China. They found terrestrial signals decreasing with increasing salinity due to seawater dilution effect and anthropogenic inputs contributing to DOM cycling.
Research at University of Jyvaskyla reveals that quality and quantity of enrichments influence well-being of aquaculture fishes. The study found that stone enrichments improve survival rates, while a higher number of stones also has a positive effect.
A new analysis found that only 84 of the 408 farmed species had available scientific studies on their welfare, while the majority lacked information. The researchers warn that aquaculture's expansion poses great risks to individual animal lives due to insufficient knowledge.
Researchers found high levels of antimicrobial resistance in water from the Hua Krabue canal, but low levels in aquaculture ponds. The study highlights the urgent need to improve urban sanitation in Thailand's coastal region. Safely managed sanitation is crucial for combatting antibiotic resistance.
The study argues that trophic levels are insufficient to assess aquaculture sustainability due to changing feed compositions and energy requirements. Researchers advocate for more nuanced assessments, such as voluntary certifications and incentives for environmentally responsible practices.
Researchers at UMD are using genomic selection to identify genes that improve feed conversion in rainbow trout, leading to more efficient production and reduced waste. This work aims to address industry problems like downgrading, which affects up to 15% of filet products.
A team of scientists at the University of California, Santa Cruz, has developed a cost-effective new aquaculture feed that eliminates conventional fish meal and fish oil ingredients. The new feed provides better fish weight gain, higher nutritional value, and improved human health outcomes.
KAUST scientists propose a roadmap for molecular ecologists, policymakers, and stakeholders to collaborate on DNA-based approaches for marine monitoring. DNA barcoding and metabarcoding can save time and money by identifying species from small DNA fragments.
A new invasive species, Polydora websteri, has been found in the Wadden Sea, posing a significant threat to oyster farming and the ecosystem. The worm, likely originating from Asia, causes damage to oysters' shells, weakening them and making them vulnerable to predators.
A Stirling-led project aims to reduce the prevalence of schistosomiasis, a debilitating infection affecting 200 million people worldwide. By boosting native snail predators through aquaculture, researchers hope to control snail populations and limit the spread of the disease.
Novel feeds made from microalgae, insect protein and oils could partially substitute fishmeal and oil in aquaculture feeds without negative impacts on efficiency or omega-3 profiles. This study predicts future aquaculture production growth between 37-98% depending on consumer preferences.
A Rutgers-led study found that oyster aquaculture along the Delaware Bay does not significantly impact four shorebird species, including the federally threatened red knot. The research team discovered a small reduction in shorebird presence, but no detectable impact on foraging behavior.
Researchers found that global warming promotes the development of pathogenic bacteria in aquaculture, leading to increased disease rates and antibiotic use. The study highlights the urgent need for alternative treatments and encourages research using One Health or EcoHealth approaches to address antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers found that robotic turtles with small size and slow movements disturb fish minimally, promoting better fish welfare and efficiency. This technology can provide online updates and monitoring without human intervention, leading to quicker responses and lower mortality rates.
A new clinical test uses sustainable harvesting of horseshoe crab amebocytes to save human lives and spare at-risk population. The method enables fast, affordable, and precise tests on specially treated human blood.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that treated wastewater contains minimal accumulation of organic micropollutants, posing no toxic effects on fish. The study suggests that tertiary wastewater treatment can be used for growing fish without compromising public health.
A recent study found that the monkeyface prickleback, a unique fish species, has an efficient digestive system capable of breaking down plant material. This discovery holds promise for developing new, sustainable sources of protein for human consumption and could be an important alternative to traditional livestock farming.
The University of Stirling has launched a pioneering tool to minimize environmental and occupational health risks in shrimp farming. The Pedigree project aims to bring research into practical use, providing a 'traffic-light system' to differentiate riskier from higher-quality probiotic products.