2023

Jump to: 2022, 2021, 2020

15 pages, 11086 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Protein Fishmeal Replacement in Aquaculture: A Systematic Review and Implications on Growth and Adoption Viability

by Edison D. Macusi, Melanie A. Cayacay, Elaine Q. Borazon, Anthony C. Sales, Ahasan Habib, Nur Fadli and Mudjekeewis D. Santos

Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12500; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612500 - 17 Aug 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4186

Abstract

Aquaculture is growing rapidly as a food-producing sector and in recent years fishmeal prices have climbed more than two-fold on a global scale. This review of previous studies was performed to contribute to the extant literature on the aquaculture sector to aid cost [...] Read more.

Aquaculture is growing rapidly as a food-producing sector and in recent years fishmeal prices have climbed more than two-fold on a global scale. This review of previous studies was performed to contribute to the extant literature on the aquaculture sector to aid cost reduction of aquafeeds by identifying substitute proteins that can replace fishmeal. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) using the SCOPUS and WOS (Web of Science), DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals), Academia, and PubMed Central databases. A total of 59 articles were included in the synthesis after screening for duplicates and articles that did not conform to the criteria. Results have shown that the 100% replacement of fishmeal with blood meal (BM) did not affect the growth of fish, nor did the 75% to 100% combination of poultry-by-product (PBM), feather meal (FEM), and BM. Moreover, a 10% replacement of fishmeal using seaweed (Gracilaria arcuata) had no adverse effect on the feed efficiency and growth performance of tilapia. Similarly, a 50% replacement of fishmeal using black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), and a 25% replacement using soybean (Glycine max) also showed better results for fish growth. Our review shows that alternative protein can replace fishmeal in the aquaculture sector and reduce the cost of aquafeeds since alternative proteins are much cheaper than the usual fishmeal. Adoption of these alternative protein sources hinges on financial support, start-up incentives for companies, and ongoing studies on waste-to-feed production, which the government can also support. Full article

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14 pages, 3615 KiB

Open AccessReview

Trends in and Future Research Direction of Antimicrobial Resistance in Global Aquaculture Systems: A Review

by Yayu Xiao, Hongxia Wang, Chen Wang, He Gao, Yuyu Wang and Jun Xu

Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 9012; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15119012 - 02 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1591

Abstract

The accelerated development of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in aquaculture environments due to the overuse of antibiotics is a global concern. To systematically understand the research trends in and key concepts of ARGs and AMR in aquaculture systems, this [...] Read more.

The accelerated development of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in aquaculture environments due to the overuse of antibiotics is a global concern. To systematically understand the research trends in and key concepts of ARGs and AMR in aquaculture systems, this study employed the bibliometrix R-package to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the publication characteristics of ARGs and AMR in aquaculture systems from the Web of Science, published from 2000 to 2021. The results revealed that China has produced the most papers. China and the northern hemisphere countries work closely together. Collaboration and multidisciplinary research helped to better understand the impact of AMR in aquaculture on food security and human health. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and ARGs in aquaculture, as well as the relationship between water environmental variables, antibiotic residuals, and ARGs, are the current research focus. One of the future directions is to establish a conclusive link among water environmental variables, antibiotics, and ARGs. Another future direction is the development of new economical and environmentally friendly technologies to treat AMR in aquaculture wastewater. Collectively, our findings investigate the development directions of AMR research in global aquaculture systems and provide future perspectives. Full article

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2022

Jump to: 2023, 2021, 2020

16 pages, 2475 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Assessment of Giant Freshwater Prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii Farming through Life Cycle Assessment

by Baharuddin Haslawati, Ibrahim Saadiah, Razman Pahri Siti-Dina, Murnira Othman and Mohd Talib Latif

Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 14776; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142214776 - 09 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2697

Abstract

The giant freshwater prawn (GFP), Macrobrachium rosenbergii has emerged as a significant crustacean in global aquaculture. A cradle-to-farm Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was used to assess the potential environmental impacts of GFP in Malaysia. The four main iterative farming phases involved were pond [...] Read more.

The giant freshwater prawn (GFP), Macrobrachium rosenbergii has emerged as a significant crustacean in global aquaculture. A cradle-to-farm Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was used to assess the potential environmental impacts of GFP in Malaysia. The four main iterative farming phases involved were pond preparation, stocking, farming, and harvesting. The impact categories chosen were global warming, terrestrial ecotoxicity, terrestrial acidification, freshwater eutrophication, human non-carcinogenic toxicity, human carcinogenic activity, and water consumption. The software SimaPro 9.3.0.3 was used for impact analysis, with background data from the database Ecoinvent 3.0. and ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint (H) V1.06/World (2010). Among other environmental impact categories, stocking and harvesting phases contributed to human carcinogenic toxicity impact values of 33.33%, followed by farming (33.31%). Another impact category, freshwater ecotoxicity also produces the same pattern with the stocking and harvesting process, still generating the highest impact value of 33.34%, followed by farming (33.30%). Apart from the identified capital items that require consideration for future waste management in aquaculture, this LCA study found that M. rosenbergii farming generates a low impact to the environment, however, could inspire further research on other perspectives of sustainability. Full article

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2021

Jump to: 2023, 2022, 2020

13 pages, 2919 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Aquatic Plants on Nutrient Concentration in Water and Growth Performance of Fantail Goldfish in an Aquaculture System

by Mohd Naqib Azfar Mohd Roslan, Abentin Estim, Balu Alagar Venmathi Maran and Saleem Mustafa

Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11236; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011236 - 12 Oct 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4887

Abstract

The effects of two aquatic plants, duckweed (Lemna sp.) and azolla (Azolla sp.), on the growth performance of fantail goldfish (Carassius auratus) and dissolved nutrient concentrations were studied. The experiments were carried out in triplicate sets over a period [...] Read more.

The effects of two aquatic plants, duckweed (Lemna sp.) and azolla (Azolla sp.), on the growth performance of fantail goldfish (Carassius auratus) and dissolved nutrient concentrations were studied. The experiments were carried out in triplicate sets over a period of seven weeks. Eight specimens of fantail goldfish (length = 5.16 ± 0.06 cm; body weight = 2.30 ± 0.06 g) were released into each of the aquariums containing 40 L of water. Submerged sponge filters were used as the substrate (bed) for the nitrifying bacteria to facilitate nitrification. The fish were provided feed at the rate of 2% of their body weight twice daily. In situ and ex situ water parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, total suspended solids, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate), body weight and length of the Fantail goldfish, and wet weight of aquatic plants were measured weekly. The results showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in any of the three aquariums in water temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen. Survival of the fish was 100%. The highest food conversion ratio and specific growth rate were observed in the aquarium stocked with duckweed, followed by the aquarium with azolla and the control set (p < 0.05). The concentrations of nutrients (ammonia and nitrate) were recorded lowest (p < 0.05) in the aquarium with azolla, followed by duckweed and the control. The results suggested that aquatic plants were effective in absorbing nutrients and can serve as biofilters to create better conditions for the growth of the fantail goldfish. Full article

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15 pages, 382 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stakeholder Perspectives on Blue Mussel Farming to Mitigate Baltic Sea Eutrophication

by Emilija Žilinskaitė, Malgorzata Blicharska and Martyn Futter

Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 9180; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13169180 - 16 Aug 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2386

Abstract

Here, we present an application of systems thinking to controlling Baltic Sea eutrophication—a wicked environmental problem characterized by multiple stakeholder perspectives and no single, agreed upon solution. The Baltic Sea is one of the most polluted waterbodies in the world. More than 40 [...] Read more.

Here, we present an application of systems thinking to controlling Baltic Sea eutrophication—a wicked environmental problem characterized by multiple stakeholder perspectives and no single, agreed upon solution. The Baltic Sea is one of the most polluted waterbodies in the world. More than 40 years of land-based (linear) measures have failed to adequately control eutrophication, yet internal (circular) measures are rarely used. Farming native blue mussels for nutrient capture has been proposed as one measure for eutrophication control, but the relevant stakeholders disagree as to its environmental, social and economic benefits. Here, we present the views of four Swedish stakeholder groups—academics, entrepreneurs, municipal government employees and representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs)—on the sustainability of native blue mussel farming, a circular measure for eutrophication control. Using semi-structured interviews, we elicited stakeholder perspectives on the environmental, economic and social dimensions of blue mussel farming. The interviewees generally agreed that blue mussel farming is not currently economically sustainable, but that it can contribute to the social sustainability of coastal regions. Academics were skeptical of the environmental benefits, claiming that farms could reinforce eutrophication, whereas the remaining stakeholder groups argued for its potential to mitigate eutrophication. In a roundtable discussion conducted one year after the original interviews, all stakeholder groups agreed that blue mussel farming alone will not fix Baltic Sea eutrophication, but can be part of the solution together with land-based measures. All groups also agreed on the need for cautious upscaling, continuous environmental monitoring and constant improvement if blue mussel farms are to be part of a “toolkit” for eutrophication control. Our results highlight the fact that wicked environmental problems can be addressed when multiple stakeholder groups with differing perspectives have the opportunity to achieve consensus through dialog. Full article

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11 pages, 770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of the Feeding Rate on Growth Performance, Body Composition, and Hematological Properties of Juvenile Mandarin Fish Siniperca scherzeri in a Recirculating Aquaculture System

by Yi-Oh Kim, Sung-Yong Oh and Taewon Kim

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8257; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158257 - 23 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2375

Abstract

The effects of feeding rate (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, and 3.0% body weight [BW] per day [BW day⁻¹]) on the growth, body composition, and blood properties of juvenile mandarin fish, Siniperca scherzeri, (initial BW 18.4 ± 0.2 g) were [...] Read more.

The effects of feeding rate (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, and 3.0% body weight [BW] per day [BW day⁻¹]) on the growth, body composition, and blood properties of juvenile mandarin fish, Siniperca scherzeri, (initial BW 18.4 ± 0.2 g) were investigated in a water recirculating aquaculture system. Triplicate groups of fish were fed an experimental diet (55.4% protein, 14.1% lipid) for 10 weeks. Weight gain and specific growth rate increased with increasing feeding rates of up to 2.5% BW day⁻¹, after which no significant increase in growth was observed. Feed efficiency, protein efficiency ratio, and protein retention were not significantly different among the fish fed 1–2.5% BW day⁻¹ but decreased significantly in those fed 3.0% BW day⁻¹. The lipid content of fish fed 2.5% BW day⁻¹ was significantly higher than that at 0.5–1.5% BW day⁻¹. The total plasma cholesterol content was significantly lower in fish fed 0.5 BW day⁻¹ than fish provided with other feeding rates. Based on the growth, feed efficiency, body composition, and blood content analyses, including regression analysis, the optimal feeding rate for juvenile S. scherzeri weighing between 18 g and 54 g was estimated at 1.88–2.80% BW day⁻¹ depending on weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed efficiency under 26.9 °C conditions. Full article

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16 pages, 996 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effects of Microencapsulated Organic Acid and Their Salts on Growth Performance, Immunity, and Disease Resistance of Pacific White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

by Mohiuddin Amirul Kabir Chowdhury, Hongli Song, Yao Liu, Jean-Daniel Bunod and Xiao-Hui Dong

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7791; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147791 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2715

Abstract

Use of antibiotics and other chemicals to combat disease outbreaks has been a bottleneck for the sustainable growth of shrimp industry. Among various replacements proposed, organic acid (OA) and their salts (OS) are commonly used by farmers and feed millers. However, in free [...] Read more.

Use of antibiotics and other chemicals to combat disease outbreaks has been a bottleneck for the sustainable growth of shrimp industry. Among various replacements proposed, organic acid (OA) and their salts (OS) are commonly used by farmers and feed millers. However, in free forms, their requirement is very high (2–3 kg/MT) as they tend to disassociate before reaching the hindgut. The dosage can be reduced by microencapsulation of the ingredients. In this study, a 63-day trial was conducted to assess the effects of OA and OS (COMP) microencapsulated (ENCAP) with fat (HF), fat + alginate (HA), wax esters (WE) and HA + WE (HAWE) on performance, digestive enzymes, immunity and resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus. A positive control (PC, 200 g/kg fishmeal-FM) and a negative control (NC, 130 g/kg FM) diet were formulated. Eight other diets were formulated, supplementing an NC diet with microencapsulated OA (OAHF, OAHA, OAWE, OAHAWE) and OS (OSHF, OSHA, OSWE, OSHAWE). Among the ENCAPs, significant difference was observed in serum malondialdehyde (p = 0.026), where HF showed the lowest level (6.4 ± 0.3 mmol/L). Significant interactions between COMP and ENCAP were observed in lipid deposition (p = 0.047), serum alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, hepatopancreatic and serum phenol oxidase (p < 0.0001). Despite no differences, 96-h mortality during pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge in all treatment diets (45–56%) was lower compared to the NC diets (63%). In conclusion, use of HF microencapsulated OA diets could provide improved performance and disease resistance that could contribute to the reduction of antibiotic use by the shrimp industry. Full article

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28 pages, 1814 KiB

Open AccessArticle

DEXiAqua, a Model to Assess the Sustainability of Aquaculture Systems: Methodological Development and Application to a French Salmon Farm

by Samuel Le Féon, Théo Dubois, Christophe Jaeger, Aurélie Wilfart, Nouraya Akkal-Corfini, Jacopo Bacenetti, Michele Costantini and Joël Aubin

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7779; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147779 - 12 Jul 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3361

Abstract

Aquaculture is increasingly considered a major contributor to the growing demand for worldwide seafood production. Sustainability is becoming a key issue for aquaculture systems, with the objective to produce seafood with lower environmental impacts and that is economically viable and socially fair. In [...] Read more.

Aquaculture is increasingly considered a major contributor to the growing demand for worldwide seafood production. Sustainability is becoming a key issue for aquaculture systems, with the objective to produce seafood with lower environmental impacts and that is economically viable and socially fair. In the context of the SIMTAP project, a multi-attribute model called DEXiAqua was developed. DEXiAqua uses the DEX method to assess the sustainability of aquaculture systems via indicators from technical domains and reference methods (i.e., life cycle assessment, life cycle costing, social life cycle assessment, and emergy accounting) selected and organized by the partners in the SIMTAP project. The DEX method consists of building an attribute tree that is organized to characterize a complex problem. Qualitative or quantitative indicators are measured at the end of each branch of the tree. The value of each indicator is translated into a qualitative scale for the associated attribute via threshold values. Weighted utility functions are used to build attributes from sub-attributes until the attribute of overall sustainability is reached. DEXiAqua was applied to a case study of salmon farming in France, which illustrated its ability to assess overall sustainability and help identify ways to improve the production system by identifying environmental, social, and economic hotspots. More case studies are required to apply DEXiAqua to a variety of systems with technical and contextual differences, which could result in changing attribute weights to adapt it better to different contexts. Full article

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15 pages, 3454 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of a New Feed Daphnia magna (Straus, 1820), as a Fish Meal Substitute on Growth, Feed Utilization, Histological Status, and Economic Revenue of Grey Mullet, Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus 1758)

by Hamdy A. Abo-Taleb, Mohamed Ashour, Mohamed A. Elokaby, Mohamed M. Mabrouk, Mohamed M. M. El-feky, Othman F. Abdelzaher, Ahmed Gaber, Walaa F. Alsanie and Abdallah Tageldein Mansour

Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7093; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137093 - 24 Jun 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3816

Abstract

The formulator of aquatic diets is part of a continuous search for alternative protein sources instead of depreciated fish meal. The utilization of zooplankton as a feed ingredient is an interesting trend due to their high-quality protein content and abundance of essential nutrients. [...] Read more.

The formulator of aquatic diets is part of a continuous search for alternative protein sources instead of depreciated fish meal. The utilization of zooplankton as a feed ingredient is an interesting trend due to their high-quality protein content and abundance of essential nutrients. The current study aims to investigate the effects of partial and total replacement of fish meal (FM) by Dahpnia magna meal (DMM) on growth performance, feed utilization, histological, and economic status of mullet, M. cephalus, larvae. In addition to the control diet, 100% FM, D₀, four diets containing DMM at different levels were used: 25% (D₂₅), 50% (D₅₀), 75% (D₇₅), and 100% (D₁₀₀) replacement of fish meal. A total of 300 larvae (0.097 ± 0.001 g) were equally divided into five groups (three replicate per each group) at a density of 200 larvae m⁻³. The aquariums were renewed at a rate of 30% daily. During the 60-day experimental period, all larvae were fed their respective diets at a level of 20% of live body weight, five times a day (9.00 a.m., 12.00, 15.00, 18.00, and 21.00 p.m.). The results indicated that compared to D₀, fish fed D₇₅ recorded the highest significant value of growth, and feed utilization parameters, while fish fed D₁₀₀ achieved the lowest feed cost and incidence cost, and the highest profit index and economic efficiency ratio. A strong correlation was reported among weight gain, feed conversion ratio and fish meal replacement with DMM; R² = 0.94 and 0.91, respectively. The fit regression model representing mullet response to FM replacement with DMM is a poly-nominal regression model with maximum response at 75–100%. The histological investigation of the intestine revealed an improvement of histomorphometric indices and goblet cell number with increasing DMM inclusion levels. These findings confirmed that 75% to 100% partial substitution of FM with DMM is the ideal replacement for mullet, M. cephalus, larvae for improving fish growth performance and feed utilization. Full article

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16 pages, 1194 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Benthic Community Assessment of Commercial Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) Gear in Delaware Inland Bays

by Melanie Fuoco, Scott Borsum, Zohreh Mazaheri Kouhanestani and Gulnihal Ozbay

Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 6480; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116480 - 07 Jun 2021

Viewed by 2423

Abstract

Oyster aquaculture is one of several methods for the restoration of Delaware Inland Bays; however, little is known about its potential impacts on the benthic community of the bays. In this study, water quality parameters were measured and polychaetes were collected from 24 [...] Read more.

Oyster aquaculture is one of several methods for the restoration of Delaware Inland Bays; however, little is known about its potential impacts on the benthic community of the bays. In this study, water quality parameters were measured and polychaetes were collected from 24 sampling locations at Rehoboth, Indian River, and Little Assawoman Bays from July to October 2016 and 2017. We aimed to assess the impact of Eastern oyster farming under different stocking densities (50 and 250 oysters/gear) and distances away from the sites where the off-bottom gears are implemented (under gears, one meter, and five meters away). No significant impact was detected on polychaetes’ abundance and richness in regard to the presence of oyster gears. The number of polychaetes and species richness was significantly higher in Little Assawoman Bay in comparison to the Indian River and Rehoboth Bays. Results showed that the Ulva lactuca bloom that happened in 2016 could negatively impact the low abundance and richness observed in the polychaetes community. Similarly, the values of polychaetes abundance and species richness did not change significantly in samples that were taken far from the oyster gears. Dominant polychaetes families were Capitellidae and Glyceridae contributing to more than 70% of polychaetes’ number of individuals. Our results help to understand the role of oyster aquaculture in restoring the viability in the natural habitat of the Delaware Inland Bays. Full article

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2020

Jump to: 2023, 2022, 2021

14 pages, 1786 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Pacific Whiteleg Shrimp and Three Halophytic Plants in Marine Aquaponic Systems under Three Salinities

by Yu-Ting Chu and Paul B. Brown

Sustainability 2021, 13(1), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13010269 - 30 Dec 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3498

Abstract

The effect of salinity on the growth performance of whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and three halophyte plants, red orache (Atriplex hortensis), okahijiki (Salsola komarovii), and minutina (Plantago coronopus), in a marine aquaponic system with biofloc [...] Read more.

The effect of salinity on the growth performance of whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and three halophyte plants, red orache (Atriplex hortensis), okahijiki (Salsola komarovii), and minutina (Plantago coronopus), in a marine aquaponic system with biofloc was evaluated in this study. The experiment was conducted for 4 weeks, and the three treatments were 10, 15, or 20 ppt (parts per thousand). The growth performance of the shrimp and the three halophytes were affected by the salinity. Compared to the shrimp reared in 10 ppt, those reared in 15 and 20 ppt had higher final weight, weight gain rate (WGR), and specific growth rate (SGR), and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR). The results from shrimp raised in 15 ppt were 2.0 ± 0.1 g, 89.9 ± 2.2%, 2.3 ± 0.0%, and 1.5 ± 0.0, respectively, and those in 20 ppt were 2.0 ± 0.1 g, 93.9 ± 5.4%, 2.4 ± 0.1%, and 1.4 ± 0.1, respectively. On the other hand, the growth performance and nutrient content in halophyte plants decreased with the increasing salinity. In general, the three halophyte plants had better results in the 10 and 15 ppt treatments than those in 20 ppt. Therefore, the salinity of 15 ppt was suggested as the optimal condition for the integrated cultivation of whiteleg shrimp and the three halophytes in marine aquaponics. Additionally, they are compatible species for the development of marine aquaponics. Full article

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15 pages, 1851 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal Temperature Fluctuations Differently Affect the Immune and Biochemical Parameters of Diploid and Triploid Oncorhynchus mykiss Cage-Cultured in Temperate Latitudes

by Andreia C. M. Rodrigues, Carlos Gravato, Carlos J. M. Silva, Sílvia F. S. Pires, Ana P. L. Costa, Luís E. C. Conceição, Paulo Santos, Benjamín Costas, José Calheiros, Manuela Castro-Cunha, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares and Rui J. M. Rocha

Sustainability 2020, 12(21), 8785; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12218785 - 22 Oct 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2745

Abstract

In the coming decades, and despite advances in the selection of resistant strains and the production of triploid organisms, the temperature could seriously affect salmonid aquaculture. Lower environmental tolerance has been hinted at for triploids, but the physiological mechanisms leading to such differences, [...] Read more.

In the coming decades, and despite advances in the selection of resistant strains and the production of triploid organisms, the temperature could seriously affect salmonid aquaculture. Lower environmental tolerance has been hinted at for triploids, but the physiological mechanisms leading to such differences, and whether they are translated to the individual level, are poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of seasonal variations on the humoral and immune status in the blood (peripheral blood leukocytes) and plasma (antiprotease, lysozyme and peroxidase activities), the oxidative stress (catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, total glutathione and lipid peroxidation) balance in the liver, and the energy budget (sugars, lipids, proteins and energy production) in the liver and muscle of diploid and triploid Oncorhynchus mykiss. Leukocytes’ numbers changed with the water temperature and differed between fish ploidies. Peroxidase activity was increased in the summer, but lysozyme and antiprotease activities were increased in the winter. Concomitantly, antioxidant defenses were significantly altered seasonally, increasing oxidative damage at higher temperatures. Moreover, warmer waters induced a reduction in the energy production measured in the liver. Differences in feed efficiency, which have been previously reported, were confirmed by the low lipid and protein contents of the muscle of the triploids. In sum, the inherent trade-offs to deal with the seasonal changes culminated in the higher growth observed for diploid fish. Full article

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18 pages, 3430 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microalgae from Biorefinery as Potential Protein Source for Siberian Sturgeon (A. baerii) Aquafeed

by Tiziana Bongiorno, Luciano Foglio, Lorenzo Proietti, Mauro Vasconi, Annalaura Lopez, Andrea Pizzera, Domenico Carminati, Aldo Tava, Antonio Jesús Vizcaíno, Francisco Javier Alarcón, Elena Ficara and Katia Parati

Sustainability 2020, 12(21), 8779; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12218779 - 22 Oct 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2576

Abstract

The demand for aquafeed is expected to increase in the coming years and new ingredients will be needed to compensate for the low fish meal and oil availability. Microalgae represent a promising matrix for the future aquafeed formulation, however, the high production cost [...] Read more.

The demand for aquafeed is expected to increase in the coming years and new ingredients will be needed to compensate for the low fish meal and oil availability. Microalgae represent a promising matrix for the future aquafeed formulation, however, the high production cost hinders its application. The use of microalgae from biorefinery would reduce the disposal costs for microalgae production. The present study aimed to (i) verify the growth of microalgae on digestate coming from pig farming and (ii) evaluate their potential valorization as dietary ingredient in aquafeed according to a Circular Bioeconomy approach. For these purposes, a microalgae biomass was produced on an outdoor raceway reactor supplied with digestate and used for partial replacement (10% of the diet) in aquafeed for Siberian sturgeon fingerlings (Acipenser baerii). The results obtained confirm the feasibility for growing microalgae on digestate with satisfactory productivity (6.2 gDM m⁻² d⁻¹), nutrient removal efficiency and Chemical Oxygen Demand reduction; moreover, the feeding trial carried out showed similar results between experimental and control groups (p > 0.05), in term of growth performance, somatic indices, fillet nutritional composition and intestinal functionality, to indicate that microalgae from biorefinery could be used as protein source in Siberian sturgeon aquafeed. Full article

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17 pages, 3320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment and Management of Small Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) Stocks in South Korea

by Min-Je Choi and Do-Hoon Kim

Sustainability 2020, 12(19), 8257; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12198257 - 07 Oct 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2581

Abstract

We aimed to determine the appropriate annual total allowable catch (TAC) levels for the small yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis). A Bayesian state-space model was used to assess the species stock. This model has been widely used after research confirmed its reliability [...] Read more.

We aimed to determine the appropriate annual total allowable catch (TAC) levels for the small yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis). A Bayesian state-space model was used to assess the species stock. This model has been widely used after research confirmed its reliability over other models. However, setting prior distributions for analyzing this model remains controversial. Therefore, a sensitivity analysis was conducted using the model with different prior distributions and biomass growth functions. Informative and non-informative prior distributions were compared using Schaefer and Fox growth functions. Considering the results of the sensitivity analysis, the assumption of inverse-gamma prior distribution of K, a non-informative distribution, with the Fox function could yield relatively superior estimates than those obtained from other assumptions. Moreover, changing the growth function could have a greater effect on the fitness of the model estimates than changing prior distribution. Therefore, future fishery stock analyses based on this model should consider the effectiveness of various growth functions in addition to the sensitivity analysis for prior distributions. Furthermore, the biomass of small yellow croaker will decrease if the catch increases by 10%. Therefore, the annual TAC levels should be set below the maximum sustainable yield (21,301 tons) for effective small yellow croaker stock management. Full article

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16 pages, 1600 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of the Correlation between the Use of Antibiotics in Aquaculture Systems and Their Detection in Aquatic Environments: A Case Study of the Nera River Aquafarms in Italy

by Marta Sargenti, Silvia Bartolacci, Aurora Luciani, Katiuscia Di Biagio, Marco Baldini, Roberta Galarini, Danilo Giusepponi and Marinella Capuccella

Sustainability 2020, 12(12), 5176; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12125176 - 24 Jun 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3509

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) arises mostly because of the use and abuse of antibiotics in both the human and veterinary sectors. Furthermore, antibiotic residues can be discharged into the environment, promoting the spread of AMR as well as becoming a potential ecotoxicological risk. Aquaculture [...] Read more.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) arises mostly because of the use and abuse of antibiotics in both the human and veterinary sectors. Furthermore, antibiotic residues can be discharged into the environment, promoting the spread of AMR as well as becoming a potential ecotoxicological risk. Aquaculture is one such source of environmental pollution. In the present work, we evaluated the correlation between antibiotic consumption in 11 selected aquafarms located along the Nera River, and the detection of their residues in surface water and sediment samples gathered monthly from the same stream. Antibiotic consumption was calculated using the ESVAC defined daily doses for animals (DDDvet) method, and a chemical analysis was conducted using a multiclass method. Therefore, the ecological risk of antibiotics being detected in surface waters was established based on the risk quotient (RQ). A strong positive correlation was identified between the concentrations detected in surface waters and the consumption of flumequine (r = 72%, p-value = 0.0085) and florfenicol (r = 83%, p-value = 0.0008). The RQ, however, was low for all the detected antibiotics in surface waters. Therefore, we proved that the antibiotics used in aquaculture can reach the near aquatic environment, but, in this work, they did not represent a toxicological risk to the surrounding ecosystem. Full article

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15 pages, 6697 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Hepcidin-Expressing Fish Eggs as A Novel Food Supplement to Modulate Immunity against Pathogenic Infection in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

by Chung-Chih Tseng, Tah-Wei Chu, Ridha Handriany Danata, Yenny Risjani, Hui-Tsu Shih and Shao-Yang Hu

Sustainability 2020, 12(10), 4057; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12104057 - 15 May 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2845

Abstract

Hepcidin antimicrobial peptides are difficult to produce in prokaryotic expression systems due to their complex structure and antimicrobial activity. Although synthetic hepcidin provides an alternative to solve this issue, its high cost limits its practical application in various industries. The present study used [...] Read more.

Hepcidin antimicrobial peptides are difficult to produce in prokaryotic expression systems due to their complex structure and antimicrobial activity. Although synthetic hepcidin provides an alternative to solve this issue, its high cost limits its practical application in various industries. The present study used zebrafish eggs as bioreactors to produce convict cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) hepcidin (AN-hepc) using the oocyte-specific zona pellucida (zp3) promoter. The expression plasmid pT2-ZP3-AN-hepc-ZP3-EGFP, using EGFP as a reporter of AN-hepc expression, was designed to establish the transgenic line Tg(ZP3:AN-hepc:ZP3:EGFP) for the expression of AN-hepc. The AN-hepc peptide was produced successfully in fertilized eggs, as evidenced by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The AN-hepc-expressing eggs exhibited antimicrobial activity against a variety of aquatic pathogens and antibiotic-resistant pathogens, suggesting that the AN-hepc expressed in fish eggs was bioactive. The immunomodulatory effects of AN-hepc-expressing fertilized eggs on zebrafish innate immunity were evaluated by determining the expression of indicator genes after feeding with AN-hepc-expressing fertilized eggs for two months. Zebrafish supplementation with AN-hepc-expressing fertilized eggs significantly increased the expression of innate immunity-related genes, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-15, TNF-α, NF-κb, complement C3b, lysozyme and TLR-4a. The zebrafish administered AN-hepc-expressing eggs exhibited higher cumulative survival than fish supplemented with wild-type and control eggs after infection with Aeromonas hydrophila and Streptococcus iniae. In conclusion, the present results showed that supplementation with AN-hepc-expressing fish eggs enhanced zebrafish innate immunity against pathogenic infections, suggesting that fertilized eggs containing AN-hepc have the potential to be developed as a food supplement for improving health status in aquaculture. Full article

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13 pages, 979 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fish Oil and Fish Meal Production from Urban Fisheries Biomass in Japan

by Atsushi Ido and Mika Kaneta

Sustainability 2020, 12(8), 3345; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083345 - 20 Apr 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6061

Abstract

Finding an alternative feed source for the replacement of fish oil (FO) and fish meal (FM) produced from whole fish has been an important issue for realizing sustainable aquaculture. In this study, fishery by-products generated in the distribution phase, known as urban fisheries [...] Read more.

Finding an alternative feed source for the replacement of fish oil (FO) and fish meal (FM) produced from whole fish has been an important issue for realizing sustainable aquaculture. In this study, fishery by-products generated in the distribution phase, known as urban fisheries biomass (UFB), were focused on. The quality parameter and nutrient components of FO and FM from UFB were analyzed. Although crude FO produced from UFB showed relatively poor quality properties, the refinement process made an improvement of the quality to make it comparable to commercially available FO. There is no big variation in several samples in fatty acid profiles of FO and amino acid profiles of FM, and they seem to be able to replace FO and FM from whole fish in the diet for cultured fish. The utilization of UFB should be promoted in economic and ecologic aspects; however, in use of the FM, there remains a risk of intra-species recycling that might lead to transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. Furthermore, we must take into consideration the possibility of contamination of fishery products from at-risk species and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fisheries due to the lack of regulations in Japan. Full article

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