Aquaculture has emerged as one of the fastest-growing food production sectors in the world, driven by increased demand for aquatic protein and the dwindling wild fish population. In this context, using aquatic macrophytes has gained popularity as a natural, long-term solution to some of these problems. They operate as natural biofilters, eliminating excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus via absorption, therefore improving water quality and lowering the danger of eutrophication.

Furthermore, certain macrophyte species may be collected and utilized as low-cost, protein-rich feed for fish and other aquatic animals, which helps to promote circular economy principles in aquaculture. As the industry seeks long-term solutions, the use of medicinal plants has emerged as a novel strategy to increase aquaculture output while also ensuring environmental sustainability. One of the most promising applications of medicinal plants in aquaculture is to act as natural medicines for disease control.

Environmental Sustainability: Implementing Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) systems, which combine finfish, shellfish, and seaweed, helps recycle nutrients and reduce pollution. Additionally, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) minimize water usage by recycling it, reducing environmental impact while improving efficiency.

Resource Efficiency: Utilizing algae-based feeds reduces dependence on wild-caught fish, conserving marine ecosystems. Biofloc Technology (BFT) employs microbial systems to convert waste into supplemental feed, enhancing feed efficiency and reducing costs.

Technological Integration: Precision aquaculture leverages IoT sensors and AI to monitor water quality and fish health, optimizing feeding and disease management. For instance, a system developed for tilapia farms achieved 94% accuracy in estimating fish weight, potentially increasing production efficiency by up to 58 times.

Disease Management: Advanced monitoring systems use machine learning to detect early signs of disease and parasites, enabling timely interventions and reducing the need for antibiotics.

Uses of Aquatic Macrophytes and Medicinal Plants: Macrophytes like Azolla absorb excess nutrients, mitigating eutrophication and improving water quality. They also aid in removing heavy metals through bioaccumulation and biosorption. Medicinal plants such as Allium sativum and Andrographis paniculata possess antimicrobial properties, reducing pathogen loads and enhancing fish immunity. This integration promotes a balanced, eco-friendly aquaculture environment.

This Research Topic encompasses a multidisciplinary exploration of innovations aimed at enhancing the sustainability, efficiency, and resilience of aquaculture systems. Key areas of focus for submissions include, but are not limited to:

1. Technological Integration: Advancements in IoT, AI, and machine learning enable real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making, optimizing feeding, disease management, and environmental control in aquaculture operations.

2. Biotechnological Innovations: The application of genetic engineering, genomics, and bioinformatics facilitates selective breeding for desirable traits, development of vaccines, and enhancement of feed efficiency, contributing to improved productivity and disease resistance.

3. Innovative Practices: Implementing systems like Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Biofloc Technology (BFT) reduces water usage and waste, promoting environmentally friendly aquaculture practices.

4. Alternative Feeds: Exploring insect-based and algae-based feeds reduces reliance on traditional fishmeal, addressing sustainability and ethical concerns associated with aquaculture feed sources.

5. Disease Management: Machine learning enhances aquaculture by analyzing water quality and fish behavior to detect early signs of diseases and parasites, enabling timely interventions and reducing antibiotic use. This approach promotes sustainable practices and improves fish health management.

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Recent Advanced Techniques for Sustainable Aquaculture Production