Assessing the Feasibility of Sustainable Aquaculture for Common Snook Centropomus undecimalis

Abstract

Common Snook (Centropomus undecimalis) is widely distributed across the tropical Atlantic Coasts and has a significant economic impact. This review aims to assess the knowledge status of common snook, contributing significantly to the development of sustainable aquacultural practices. The review was conducted using Web of Science and Google Scholar to identify scientific articles analysing the biology and ecology, the status of snook fisheries and developments in aquaculture production. Researchers in the USA, Mexico and Brazil have conducted 37.95%, 25.52% and 26.21% of published research, respectively, focusing mainly on reproduction in natural environments, status of fisheries and aquaculture production. From an environmental perspective, it is essential to understand the factors impacting C. undecimalis populations. Climate change effects and human alterations to river courses pose significant threats. In addition to fishing regulations, there is a promising potential for further fisheries research and to deepen the understanding of the life cycle to support the implementation of sound aquacultural practices to replenish exploited stocks and to develop commercial aquaculture. Currently, C. undecimalis populations in Mexico and the United States are overexploited, focusing on México, which now has a management plan. Advances in controlled reproduction and larval development have been made. However, many challenges remain unclear, such as larval conditions that continue to represent a bottleneck to block continuous and large-scale aquaculture production, larval nutrition, disease management and culture systems. However, aquaculture holds the potential to enhance the sustainability of this species by reducing fishing pressure and aiding population recovery.