Zoe Dahlquist, Dulaney L. Miller, Stephen J. Amish, Leif Howard, Michael McCartney, Gordon Luikart
{"title":"Invasive Species Monitoring Is Improved by Combining eDNA qPCR and Traditional Microscopy Methods","authors":"Zoe Dahlquist, Dulaney L. Miller, Stephen J. Amish, Leif Howard, Michael McCartney, Gordon Luikart","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70075","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70075","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species, such as non-native molluscs, plants, and fish, hinges on early detection to help managers avoid establishment. Here, we evaluated two detection methods for a prolific invader: dreissenid mussels. We compared environmental DNA (eDNA) testing to cross-polarized light microscopy detection (CPLM) of dreissenid larvae (veligers). Microscopy is widely used for dreissenid detection, whereas eDNA testing is not yet common. We analysed 85 samples collected from July 2014 to September 2015 from two water bodies in Minnesota with known infestations of zebra mussels (<i>Dreissena polymorpha</i>), and one water body (Duluth/Superior Harbour in Lake Superior) that is infested with both zebra and quagga mussels (<i>Dreissena rostriformis</i>). Using a probe-based quantitative PCR eDNA assay, we detected <i>Dreissena</i> eDNA in 34 of the 62 veliger-negative samples and 11 of the veliger-positive samples, whereas eDNA was not detected in 12 of the veliger positive samples. Our results suggest managers and researchers could improve early detection sensitivity by using eDNA testing of plankton tow-net sampling to complement microscopy detection of invasive bivalves. eDNA technologies, including large-volume tow-net sampling (with or without veligers present in the waterbody), can help prevent false negative detection outcomes and improve early detection of invasive mussel species.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"5 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70075","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144705590","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hatchery Salmon and Ecological Overshoot","authors":"Benjamin William Van Alen","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70103","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Is there an ecological niche for ‘ocean ranched’ hatchery salmon, <i>Oncorhynchus</i> spp., to supplement wild salmon? Ecologically, I hypothesize that the carrying capacity for biota is: (1) limited; (2) filled with locally adapted biota competing and cooperating to nurture viable offspring; and (3) sustained by the biogeochemical recycling of their nutrient elements. Thus, biotic abundance is limited more by the space and food needed to nurture viable adults than by the numbers reproduced. Hatchery immigrants compete for space and food with wild biota, spawn with and reduce the fitness and biodiversity of wild salmon, and their growth and commercial harvest consume more biogeochemical resources than they recycle. This contributes directly to ecological overshoot and to the declining or depressed populations of wild salmon, Pacific herring <i>Clupea pallasi</i> and eulachon <i>Thaleichthys pacificus</i> now observed in Southeast Alaska and wherever there are production releases of hatchery salmon. Industrial-scale hatcheries do not have a niche in sustainable salmon management.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"5 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70103","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144705591","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Paula Andrea Schaffer, Ashley K. McGrew, Jessica Henley, Catherine M. Adams, Dana L. Winkelman, Ryan M. Fitzpatrick, Pete Cadmus
{"title":"Sinoatrial Contracaeciasis in Johnny Darters (Etheostoma nigrum) and Plains Topminnow (Fundulus sciadicus) From the South Platte Drainage, Colorado","authors":"Paula Andrea Schaffer, Ashley K. McGrew, Jessica Henley, Catherine M. Adams, Dana L. Winkelman, Ryan M. Fitzpatrick, Pete Cadmus","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70100","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70100","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Intra-sinoatrial nematodes were incidentally recognized in wild-caught Colorado Johnny Darters (<i>Etheostoma nigrum</i>, JD) in 2020–2021 and in Colorado Plains Topminnow (<i>Fundulus sciadicus</i>, PTM) in 2023-2024. PTM and JD were evaluated histologically. Nematodes dissected from PTM were used for morphologic evaluation and molecular identification. The first and second internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) of ribosomal DNA were sequenced. Sinoatrial nematodes were found in two of 1232 JD (0.2%) and nine of 110 PTM (8.2%). Worms caused dilation or aneurysm of the sinus venosus. One JD had severe sinus venosus phlebitis. Morphologic, histologic and molecular features were diagnostic for <i>Contracaecum</i> spp. This is the first identification of larval <i>Contracaecum</i> in PTM, the first record of an intravascular nematode in this species, and the first documentation of vascular localization of <i>Contracaecum</i> larvae in JD. Vascular pathology could result in increased susceptibility to predation and favour the completion of the nematode life cycle. Parasites could become detrimental to population survival, especially those that are stressed by ecological and anthropogenic factors.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"5 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70100","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144687847","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Subeda Newase, Mohammad Ekramul Haque, Mahima Ranjan Acharjee, Trina Das, Sifatun Nur, Sadia Afrin, Zannatul Nayma, S. K. M. Azizul Islam, Helena Khatoon
{"title":"Feeding Mystus gulio Fry With Different Dietary Inclusion of Coccomyxa Sp.: Changes in Nutritional Profile, Pigments and Digestive Enzyme Activities","authors":"Subeda Newase, Mohammad Ekramul Haque, Mahima Ranjan Acharjee, Trina Das, Sifatun Nur, Sadia Afrin, Zannatul Nayma, S. K. M. Azizul Islam, Helena Khatoon","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70102","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70102","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of <i>Coccomyxa</i> sp. on the survival, nutritional profile, pigments and digestive enzyme activities of <i>Mystus gulio</i>. A 75-day feeding trial was performed during which the fish fry were fed with microalgae as a partial replacement for other nutritional components. The fry were fed five different diets: a commercial feed, a control diet without <i>Coccomyxa</i> sp. and three experimental diets incorporating <i>Coccomyxa</i> sp. at varying rates of T1 (5% inclusion), T2 (10% inclusion) and T3 (15% inclusion). Fry (35 per tank) were cultured in triplicate 35 L glass tanks and fed twice a day at 5% of their body weight. The findings showed that among the treatment groups, T3 had the highest survival rate (81% ± 4.36%), followed by T1, T2, control and commercial. Furthermore, T3 had the highest quantities of protein (43.8% ± 6.55% dry weight) and lipids (25.9% ± 0.68% dry weight), whereas T2 had higher amounts of carbohydrate (14.9% ± 1.99% dry weight). Meanwhile, the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content varied significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.05) among the treatments, whereas T3 was the highest (41.75 ± 0.12 ppm). Additionally, it was also found that the T3 group exhibited higher carotenoid and astaxanthin content in the fish body. Moreover, the T2 diet resulted in higher levels of amylase (13.7 ± 0.16 U/g) compared to the other diets. Conversely, protease (12.6 ± 0.15 U/g) and lipase (2.20 ± 0.13 U/g) activity were found greater in T3 treatment. These results suggest that microalgae can be used as a viable and alternative feed ingredient in aquaculture diets.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"5 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70102","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144681118","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Christopher Mulanda Aura, Hezron Awandu, Venny Mziri, Fonda Jane Awuor, Chrispine S. Nyamweya, Safina Musa, Melckzedeck Osore
{"title":"Unbundling Fish Kills Associated Losses and Compliance Aspects in Lacustrine Cage Aquaculture Farms","authors":"Christopher Mulanda Aura, Hezron Awandu, Venny Mziri, Fonda Jane Awuor, Chrispine S. Nyamweya, Safina Musa, Melckzedeck Osore","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70101","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70101","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Cage fish farming has emerged as a key component of aquaculture in Lake Victoria, Kenya, providing critical contributions to food security, employment and local livelihoods. Despite its growth, the sector faces recurring challenges—including inadequate regulatory compliance, poor environmental management and frequent mass fish kills that threaten its long-term sustainability. Notably, there is a lack of empirical data and structured analyses on the economic consequences of these fish kills and the extent of non-compliance with statutory regulations. The mass fish kills that occurred in November 2022 in Kisumu and Homa Bay counties highlighted these systemic vulnerabilities, resulting in significant financial losses and ecological disruptions. This study addresses this critical gap by assessing the socio-economic impacts and governance shortcomings associated with fish kills in Lake Victoria's cage aquaculture. Specifically, the study quantifies economic losses, evaluates regulatory compliance among affected farms and proposes actionable recommendations to enhance sustainability and resilience in the sector. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving surveys, stakeholder interviews and field observations across 10 affected beaches. The study found that fish kills led to total economic losses of $7.7 million, with Kisumu County incurring 95.35% of the losses. High-density cage farms, particularly at Ogal, experienced severe losses due to overcrowding, degraded water quality and nutrient accumulation. Harmful algal blooms exacerbated these conditions, leading to widespread fish mortality. Male-owned farms bore the largest financial burden, reflecting their dominance in the sector. The lack of compliance with statutory licensing requirements further amplified vulnerabilities. Inadequate governance, poor environmental management and limited farmer training are critical threats to cage aquaculture sustainability. Therefore, strengthening regulatory frameworks, promoting environmental monitoring and enhancing farmer capacity through training are recommended. Additionally, integrating Beach Management Units (BMUs) into formal governance frameworks and supporting cooperative farming models could enhance fish health resilience.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"5 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70101","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144681116","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Boke Christopher Magesi, Augustus Sammy Muluvi, Hillary Kiplangat Bett
{"title":"Determinants of Choice of Climate Smart Aquaculture Practices: Insights From Smallholder Fish Farmers in Kakamega County, Kenya","authors":"Boke Christopher Magesi, Augustus Sammy Muluvi, Hillary Kiplangat Bett","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70096","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70096","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The impact of climate change on aquaculture threatens global food security, disrupting fish productivity and sector sustainability. Climate-smart aquaculture (CSAq) offers a viable strategy to mitigate these challenges, particularly during droughts, through practices such as adjusted fish stocking, dam lining, tanks, boreholes and pond covers. Despite their benefits, adoption among smallholder fish farmers in Kakamega County remains low. This study examines factors influencing CSAq adoption among 220 smallholder fish farmers, selected through a multistage sampling technique. A multivariate probit model was employed to analyse the data. Results indicate that farming experience, gender, education level, age, land ownership, household size, extension service frequency and access to CSAq training significantly influence the adoption of these practices. Farmers with more experience, higher education and greater access to training and extension services were more likely to implement CSAq techniques. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to enhance CSAq adoption. Policies promoting knowledge dissemination, improved farmer training and increased access to extension services are crucial for strengthening climate resilience in aquaculture. Investment in these areas will encourage smallholder farmers to adopt CSAq practices, ensuring sustainable fish production and long-term sector stability amid climate change challenges.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"5 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70096","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144672890","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Saccharina japonica Industry in China: Status, Challenges and Solutions","authors":"Sining Zheng, Yanfen Yan, Yiran Song","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70099","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70099","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Saccharina japonica</i> is a cold-water macroalga mainly distributed in the coastal areas of the North Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, and it is one of the seaweed varieties with the largest culture production in the world. <i>S. japonica</i> cultivation plays a pivotal role in the aquaculture industry of China's coastal provinces. In recent decades, China's <i>S. japonica</i> production has steadily increased, and the country has become the largest producer and exporter of <i>S. japonica</i> in the world. This paper presents in detail the development status of China's <i>S. japonica</i> industry from the aspects of <i>S. japonica</i> varieties, main production areas, culture production and area, seedings, processing, brands, import and export trade, culture models and disease. The paper further discusses the challenges faced in the development of China's <i>S. japonica</i> industry and proposes a series of strategic solutions to foster its sustainable growth. These efforts aim to provide Chinese experiences and viable strategies for other <i>S. japonica</i> farming countries in the world.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"5 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70099","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144647395","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Brendan C. Ebner, Shaun S. Morris, John St Vincent Welch, Paul C. Ryan, Mitch Turner, Leo M. Cameron, Natalie Poitras, Brooke Coonrod, Stuart Welsh, Matthew McLellan, Lachie Jess, Stephen Vidler, Brett A. Ingram, Stephen Thurstan, Stuart J. Rowland, Sean Blake, Gavin L. Butler
{"title":"Blueprints for Riverine Cod Nest Boxes Draw From Multiple Design Considerations","authors":"Brendan C. Ebner, Shaun S. Morris, John St Vincent Welch, Paul C. Ryan, Mitch Turner, Leo M. Cameron, Natalie Poitras, Brooke Coonrod, Stuart Welsh, Matthew McLellan, Lachie Jess, Stephen Vidler, Brett A. Ingram, Stephen Thurstan, Stuart J. Rowland, Sean Blake, Gavin L. Butler","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70095","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70095","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Designing aquatic nest boxes is rarely afforded detailed scientific account. Here we provide some historical context for nest boxes used in production of large-bodied fishes of the Australian freshwater cod genus <i>Maccullochella</i>. Our experience with eastern freshwater cod is used as a case study to: (a) convey aspects of the complexity of the nest box design process and to (b) demonstrate the importance of visual literacy in project communication across the variety of contributors to the eco-design process. Specifically, we describe a new, two-variant, triangular nest box design for application in rivers and modifications to a standard stainless steel nest box for hatchery-pond-based spawning of eastern freshwater cod <i>M. ikei</i>. We designed the boxes to test adult preference for single versus double entrance/exits to cavities in hatchery and field environments. An important consideration specific to hatchery production is harvesting demersal, adhesive eggs prior to hatching to minimise fungal infection of eggs and physical loss of larvae, in addition to providing critical first feeding of larvae. In contrast, field nest box design incorporated multiple factors and associated trade-offs related to both internal and external design, ranging from manufacturer capability, material types, cost, transportability, hydrological performance, biodegradability, retrievability, as well as biological and ecological function. Only preliminary findings from field nest box deployments are provided here, and we focus primarily on elements of visual language in the form of conceptual drawings, sketches and final schematics which have been central to our process. We emphasise the benefit of harnessing input from multiple fields of expertise and documenting and testing designs of nest boxes for cavity nesting fishes, under both controlled hatchery and more complex field conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"5 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70095","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144635320","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gerald Kwikiriza, Mavindu Muthoka, Timothy Omara, Ivan Abaho, Papius Dias Tibihika, Manuel Curto, Mary A. Opiyo, Jonathan Munguti, Jacob Abwao, Paul Orina, Harald Meimberg
{"title":"Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) Cage Aquaculture in Africa: Potential Threats to Congeneric Fish Species and Advances to Detect Escapes","authors":"Gerald Kwikiriza, Mavindu Muthoka, Timothy Omara, Ivan Abaho, Papius Dias Tibihika, Manuel Curto, Mary A. Opiyo, Jonathan Munguti, Jacob Abwao, Paul Orina, Harald Meimberg","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70090","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70090","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Cage fish farming, a recent development in aquaculture, has enhanced fisheries production due to its higher stocking densities than traditional pond and open-water systems. Although it can enhance production, the system can pose biodiversity threats when there is an unintentional or intentional release of stocked fish into the wild. In this review, we examine the expansion of Nile tilapia (<i>Oreochromis niloticus</i> L.) cage aquaculture in Africa and the potential threats that this may have on congeneric <i>Oreochromis</i> species. Threats such as interspecific competition, disease transmission and hybridisation, which are drivers of genetic diversity loss among native fish populations, have been reported. However, most studies have focused on investigating cage fish production, water quality and the associated economics, but research assessing the genetic and ecological impacts imposed by the escaped fish from cages on native species is still limited across African countries. While direct evidence of hybridisation due to cage fish farming is lacking, genetic mixing of Nile tilapia with native <i>Oreochromis</i> species has been reported in some African water bodies. Further, only Egypt, Kenya and Uganda have functional Fisheries and Aquaculture regulations for guiding the aquaculture activities. Thus, there is an urgent need to institute regulatory frameworks that not only provide clear guidelines on aquaculture production but also balance between environmental conservation and economic sustainability.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"5 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70090","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144624233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Seascapes of Economic Returns: Income Distribution and Inequality in Tanzania's Seafood Trade","authors":"Franco Mbegallo, Betty Waized, Zena Mpenda","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70093","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70093","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Global trade in marine and aquaculture fishery products reached $186 billion by 2022, reflecting a 63% increase over the past decade and contributing to economic growth and supporting Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2 and 14. Tanzania's exports of processed small pelagic products surged to $3.9 million in 2023–2024, driven by rising demand in African markets, while exports of crustacean products to the global north reached $11.8 million. Despite the sector's contribution to economic growth and livelihoods, the influence of marine trade on microeconomic development and income distribution among actors remains underexplored. This study fills this gap by examining the distribution of trade benefits and associated inequality in Tanzania's seafood trade. The study was conducted at four landing sites in three coastal districts of Tanzania. The net income distribution approach, Lorenz concentration curve and Gini coefficient were used to analyse income distribution and inequality in seafood trade. Findings showed a significant gap in income and costs across actors in the small pelagic and crustacean value chains, with traders earning higher income than other actors. The Gini coefficients for the small pelagic and crustacean chains were 0.58 and 0.44, respectively, signifying greater income inequality among traders (aggregators and wholesalers), processors and fishers in both chains. The study recommends improving market infrastructure and institutionalising pre-trade agreements to ensure a fair distribution of benefits within the sector.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"5 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70093","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144598674","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}