Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries最新文献

{"title":"Survival and Growth Performance of Gracilariopsis chorda and Grateloupia divaricata Under High-Temperature and Low-Salinity Whiteleg Shrimp Culture Conditions","authors":"Pyo Il Han,&nbsp;Jong Won Park,&nbsp;Beom-Sik Kim,&nbsp;Chung Il Lee","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70285","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70285","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Land-based aquaculture has emerged as an alternative to overcome the limitations of marine farming systems that are vulnerable to environmental fluctuations. The whiteleg shrimp (<i>Litopenaeus vannamei</i>) is one of the representative species cultured in land-based systems because it can be reared under low-salinity (approximately 15 PSU) and high-temperature (approximately 28°C) conditions. Seaweed co-culture has been suggested as a promising approach for enhancing resource production in land-based shrimp farming systems. However, knowledge regarding seaweed species that can survive and grow under these conditions is still insufficient. Therefore, expanding the range of potentially applicable seaweed species with economic value is necessary. In this study, two representative euryhaline red seaweeds, <i>Gracilariopsis chorda</i> and <i>Grateloupia divaricata</i>, were cultured using water from a land-based whiteleg shrimp culture system, and their survival and growth performance were evaluated. <i>G. divaricata</i> maintained a survival rate (SR) above 90% throughout the 3-week culture period, whereas the SR of <i>G. chorda</i> declined to below 40% after 2 weeks. During the culture period, the mean biomass of <i>G. divaricata</i> remained at 0.03 ± 0.01 g, whereas that of <i>G. chorda</i> decreased from 0.12 ± 0.02 to 0.03 ± 0.01 g. These results suggest that survival and growth responses may differ among seaweed species under environmental conditions characteristic of land-based whiteleg shrimp culture systems. This study provides a preliminary assessment of seaweed survival and growth performance and may serve as baseline information for future studies evaluating nutrient removal capacity, physiological characteristics and long-term cultivation performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"6 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70285","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148534005","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":"Comparative Case Study of Small-Scale Fish Processing for Local Seafood Supply","authors":"Jingjing Tao,&nbsp;Kwamena K. Quagrainie","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70274","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70274","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study examines the cost feasibility of local seafood processing as a market diversification strategy for small-scale aquaculture producers in the US Midwest. It addresses a gap in the literature by moving beyond commercial processing and mass marketing of processed seafood to assess the cost profitability of niche local fish processing under alternative facility choices. Using a case study profitability analysis, we compare the use of two facility types, a commercial kitchen and an on-farm kitchen, for two species, tilapia and rainbow trout, at three production scales: 2500, 5000 and 10,000 lb/year. The analysis incorporates enterprise budgeting, break-even pricing, profitability index, discounted payback period, net present value and sensitivity testing under uncertainty in raw product prices, rental rates and set-up costs. Results show that commercial kitchens are profitable for both species across all production scales, making them a lower risk entry option for niche value-added seafood processing. On-farm kitchens are more scale-dependent: Tilapia is unprofitable at 2500 and 5000 lb/year but becomes profitable at 10,000 lb/year, whereas rainbow trout becomes profitable at 5000 lb/year under a 15% markup and at 10,000 lb/year under both markup scenarios. These findings suggest that producers should match processing infrastructure to scale, species and pricing strategy. For extension practitioners, the results offer practical guidance for business planning, facility selection and risk management in local seafood business enterprises.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"6 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70274","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148533745","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":"Nutritional Value of Biofloc Meal for White Cachama (Piaractus orinoquensis): Effects of Inclusion Level on Digestibility, Growth Performance, and Protein Retention","authors":"Natalia Álvarez-Perdomo,&nbsp;Carlos Arturo David Ruales,&nbsp;Luis Felipe Collazos Lasso,&nbsp;Laura Suarez Contento,&nbsp;Julian Camilo Barreto Montenegro","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70272","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70272","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Biofloc technology (BFT) offers a sustainable aquaculture strategy; however, the value of its byproduct, biofloc meal (BFM), as a feed ingredient requires validation for key species. This study evaluated the use of BFM from a tilapia–molasses system as a feed ingredient for white cachama (<i>Piaractus orinoquensis</i>) juveniles. First, the BFM was characterized, revealing a moderate crude protein (CP) content (37.6 ± 5.3%) but high ash content (17.3 ± 3.7%) and with some essential amino acids (methionine and tryptophan) below the limits of detection of the employed analytical procedure. The apparent digestibility coefficients for protein and gross energy were low at 58.3% and 26.8%, respectively. Subsequently, a 45-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate six isoproteic diets (32% CP) with increasing inclusion levels of BFM, ranging from 0% to 19.0% of the total diet in a BFT system. Although survival was high (&gt;95%) across all treatments, feed efficiency deteriorated significantly with BFM inclusion. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) increased from 2.0 ± 0.1 (control) to 3.2 ± 1.3 (50% BFM), and the apparent protein retention (APR) decreased from 35.3 ± 3.4% to 16.7 ± 6.3% (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). Regression analysis indicated that this decline follows a linear trend, suggesting that for every unit increase in BFM inclusion, there is a proportional decrease in performance. This implies that there is no optimal level of inclusion for raw BFM; rather, low levels contribute to a reduction in efficiency. We conclude that raw BFM from a tilapia–molasses system is unsuitable as a major protein replacement under the tested conditions; however, its potential as a functional additive warrants further investigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"6 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70272","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148533746","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":"A Review of Rice–Fish Farming in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam: Practices, Challenges and Future Perspectives","authors":"Chau Thi Da,&nbsp;Thai Huynh Phương Lan,&nbsp;Nguyen Thanh Tam,&nbsp;Hakan Berg","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70277","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70277","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Rice and fish are staple foods essential for food security, supplying carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids and fatty acids vital to human nutrition. In Vietnam, they also underpin local and national economies. Rice is predominantly cultivated in irrigated systems under diverse ecological and hydrological conditions, particularly in flood-prone areas that sustain wild fish habitats, aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem productivity. This review synthesizes existing knowledge and provides a comprehensive overview of the history and status of rice-field fisheries resources in the context of agricultural development in the Mekong Delta. It synthesizes evidence on the typology, technological practices, diversity of farming models, ecological interactions, economic performance and environmental sustainability of integrated rice–fish (RF) production systems. The review further identifies key drivers, benefits, constraints, policy frameworks and development opportunities, highlighting the contribution of integrated RF and rice–aquatic systems to food security, rural livelihoods, sustainable agriculture and climate resilience in Vietnam. The findings indicate a substantial decline in wild rice-field fisheries and aquatic biodiversity, primarily due to the expansion of intensive rice monocropping and aquaculture production. In response, RF farming in the Mekong Delta has evolved into multiple forms, including wild rice-field fisheries, community-based aquaculture and concurrent and rotational RF and rice–aquatic animal systems, of which the latter two are the dominant production models. Integrated RF systems are increasingly recognized as effective nature-based solutions that enhance farm incomes, improve environmental quality, and deliver ecological and economic benefits. These systems increase rice and fish productivity, diversify household income and food sources, reduce agrochemical inputs and strengthen rural well-being. However, despite these advantages, including improved soil and water quality and reduced dependence on external inputs, integrated RF systems have not been widely adopted. Overall, this review demonstrates that agro-ecological RF and rice–aquatic farming systems offer a sustainable alternative to intensive rice monoculture.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"6 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70277","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148533781","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":"The Effect of Angler Education Materials on the Practice of Selective Harvest: Evidence From a Survey Experiment","authors":"Nathan W. Monroe,&nbsp;James F. Spriggs,&nbsp;Micheal S. Allen,&nbsp;Greg G. Sass","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70280","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70280","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Catch-and-release fishing campaigns have aided in fish conservation. In some cases, this success has perversely led to the decline of trophy fish via increased fish density. Little information exists on how to best address such cases of widely spread, but imperfectly implemented, social norms in fisheries. Our study tested a variety of message sources to establish the most effective format for changing angler behaviour. A survey experiment was administered online to licensed anglers in Wisconsin, Florida, and Missouri. All respondents were asked about their anticipated future behaviour regarding selective harvest after viewing at least two placebo videos related to fishing. Individuals in the treated groups watched a short additional video about the benefits of selective harvest, with the sole difference between treatments being the title given to the primary speaker. Anglers were significantly more likely to keep a small or big fish when presented with information on selective harvest regardless of the information source compared to not being provided information on selective harvest, except in the scenario of ‘at a fishery known for small fish, catch a big fish’. Anglers were significantly more likely to keep a small or big fish when presented with any information on selective harvest versus not, except in the scenario of ‘at a fishery known for small fish, catch a big fish’. Our results suggested that any information on selective harvest (contingent on anglers receiving it as was forced by our experimental design) had the potential to increase the likelihood of keeping a small fish. An overall reluctance to keep any size of fish was evident, particularly for big fish. Lingering reluctance to keep fish suggests a need for further research regarding revealed behavioural changes in response to education to promote selective harvest to satisfy diverse anglers desires of higher catch rates and trophy potential.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"6 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70280","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148533666","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":"Comparative Efficiency of Two Indigenously Isolated Probiotic Strains on Growth Performance and Health Profile of Advance Fry of Labeo rohita","authors":"Imrana Amir,&nbsp;Amina Zuberi,&nbsp;Abeer Kazmi,&nbsp;Muhammad Kamran,&nbsp;Muhammad Imran,&nbsp;Aamir Amanat Ali Khan,&nbsp;Md. Fakhrul Islam,&nbsp;Aneela Nijabat,&nbsp;Gabriela Medina-Pérez,&nbsp;Armando Pelaez-Acero,&nbsp;Amir Ali","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70279","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70279","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Due to variations in the mode of action and efficacy, the “one-size-fits-all” model cannot be applied to probiotics. Thus, selecting specific probiotic strains/species for the selected fish species in a particular culture condition/environment is a prerequisite to acquire maximal benefits. Local strains of bacteria <i>Bacillus cereus</i> and yeast <i>Geotrichum candidum-</i>QAUGC-01 were investigated as potential probiotics for <i>Labeo rohita</i>. An eleven-week feeding trial was conducted in triplicate using four experimental groups: control_A (basal feed only), T₁ (basal feed supplemented with <i>G. candidum</i> at 1 × 10⁹ CFU/g feed), T₂ (basal feed supplemented with <i>B. cereus</i> at 1 × 10⁹ CFU/g feed), and T₃ (basal feed supplemented with both probiotics at 1 × 10⁹ CFU/g feed). The effects of probiotic supplementation were assessed through survival, growth performance, gut microbiota, enzyme activity, muscle composition, haematological and immunological responses, and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity. The results indicated the most significant effect (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) of <i>G. candidum</i> in terms of final weight, specific growth rate, biomass, survival (%), gut microbial count, and muscle composition in T1_A group along with the highest activity of all studied intestinal enzymes. Moreover, a significant increase (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) in erythrocytes (RBCs), leukocytes (WBCs), haemoglobin (Hb), and haematocrit (HCT %) was observed in the T1_A group, followed by the T3_A group. The immunological indices such as plasma protein level, immunoglobulin (IgM), serum lysozyme activity, respiratory burst, and phagocytic activity also showed a similar trend, that is, highest in T1_A followed by T3_A, and the lowest values were observed in the T2_A group. AST level showed an opposite trend as it was the highest in the T2_A group, while the lowest level was observed in the T1_A group. Furthermore, after performing a challenge test with <i>Aeromonas hydrophila</i>, enhanced survival (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) was found in the T1_A group. This investigation reveals the higher efficiency of <i>G. candidum</i> as compared to <i>B. cereus</i> and suggests its application for improving <i>L. rohita</i> advanced fry production.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"6 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70279","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148533655","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":"Relative Growth, Sexual Dimorphism and Morphological Sexual Maturity of the Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachium rude (Heller, 1862) (Decapoda: Palaemonidae)","authors":"Ferdous Ahamed,&nbsp;Susen Sarker,&nbsp;Zoarder Faruque Ahmed,&nbsp;Mahamudul Hoque Rimon,&nbsp;Kaniz Fatema","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70281","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70281","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Macrobrachium rude</i> is an autochthonous prawn species of Bangladesh, with a wide distribution across southern Asia and parts of eastern Africa. This study aims to analyse the relative growth of morphometric characters of this species in order to evaluate the sexual dimorphism and to estimate the onset of morphological sexual maturity. A total of 637 individuals were examined to measure carapace length (CL), body length (BL), rostrum length (RL), brood chamber width (BCW), cheliped propodus length (CPL) and second pleuron length (SPL). Females exhibited significantly larger body size and other body dimensions than males, indicating pronounced sexual dimorphism. Allometric shifts between demographic categories were best demonstrated by the relationships of RL versus CL, BCW versus CL and CPL versus CL, with transition points occurring at 8.1, 8.9 and 9.6 mm CL, respectively. The estimated size at the onset of morphological sexual maturity (CL₅₀) of female <i>M. rude</i> was 8.9 mm. Overall, these findings enhance understanding of the species’ morphological and reproductive aspects and provide valuable insights for assessing the conservation status of the studied population.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"6 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70281","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148533665","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":"Global Burden of Clinostomum complanatum in Freshwater Fish: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prevalence and Pathological Effect","authors":"Mengesha Ayehu Getnet,&nbsp;Melkie Dagnaw Fenta,&nbsp;Asnakew Mulaw Berihun,&nbsp;Wilmien Luus Powell,&nbsp;Moges Maru Alemayehu,&nbsp;Tameru Gedefaw Mebratie,&nbsp;Zenebe Jemere Aragaw,&nbsp;Zewdu Seyoum Tarekegn","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70278","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70278","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Clinostomum complanatum</i> infection is a trematode parasite infecting diverse freshwater fish hosts, causing pathological damage and economic losses. Despite its veterinary and public health importance, its global burden remains insufficiently quantified. This study aimed to assess the global burden of <i>C. complanatum</i> infection in fish, focusing on prevalence, habitat associations and pathological impacts. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Literature published from database inception to 7 June 2025 was searched. Thirty studies involving 70 freshwater fish species from 18 families were included. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated using random-effects models in R software. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's <i>Q</i> and <i>I</i>² statistics, whereas subgroup analyses and Egger's regression test were performed to evaluate variability and publication bias. The prevalence of <i>C. complanatum</i> varied markedly among fish species, reaching 100% in <i>Squalidus chankaensis</i> but remaining undetected in species such as <i>Cobitis biwae</i>, <i>Hypomesus transpacificus</i>, <i>Salangichthys microdon</i> and <i>Silurus asotus</i>. The pooled global prevalence was 28.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.0%–36.5%), with substantial heterogeneity (<i>I</i>² = 99.0%). Significant variation was observed across fish families, geographic regions and habitat types. The highest prevalence occurred in Percidae (97%), Osphronemidae (67%) and Gobionidae (65%). Regionally, Africa (49%) and Europe (46%) showed the highest prevalence. Infection rates were higher in aquaculture systems (45%) than in natural habitats. Metacercariae predominantly encyst in muscle, buccal and branchial tissues, producing yellow grub cysts associated with muscle degeneration and inflammatory responses. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was the most frequently used molecular marker, although molecular diagnostic approaches remained limited overall. <i>C. complanatum</i> is a widespread and heterogeneous threat to freshwater fish health. Standardized surveillance, greater use of molecular diagnostics and targeted control strategies, particularly in aquaculture systems, are essential to reduce infection burden, economic losses and potential zoonotic risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"6 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70278","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148533713","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":"Long-Term Effects of a Dietary Humic Substance–Butyrate Blend, and Yeast Cell Wall on Growth Performance, Immune Status and Gut Microbiota of Juvenile Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus","authors":"Abdulmalik A. Oladipupo,&nbsp;Anita M. Kelly,&nbsp;D. Allen Davis,&nbsp;Benjamin H. Beck,&nbsp;Luke A. Roy,&nbsp;Timothy J. Bruce","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70273","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70273","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study evaluated the long-term effects of a dietary humic substance and butyrate blend (HSB) alone or with yeast cell wall (Beta-MOS) in channel catfish. Around 1440 fish (31.31 ± 0.24 g) were distributed among 12 outdoor tanks in a pond-supplied flow-through design. Four dietary treatments were evaluated in triplicate: Diets containing no supplements (control), 2 g kg⁻¹ of HSB (HSB), 0.5 g kg⁻¹ of yeast cell wall (BM) or a combination of 1 g kg⁻¹ HSB and 0.25 g kg⁻¹ BM (HSB+BM) for 90 days. All growth indices increased over time (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.050); however, diet did not affect growth parameters (<i>p</i> &gt; 0.05), except for per cent weight gain (PWG) (<i>p</i> = 0.027). PWG differed among treatments after 90 days (<i>p</i> = 0.016), with the HSB yielding 470% PWG compared to 400% in the control (<i>p</i> = 0.011). Serum lysozyme activity was unaffected by dietary treatments (<i>p</i> = 0.128) but varied over time (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), with higher activity at 30 days compared to 60 or 90 days (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). Target immune genes in the head kidney were not different (<i>p</i> &gt; 0.050). Meanwhile, splenic <i>il1b</i> and <i>tnfa</i> expression varied over time (<i>p</i> = 0.036; <i>p</i> = 0.023), with upregulation at 30 days. Gut microbiome analyses showed treatment effects on richness after 90 days (<i>p</i> = 0.027), while beta diversity was influenced by time rather than treatments. Differential abundance analysis identified opportunistic taxa in the gut after 30 days, followed by commensal colonization at 60 and 90 days. Overall, dietary HSB at 2 g kg⁻¹ showed growth potential in channel catfish. While 0.5 g kg⁻¹ of BM did not affect performance, their combination at half inclusion rates yielded comparable growth. Therefore, HSB has the potential to support long-term growth performance while maintaining baseline health performance in commercial catfish aquaculture.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"6 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70273","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148532983","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":"Smallholder Fish Farmers’ Preferences for Climate-Smart Aquaculture Practices in Kakamega County, Kenya: A Latent Class Approach","authors":"Boke Christopher Magesi,&nbsp;Hillary Kiplangat Bett,&nbsp;Augustus Sammy Muluvi","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70276","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70276","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Aquaculture, identified as a critical sector to bridge the fish supply gap, remains extensively vulnerable to the vagaries of climate change. In efforts to achieve a “triple win” effect on increased productivity, enhanced resilience and reduced emissions, climate-smart aquaculture (CSAq) practices have been developed for implementation. However, this development calls for aligning innovations and technologies with the actual needs, priorities, and constraints of aqua farmers. Therefore, understanding fish farmers’ preferences for CSAq practices is critical to boost adoption and achieving sustainable aquaculture. This study has adopted a best–worst scaling technique to assess fish farmers’ preferences for CSAq practices among 220 smallholder farmers in Kakamega County Kenya, selected using a multistage sampling design. Descriptive and econometric analyses were conducted in data analysis. The study revealed four latent class membership among the farmers, determined by age, access to extension services and income. The results indicated that farmers attached high importance to the use of solar energy, water reuse, and water-harvesting technologies. Water treatment and the use of wind power had negative utility relative to the mean among aquafarmers. The paper concludes on the need for policy insights on technology incubation, training, and education programs to increase awareness and adoption of CSAq practices among farmers.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"6 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70276","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148533022","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}