Claudia Gili, Daniele Canestrelli, Eva Salvati, Graziano Fiorito, Adriana Federica Cerizza, Paola Cirino, Fanny Mille, Luigi Musco, Giovanni De Martino, Antonino Pace, Luciano Bosso, Raffaele Panzuto
{"title":"Ethics, Laws, and Research: The Case of Mediterranean Seahorses (Hippocampus hippocampus and Hippocampus guttulatus)","authors":"Claudia Gili, Daniele Canestrelli, Eva Salvati, Graziano Fiorito, Adriana Federica Cerizza, Paola Cirino, Fanny Mille, Luigi Musco, Giovanni De Martino, Antonino Pace, Luciano Bosso, Raffaele Panzuto","doi":"10.1111/raq.70072","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.70072","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Conservation projects seek to protect species, restore habitats, and mitigate threats such as habitat loss, climate change, and unsustainable resource use. These projects often rely on acquiring ecological data from the wild to support biodiversity management and promote resilience through informed management decisions. Animal use is usually crucial for investigating ecosystem dynamics, species ecology, and management strategies amidst growing human pressures. Field research in natural habitats, along with captive breeding programs, remains fundamental in addressing complex global ecological challenges in this sense. Projects involving live animals provide critical insights into practical management; however, ethical considerations become central, particularly for protected species, necessitating research protocols that prioritize animal welfare while balancing scientific objectives. Nevertheless, animal research presents ethical, legal, and practical challenges, and traditional laboratory systems “might not fit all” species. This paper explores conservation research projects on marine fish from legislative and practical perspectives by looking at current norms, animal welfare aspects, and conservation outcomes. The two iconic Mediterranean species, <i>Hippocampus hippocampus</i> and <i>Hippocampus guttulatus,</i> are analyzed as model examples to produce best practice indications and provide researchers with a practical path to outline scientific project design in marine conservation studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":227,"journal":{"name":"Reviews in Aquaculture","volume":"17 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":11.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/raq.70072","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144767588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hong Zhang, KhaiHang Choong, Zexin Li, Yu Hao, Kit-Leong Cheong, Karsoon Tan
{"title":"Nutrition and Nutraceutical Values of Commercially Important Oysters: A Systematic Review","authors":"Hong Zhang, KhaiHang Choong, Zexin Li, Yu Hao, Kit-Leong Cheong, Karsoon Tan","doi":"10.1111/raq.70074","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.70074","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Oysters are a nutritious source of animal protein. While previous reviews have examined certain specific nutrients in bivalves, they often overlook nutrient interactions (proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates) and their broader implications for human health. Furthermore, as emerging research continues to explore bivalve nutrition, there is a pressing need for a comprehensive review consolidating the latest findings in this rapidly advancing field. In this context, this study evaluates the protein and lipid quality of oysters worldwide, as well as the nutraceutical potential of their polysaccharides. It also examines trends in oyster nutrition research and identifies key areas for future studies. The findings revealed that most oysters are rich in essential amino acids and omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, with amino acid profiles closely matching human dietary requirements, and lipid quality indices (EPA + DHA, PUFA/SFA, n-3/n-6) exceeding recommended values. Additionally, polysaccharides derived from oysters exhibit various bioactive properties, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulation, antioxidant, and prebiotic effects, underscoring their potential as nutraceuticals. However, the nutritional composition of oysters varies considerably by species and geographic origin, necessitating careful selection for dietary and nutraceutical applications. The findings of this study not only synthesize existing data to identify promising oyster candidates for functional foods and nutraceuticals but also provide guidance for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers in optimizing oysters for health-focused diets and supplements, given their species- and origin-dependent nutritional variability.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":227,"journal":{"name":"Reviews in Aquaculture","volume":"17 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":11.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144767592","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Danilo Pedro Streit Jr., Rômulo Batista Rodrigues, Jhony Lisboa Benato, Gregory Brayan Valdívia-Gutiérrez, Eduardo Thomé Nicoleti, Leonardo Queiroz de Alencar, Thales Lysakowski Flores Machado, Larise Caroline Oliveira Lima, Marco Aurélio Rotta, Thales de Souza França
{"title":"A Systematic Review of Brycon Genus Sperm Cryopreservation Protocols: Challenges on Ex-Situ Conservation for Sustainable Aquaculture","authors":"Danilo Pedro Streit Jr., Rômulo Batista Rodrigues, Jhony Lisboa Benato, Gregory Brayan Valdívia-Gutiérrez, Eduardo Thomé Nicoleti, Leonardo Queiroz de Alencar, Thales Lysakowski Flores Machado, Larise Caroline Oliveira Lima, Marco Aurélio Rotta, Thales de Souza França","doi":"10.1111/raq.70064","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.70064","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This systematic review shows an overview of the history of protocols used for genus <i>Brycon</i> sperm cryopreservation. Relevant studies were identified from Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Scielo databases. Thirty-four studies published between 2001 and 2021 were included in the systematic review following the eligibility criteria. Selected studies showed cryopreservation protocols of nine species of the genus <i>Brycon</i>, with <i>Brycon orbignyanus</i> being the most studied species. The studies were conducted by Brazilian (76.5%) and Colombian (23.5%) researchers, with the majority (68.6%) carried out in hydroelectric plants promoting fish restocking programs. Two main protocols were extensively investigated across nine studied species: 10% methyl glycol +5% Beltsville Thawing Solution and 10% dimethyl sulfoxide +5% glucose. However, the protocols lacked standardization regarding equilibrium time and temperature, freezing and thawing curves, or sperm-to-cryoprotectant solution ratios. Limited collaboration among research groups from the two South American countries was identified as a significant factor in this lack of standardization. In addition, emerging approaches for sperm cryopreservation are necessary, such as developing less toxic alternative cryoprotectants. Implementing advanced cryopreservation methodologies and using artificial intelligence and machine learning can optimize protocols by modeling key parameters and enhancing post-thaw sperm quality. These findings underscore the need for collaboration between research groups to develop standardized cryopreservation protocols and establish functionally accessible germplasm banks. Such measures are essential for the ex-situ conservation and long-term sustainability of aquaculture involving species of the genus <i>Brycon</i>.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":227,"journal":{"name":"Reviews in Aquaculture","volume":"17 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":11.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144767587","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gesche Krause, Ramón Filgueira, Nesar Ahmed, Karen A. Alexander, Furqan Asif, Lucia Fanning, Sebastian C. A. Ferse, Nike Fuchs, Jon Grant, Jordi Guillen, Christina Hörterer, Teresa R. Johnson, Matthias Kaiser, Hauke L. Kite-Powell, Cornelia M. Kreiss, Doug Lipton, Sandra L. Marin, Eirik Mikkelssen, Laura Nahuelhual, Selina M. Stead, Sander W. K. van den Burg, Sebastián Villasante
{"title":"The Local Turn in a Global Sea: Identifying Sustainability Trade-Offs in Regionalized Marine Aquaculture Systems","authors":"Gesche Krause, Ramón Filgueira, Nesar Ahmed, Karen A. Alexander, Furqan Asif, Lucia Fanning, Sebastian C. A. Ferse, Nike Fuchs, Jon Grant, Jordi Guillen, Christina Hörterer, Teresa R. Johnson, Matthias Kaiser, Hauke L. Kite-Powell, Cornelia M. Kreiss, Doug Lipton, Sandra L. Marin, Eirik Mikkelssen, Laura Nahuelhual, Selina M. Stead, Sander W. K. van den Burg, Sebastián Villasante","doi":"10.1111/raq.70071","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.70071","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Marine aquaculture, like the broader seafood industry, relies heavily on international trade and global supply chains for both production and sales. Recent global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the conflicts in the Middle East, and trade tensions, have exposed the social and economic vulnerabilities inherent in a globalized production system. In response, these events have sparked growing interest in transitioning to localized and regional supply chain models. Calls to “buy national” and support domestic economies highlight this trend toward regionalization. This study explores the sustainability implications of regionalizing marine aquaculture by examining the four key segments of the supply chain. These are (1) upstream inputs and resources (2) aquaculture production (3) downstream added value-processing and (4) distribution–transportation. Potential benefits of regional production models include increased resilience to disruptions, lower transportation-related carbon emissions, and support for local economies. However, such models may also introduce trade-offs, including reduced production efficiency, supply and sales limitations, and implications for social, cultural, and governance structures. Our analysis reveals that the sustainability outcomes of regionalization are complex and context-dependent. It is influenced by the specific characteristics of existing supply chains and the regional contexts in which they operate. While regionalization may offer advantages in certain contexts, it does not guarantee improved sustainability. Thus, it is crucial to critically assess the assumption that regionalization inherently leads to improved sustainability outcomes. Proactive evaluation of these dynamics is essential to develop strategies that maximize benefits while addressing potential trade-offs.</p>","PeriodicalId":227,"journal":{"name":"Reviews in Aquaculture","volume":"17 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":11.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/raq.70071","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144758625","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"mTOR Signaling in Aquaculture Animals: A Central Nutrient-Sensing Hub Orchestrating Growth, Metabolism, Health and Quality","authors":"Yue Liu, Kangsen Mai, Wenbing Zhang","doi":"10.1111/raq.70068","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.70068","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Functioning as a master coordinator, the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) coordinates nutrient availability and energy status to fundamental biological processes including growth, metabolism, and physiological homeostasis through evolutionarily conserved mechanisms. The capacity of mTOR to assimilate nutritional and metabolic signals places it as a central focus in aquaculture nutrition research. This review systematically synthesizes current knowledge on the regulatory mechanisms mediated by the mTOR in various physiological processes of aquatic animal species, with particular emphasis on the mTOR networks regulated by diverse dietary nutrients. It provides a comprehensive summary of the regulation of various feed ingredients in growth performance, metabolic homeostasis, immune responses, product quality optimization, and health maintenance via mTOR. Moreover, this review analyzes interspecies variations and dietary adaptations across aquatic animals and outlines future research prospects focusing on the mTOR networks. It aims to establish a scientific framework for advancing precision nutrition research by integrating molecular regulatory insights with dietary nutrients, ultimately facilitating efficient and sustainable aquaculture.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":227,"journal":{"name":"Reviews in Aquaculture","volume":"17 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":11.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144725588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Environmental Impacts of Salmonidae Farming: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis of Life Cycle Assessment Studies","authors":"Mausam Budhathoki, Sudikshya Phuyal, Sujita Pandey, Marianne Thomsen","doi":"10.1111/raq.70069","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.70069","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Salmonidae farming is a cornerstone of global aquaculture, but growing concerns about its environmental impacts highlight the urgent need for improved understanding and mitigation strategies. To address this, a systematic review of 31 life cycle assessment studies was conducted, with 15 providing sufficient data for in-depth meta-analysis. The global warming potential (GWP) results indicate that Salmonidae farming generates a median of 2570 kg CO<sub>2</sub>-eq per tonne of live weight, with an interquartile range of 2032–3802 kg, of which approximately 65% is attributed to feed production. Eutrophication potential (EP) was measured at 42.6 g PO<sub>4</sub><sup>3−</sup>-eq/t (range: 23–66), with 24% linked to feed, while acidification potential (AP) was 15.85 g SO<sub>2</sub>-eq/t (range: 10–28), with 68% from feed. Energy demand (ED) was found to be 54,365 MJ/t (range: 32,576–113,000), with 48.6% attributed to feed inputs. The feed conversion ratio significantly influenced GWP, EP, and AP outcomes. Meta-analysis revealed that flow-through systems have a lower GWP (effect size = −0.24) compared to recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), which showed a notably higher GWP (4.31). While RAS systems significantly reduce EP (−5.11), net-pen systems contribute moderately to EP (0.38). However, differences in GWP and EP between production systems were not statistically significant. Notably, most reviewed LCA studies lacked detailed feed composition data and did not fully quantify nitrogen emissions, limiting the accurate assessment of marine eutrophication impacts. Future research should prioritize improving LCA data quality, optimizing feed efficiency, and developing sustainable farming practices to further reduce its environmental footprint.</p>","PeriodicalId":227,"journal":{"name":"Reviews in Aquaculture","volume":"17 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/raq.70069","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144688151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Essential Oil Compounds as Antibiotic Alternatives: A Comprehensive Review of Antibacterial, Anti-Quorum Sensing, and Antibiofilm Effects Against Vibrio spp. in Aquaculture","authors":"Ramanathan Srinivasan, Xingkun Jin, Xiangmin Lin, Zhe Zhao","doi":"10.1111/raq.70065","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.70065","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>As global food demand rises, land-based production faces challenges such as limited arable land and sustainability concerns, whereas seafood offers a nutritionally diverse and environmentally sustainable alternative for future food security. Intensified farming has increased <i>Vibrio</i> spp. infections due to their genetic diversity and adaptability to environmental changes. The misuse or overuse of antibiotics in aquaculture exacerbates this issue, contributing to antibiotic resistance, environmental contamination, and residue accumulation in aquatic ecosystems. Given these challenges, exploring alternatives such as essential oil compounds with antibacterial, anti-quorum sensing, and anti-biofilm properties presents a promising approach to enhancing disease management in aquaculture while minimizing environmental impact. Although several studies have investigated the antipathogenic potential of essential oil compounds against <i>Vibrio</i> spp., a comprehensive review specifically addressing their antibacterial, anti-quorum sensing, and antibiofilm activities in aquaculture is lacking. This review aims to fill that gap by providing an in-depth analysis of essential oil compounds, focusing on their mechanisms of action, protective efficacy in aquatic animals, and potential to combat <i>Vibrio-</i>related infections. It also examines how nanoencapsulation systems enhance the stability and functional efficacy of essential oil compounds in seafood applications and reviews recent patents targeting their use against <i>Vibrio</i> spp. Additionally, this review identifies current research gaps. It proposes future directions for the sustainable use of essential oil compounds in aquaculture, emphasizing their potential as natural, eco-friendly alternatives to antibiotics and synthetic chemicals. Ultimately, it seeks to guide researchers in developing environmentally sustainable strategies for managing infectious diseases and improving the health of aquatic animals.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":227,"journal":{"name":"Reviews in Aquaculture","volume":"17 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144688152","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Roni Chandra Mondal, Jarrod L. Guppy, Maria A. Villacis-Escobar, Dean R. Jerry
{"title":"Beyond the Binary: Controlling Natural Sex-Change in Hermaphroditic Fishes","authors":"Roni Chandra Mondal, Jarrod L. Guppy, Maria A. Villacis-Escobar, Dean R. Jerry","doi":"10.1111/raq.70066","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.70066","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Sex-change in hermaphroditic fishes is a complex but natural biological phenomenon that has significant implications for aquaculture fingerling production, selective breeding, and grow-out. Understanding the physiological, endocrinological, and molecular pathways underlying hermaphroditism in fishes offers unique opportunities to manipulate male-to-female and female-to-male transitions and maintain desired sex-ratios in hatcheries. Control over natural sex-change in hermaphroditic fishes can be achieved in vivo through socio-environmental manipulation, neuro-endocrine regulation, exogenous steroid treatment, or inhibition of aromatase activity with aromatase inhibitors (AIs). This review synthesises the current body of literature and knowledge of the tools associated with controlling sex-change, specifically in hermaphroditic fishes. Importantly, the recent advances in applying steroidal and non-steroidal hormones/compounds to control sex-change are described, as well as the effect of these approaches on gamete quality, fertility, and reproductive success of fishes in this unique group. Through investigating current practices and potential side-effects of controlling natural sex-change, we aim to guide the development of more effective and viable methods for maintaining desired sex-ratios in aquaculture selective breeding. This review highlights the need for further research to optimise control strategies, minimise unintended impacts, and promote best practices in controlling sex-change in hermaphroditic fishes.</p>","PeriodicalId":227,"journal":{"name":"Reviews in Aquaculture","volume":"17 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/raq.70066","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144681206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Hidir, M. A. Aaqillah-Amr, S. N. Baiduri, N. M. A. Aina Liyana, H. Ma, M. Ikhwanuddin
{"title":"Evaluating Fertilization Control and Reproductive Manipulation Techniques for Enhancing Crustacean Reproductive Performance: A Review","authors":"A. Hidir, M. A. Aaqillah-Amr, S. N. Baiduri, N. M. A. Aina Liyana, H. Ma, M. Ikhwanuddin","doi":"10.1111/raq.70070","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.70070","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Crustacean aquaculture nowadays continues to rely heavily on wild broodstock. Various fertilization control and reproductive manipulation techniques, such as artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF), eyestalk ablation, hormonal injections, and culture condition manipulation, can improve crustacean reproduction as part of the domestication effort; however, the existing knowledge on these techniques is scattered. Therefore, this review paper gathers and consolidates fragmented knowledge on crustacean breeding, serving as a valuable reference for managing hatchery seed production. Artificial insemination involves introducing male sperm into the female genitalia to achieve in vivo fertilization, while IVF involves collecting oocytes and sperm and then using the sperm to fertilize the oocytes outside the body. Eyestalk ablation refers to the removal of one ocular globe from the crustacean's eyestalk to accelerate ovarian maturation. Other techniques, such as hormonal injections, use hormones like estrogen, GnRH, MF, MIH, pregnenolone, and 5-HT, which have proven effective in stimulating gonad maturation. Controlling culture conditions, such as adjusting temperature and light, can also enhance ovarian development and increase spawning rates. Overall, these advanced fertilization control and reproductive manipulation techniques aid in increasing seed stock for commercial crustacean farming in the future.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":227,"journal":{"name":"Reviews in Aquaculture","volume":"17 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144672697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fabrice Pernet, Sam Dupont, Jean-Pierre Gattuso, Marc Metian, Frédéric Gazeau
{"title":"Bivalve Farming Is Not a CO2 Sink: From Myth to Legend, Where Is Science?","authors":"Fabrice Pernet, Sam Dupont, Jean-Pierre Gattuso, Marc Metian, Frédéric Gazeau","doi":"10.1111/raq.70067","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.70067","url":null,"abstract":"<p>We recently published a paper entitled “Cracking the Myth: Bivalve Farming Is Not a CO<sub>2</sub> Sink” [<span>1</span>], which challenges the growing narrative that bivalve aquaculture sequesters atmospheric CO<sub>2</sub>. We demonstrated that, when considering the full biogeochemical picture, bivalve farming in fact contributes to CO<sub>2</sub> emissions. By clarifying these dynamics, our intention was to correct a misconception and prevent the misclassification of shellfish aquaculture as a carbon sink.</p><p>A response entitled “The Legend Continues: The Critical Evidence Showing That Bivalve Farming Is a Carbon Sink with a Novel Budget Framework” [<span>2</span>] was published in the same journal. In this letter, the authors rely on estimated air–sea CO<sub>2</sub> fluxes in a mussel aquaculture area, published in He et al. [<span>3</span>], and state “Our observations of air–sea CO<sub>2</sub> flux provide definitive evidence that mussel farming can be characterized as a weak carbon sink, although its effectiveness is constrained by seasonal variations.”</p><p>A careful examination of the data and methods presented in the article on which their response is founded reveals critical methodological and interpretative biases. He et al. [<span>3</span>] report that the bivalve farming area investigated is actually a strong source of CO<sub>2</sub> to the atmosphere in summer and fall (between 10 and 40 mmol CO<sub>2</sub> m<sup>−2</sup> d<sup>−1</sup>) while being a very weak sink in spring (~ −0.15 mmol CO<sub>2</sub> m<sup>−2</sup> d<sup>−1</sup>). In addition to this significant misinterpretation of their data, the conclusion is fundamentally flawed for two key reasons.</p><p>First, it seems that the authors did not estimate air–sea CO<sub>2</sub> fluxes outside the aquaculture area. This omission makes it impossible to isolate the effect of aquaculture on the CO<sub>2</sub> dynamics. In fact, the few studies comparing CO<sub>2</sub> fluxes within and outside bivalve farms suggest that the surrounding environment—unaffected by farming activity—exhibits a stronger CO<sub>2</sub> sink than the aquaculture zones themselves [<span>4, 5</span>]. In their response letter, the authors present a schematic of the carbon budget both inside and outside the mussel farm that includes air–sea CO<sub>2</sub> fluxes, despite the absence of data for the external area [<span>2</span>]. Without such data, the external component of their framework is purely speculative. Although a Letter to the Editor can serve as a forum for proposing speculative ideas or hypotheses, it is essential that such speculation be clearly distinguished from evidence-based conclusions.</p><p>Second, although the manuscript does not state it explicitly, it appears that CO<sub>2</sub> fluxes were only estimated during daylight hours—and notably, no sample was taken in winter. Consequently, the dataset overrepresents periods of high photosynthetic activity, overestimating CO<sub>2</","PeriodicalId":227,"journal":{"name":"Reviews in Aquaculture","volume":"17 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/raq.70067","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144647567","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}