The viability of aquaponics as a sustainable practice in water-scarce regions hinges on how efficiently water and nutrients cycle between fish rearing and crop production. We operated three coupled aquaponics (CAP) systems (250 L), each pairing koi fish with basil grown in deep water culture, across three sequential 32–41-day growth cycles. Treatments differed only in source water relevant to the Texas Panhandle: reverse osmosis (RO), Ogallala (“fresh”) groundwater, and Dockum (“brackish”) groundwater. Objectives were to quantify (1) the effect of source water on fish growth, crop yield, and operational ease, and (2) the efficiency of nutrient transfer from fish feed to plant biomass—assessed via a multi-cycle total mass balance design, an approach applied in few previous aquaponics studies. Water source produced no detectable effect on fish. Evapotranspiration ranged 0.86–1.6 cm/day, water use efficiency was 361–615 g wet biomass per 1,000 L, and daily system volume loss was approximately 1%. Na accumulated to a greater degree in RO-grown basil than in Ogallala-grown basil, possibly reflecting competitive suppression of Na uptake by Ca and Mg in hard groundwater. Basil growth declined significantly in the brackish water source (mixed-effects ANOVA), coincident with electrical conductivity (EC) rising above 3 mS/cm by cycle 3. Fe and Mn accumulated preferentially in roots rather than shoots across all treatments, suggesting impaired Fe mobility given that basil presented chlorosis. Salinity buildup was driven by Cl - and Na + accumulation in all three water sources, although this was somewhat confounded by Cl - added as part of nutrient supplementation for the brackish water source. Thus, production-scale CAP operations will require periodic drain events to manage salinity stress. Plant nutrient use efficiency was low for N (2.19–9.48%), typical for P (2.06–9.14%), and high for K (10.2–47.5%). The mass balance frequently closed within ± 25% error for N, Cu, and Mg but was difficult to close for most other nutrients. Koi–basil CAP production is feasible in the semi-arid Texas Panhandle using local groundwater sources, offering the potential for high-value aquatic and crop agricultural outputs with lower water demand than open-field production.
Sonal Jayesh Patel, Ole Bendik Dale, Kay Roger Fjellsøy, Karl Erik Bekkeli, Olav Breck, Rune Bendiktsen, Geir Bornø, Edgar Brun, Lars Gaute Jørgensen, Hege Hellberg, Siw Larsen, Henriette Kvalvik, Torfinn Moldal
Infectious salmon anemia (ISA) is a serious disease in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) caused by Isavirus salaris (ISAV). In June 2021, ISA was diagnosed at an open-cage site with Atlantic salmon shortly after seawater (SW) transfer. The fish were vaccinated against ISAV, completed the required immunization period before SW transfer, and showed minimal clinical signs when ISA was confirmed. Under Norwegian regulations at that time, all fish would have been culled upon confirmation of ISA. However, dispensation was granted to continue production under strict monitoring. The objective was to improve understanding of disease development and infection kinetics in vaccinated fish during a full production cycle under field conditions. A comprehensive approach was used, including fish inspections twice monthly and PCR analysis of tissues and swabs from apparently healthy, moribund, and dead fish, together with analysis of water from the cages and well boats during delicing. Several bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases were detected in the population from approximately 6 months after SW transfer. Cumulative mortality reached 10.04% and was primarily associated with production-related factors with no direct connection to ISA. ISAV HPRΔ was detected more frequently in moribund than in apparently healthy fish. Of 2,821 fish analyzed, 128 were PCR-positive. Detection probability differed significantly among sample matrices, with the highest rate in skin swabs (73%), followed by gill swabs (41%) and heart samples (25%), indicating that skin swabs are most suitable for virus surveillance. Hydropericardium was identified as a specific predictor of ISA, although it was observed in only 13 of 952 moribund fish with autopsy findings. ISAV HPRΔ was initially detected in fish from four of seven cages and subsequently in all seven cages by the end of the production cycle. Vaccine efficacy could not be directly assessed due to the lack of a non-vaccinated group. The study shows that rigorous surveillance and biosecurity measures are critical for reducing infection risk and preventing ISA outbreaks. Increased ISAV detection late in the production cycle highlights the importance of active surveillance, particularly swabbing of moribund fish for early detection, risk assessment, and informed disease management.
Nahida Quyoom, Gowhar Iqbal, Lukram Sushil Singh, Shafiya Mushtaq, Showkat Ahmad Dar
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) (ZF) is an emerging model organism in biomedical research. A high degree of evolutionary conservation exists between zebrafish and humans. This helps researchers understand the molecular mechanisms underlying vertebrate development and human diseases. As a genetic model organism, ZF has several benefits, including a fully sequenced genome, rapid external embryonic development with high transparency, a huge number of year-round progenies, and molecular accessibility for genetic modification. The current ZF genome sequence data, combined with high-throughput sequencing methods, facilitate the identification of specific mutations. One of its most notable features is the ZF model’s ability to provide real-time, live imaging of numerous biological processes, including bone development and repair. ZF genetic engineering has become a powerful tool for researching gene function, modeling disease, and drug discovery. This review highlights the shift from gene disruption to precise and reversible control of gene activity by combining traditional mutagenesis techniques with cutting-edge genome-editing tools and newly developed CRISPR-based regulatory systems [CRISPR interference and activation (CRISPRi/a)]. Recent developments such as multiplex genome editing and F 0 CRISPR screening are also covered, along with their uses in aquaculture, disease modeling, and functional genomics. This review will examine novel methods of ZF genetic modification, emphasizing current developments in the field.
A feeding trial of 60-days was conducted to assess the effect of leonardite humic acid (LHA) supplemented varying protein-lipid diets on growth, lipid utilization, and antioxidant status of white-leg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei juveniles reared in inland saline water (ISW). Three hetero-lipidic (50, 70, 90 g/kg lipid), hetero-nitrogenous (360, 330, 300 g/kg CP), and hetero-energetic (374-398 Kcal DE/100 g) diets with three levels of LHA (0, 9 and 12 g/kg) were formulated for nine diets viz. P 36 L 5 LHA 0 (360 g/kg CP, 50 g/kg lipid + 0 g/kg LHA), P 36 L 5 LHA 0.9 (P 36 L 5 LHA 0 + 9 g/kg LHA), P 36 L 5 LHA 1.2 (P 36 L 5 LHA 0 + 12 g/kg LHA), P 33 L 7 LHA 0 (330 g/kg CP, 70 g/kg lipid + 0 g/kg LHA), P 33 L 7 LHA 0.9 (P 33 L 7 LHA 0 + 9 g/kg LHA), P 33 L 7 LHA 1.2 (P 33 L 7 LHA 0 + 12 g/kg LHA), P 30 L 9 LHA 0 (300 g/kg crude protein, 90 g/kg lipid + 0 g/kg LHA), P 30 L 9 LHA 0.9 (P 30 L 9 LHA 0 + 9 g/kg LHA), P 30 L 9 LHA 1.2 (P 30 L 9 LHA 0 + 12 g/kg LHA). Six hundred seventy five juveniles (5.02 ± 0.01 g) were randomly distributed in triplicates following 3 × 3 factorial design. P 33 L 7 LHA 1.2 group exhibited highest WG, SGR, PER, LER, and whole-body protein content, along with lowest FCR, whole-body lipid content, and HPSI. Hepatopancreatic amylase and lipase activities increased significantly with rising dietary lipid levels, whereas protease activity showed a decreasing trend. Hepatopancreatic amylase and lipase activities increased with increasing dietary lipid levels, whereas protease activity was highest in shrimps of P 33 L 7 group and lowest in P 30 L 9 group. Supplementation with LHA enhanced the activity of all digestive enzymes, with the highest activity observed in the group fed 12 g/kg LHA. Lipid metabolic enzyme G 6 PDH and CPT-1 activities were found maximum in P 33 L 7 LHA 1.2 group and lowest in P 36 L 5 LHA 0 group. Hepatopancreatic and branchial SOD and CAT showed a decreasing and increasing trend, respectively, with increasing dietary lipid levels, whereas LHA supplementation showed reduced activities, with lowest in P 33 L 7 LHA 1.2 group. Shrimps fed 12 g/kg LHA showed the lowest levels of MDA, glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride that other groups. Therefore, among the diets tested, 330 g/kg CP, 70 g/kg lipid and 12 g/kg LHA produced the most favorable growth and antioxidant responses of P. vannamei juveniles reared in ISW of 10 ppt.
Halley E. Froehlich, Rose S. Campbell, Kathy Ann Miller, Kevin M. Johnson, Gary Fleener, Kristy J. Kroeker
Seaweed aquaculture is expanding globally, yet small-scale producers, such as those emerging in the United States, face challenges in achieving economic viability. We introduce and formalize the concept of secondary extensive aquaculture (SEA): the non-target cultivation, harvest, and use of extractive species (e.g., seaweeds) that naturally recruit and grow on existing aquaculture infrastructure designed for a different primary species (e.g., oysters). To explore the economic viability of SEA, we employed a scenario-based bioeconomic modeling approach, coupling logistic seaweed growth and sustainable harvest with a simple profit function. The model was parameterized with literature-derived ranges for seaweed growth and carrying capacity, as well as data from a 2025 pilot harvest on a 65 ha oyster farm in California. Using simulations, we evaluated key ecological and economic combinations under which seaweed SEA may offset the estimated 5-10% production losses associated with typical, unharvested biofouling. We showed that profitability increased with farm size, growing season length, and intrinsic growth rate (r) of seaweed, with viable scenarios typically requiring > 50-100 ha and > 60 growing days under conservative market assumptions ($400 t -1 wet weight). Intrinsic growth rate exerted a stronger influence on profitability than carrying capacity (K), indicating that faster-growing seaweed species (e.g., Ulva spp., Gracilaria spp., and Pyropia spp.) are more suitable candidates for SEA. In fact, modal ecological conditions on a 65 ha farm may offset biofouling costs. Labor intensity, however, emerged as a major bottleneck, with pilot-informed labor estimates (~140-200 hrs. t -1 including processing) far exceeding the ca. 10 hrs. t -1 needed to breakeven at minimum wage, but could be achieved with realistic improved efficiency. Although our pilot SEA yields fell near the lower bound of global seaweed aquaculture production, they remain within plausible commercial ranges. Overall, SEA represents a promising complementary strategy for diversifying revenue streams and enhancing circularity in aquaculture systems, but its realization will depend on sufficient scale, favorable biological productivity, labor efficiency improvements, and supportive policy frameworks.
