Beyond Monoculture: Diversification Strategies for Sustainable Aquaculture Development

Diversity is a foundational concept in both ecological and social sciences. In ecological systems, biological diversity (ranging from genetic variation to ecosystem-level interactions) enhances resilience, productivity, and functional stability. Similarly, in social systems, diversity reflects the plurality of human identities, knowledge systems, and cultural practices that shape innovation, equity, and adaptive capacity. In aquaculture, however, production has largely converged toward a limited number of species, feeds, and standardized farming models. While this approach has supported rapid growth, it has also increased vulnerability to climate change, disease emergence, environmental degradation, and socioeconomic inequality. As global warming intensifies and disparities in access to resources widen, there is an urgent need to rethink aquaculture development pathways. Diversification (biological, technological, and social) offers a promising framework to enhance system resilience while fostering inclusive and locally adapted solutions. This Research Topic situates diversity as a unifying principle for advancing sustainable and resilient aquaculture under current and future planetary challenges.This Research Topic aims to explore how diversification can contribute to sustainable, climate-resilient, and socially inclusive aquaculture systems. We seek to address the limitations of highly standardized production models by promoting research that broadens the range of species, production strategies, feed resources, and knowledge systems used in aquaculture. Contributions should examine how diversified approaches can reduce environmental impacts, improve resource-use efficiency, enhance adaptive capacity to climate stressors, and support local communities. We particularly encourage studies that integrate ecological and social perspectives, linking biological performance with socioeconomic outcomes. By bringing together experimental, applied, and conceptual research, this Research Topic aims to identify practical pathways and innovative frameworks for diversified aquaculture development. The overarching goal is to generate knowledge that informs policy, guides industry practices, and supports evidence-based decision-making toward more resilient and equitable aquatic food systems.This Research Topic welcomes contributions addressing diversification in aquaculture across biological, environmental, nutritional, technological, and socio-cultural dimensions. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: sustainable and alternative aquaculture production systems; biology, physiology, and husbandry of non-traditional or underutilized aquatic species; nutrition and feed formulation using locally available or alternative ingredients; evaluation of climate-resilient species and farming practices; and the integration of traditional or indigenous knowledge into aquaculture management. Studies focusing on small-scale aquaculture, regional solutions, and social equity are particularly encouraged. We welcome a variety of manuscript types, including Original Research, Review and Mini Review articles, Methods papers, Perspectives, and Policy and Practice Reviews. Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary submissions that bridge natural and social sciences and provide clear implications for sustainable aquaculture development are strongly encouraged. Topic editors: Igo Guimaraes, Fanny Yasumaru, Adriana Lima, Cristielle Souto Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78752/beyond-monoculture-diversification-strategies-for-sustainable-aquaculture-development