Aquaculture, Aquarium,
Conservation & Legislation

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are increasingly recognized as sustainable systems for the treatment of aquaculture wastewater, where nutrient removal is governed by complex interactions among plants, microbial communities, and substrate processes. This review critically evaluates the potential role of selected textile and industrial crops - Chrysopogon zizanioides (vetiver), Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass), Cannabis sativa (hemp), and Hibiscus cannabinus (kenaf) - within CWs designed for aquaculture effluent remediation. The analysis highlights that nutrient removal is predominantly microbially mediated, while plant contributions are largely indirect, influencing rhizosphere conditions, oxygen transfer, and biomass harvesting dynamics. Among the evaluated species, vetiver demonstrates the strongest evidence for direct application in aquaculture wastewater, including tolerance to mesohaline conditions and effective nitrogen and phosphorus removal. Reed canary grass shows robust performance in CW systems, particularly when biomass management strategies are optimized, although aquaculture-specific data remain limited. Hemp is primarily supported as a biochar-derived substrate for phosphorus adsorption rather than as a planted macrophyte, while kenaf lacks direct evidence in CW contexts, representing a significant research gap. The review further emphasizes the importance of hydraulic loading rates, salinity tolerance, and plant–microbe interactions in determining system performance. Future research should prioritize long-term, field-scale studies and a mechanistic understanding of trait-mediated plant effects to optimize the integration of industrial crops into aquaculture wastewater treatment systems.

Vibrio alginolyticus is an important bacterial pathogen causing hemorrhagic disease and significant mortality in marine fish, including red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus (Linnaeus, 1766). This study evaluated the efficacy of an enteric-coated oral inactivated V. alginolyticus vaccine and optimized vaccination strategies to improve protection against vibriosis. A virulent strain (VA15) was selected for challenge experiments, with a median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of 2 × 10⁴ CFU fish-1. Juvenile red drum (14-16 g) were orally immunized with vaccine doses ranging from 10⁵ to 10⁷ CFU equivalent fish-1 to determine the optimal antigen concentration. Antibody titres increased significantly following vaccination and reached peak levels at 21 days post-immunization. As no significant difference was detected between the 10⁶ and 10⁷ CFU equivalent fish-1 groups, the 10⁶ CFU equivalent fish⁻¹ dose was selected for subsequent trials because it provided comparable immunogenicity while requiring less antigen. The protective efficacy of unencapsulated and enteric-coated vaccine formulations was subsequently evaluated using different booster schedules. Fish receiving the unencapsulated vaccine achieved a relative percent survival (RPS) of 44%, whereas enteric coating increased RPS to 54% following a single vaccination. Booster immunization further enhanced protection, with RPS values increasing to 61% and 78% when boosters were administered on days 14 and 21, respectively. These findings demonstrate that enteric coating improves oral vaccine delivery and that a booster vaccination administered 21 days after primary immunization provides the highest level of protection against V. alginolyticus infection. Although the study was conducted under laboratory conditions using a single bacterial strain, the results highlight the potential of enteric-coated oral vaccines as a practical disease management strategy for marine aquaculture.

The use of contaminated brine shrimp, Artemia franciscana (Kellog, 1906), as live feed leads to vibriosis outbreaks and threats to global aquaculture productivity. This study highlights a potential cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to suppress Vibrio spp. load in Artemia live feed. Axenic A. franciscana nauplii were reared with Vibrio campbellii and Vibrio parahaemolyticus under 30-150 PSU of salinity. A salinity of 80 PSU can eliminate more than 90% of both strains, while maintaining over 90% survival of A. franciscana nauplii. Another experiment demonstrated that the Vibrio spp. load in non-axenic cyst-hatching tanks at 30 PSU was high but reduced with increasing salinities. The addition of 1 g L-1 Pandanus tectorius leaf extract in the high salinity rearing water significantly reduced cyst-derived bacterial load. Findings showed that 80-110 PSU of salinity is effective in suppressing almost all the Vibrio spp. without adverse effects on A. franciscana growth, removing the need for cyst disinfection or nauplii tank transfer.

Mangrove habitats are essential for maintaining biodiversity, protecting coastlines, and sequestering carbon, yet they are nevertheless subject to deterioration from human activity and natural disturbances. This study assessed the current ecological status and rehabilitation progress of the rehabilitated mangrove forest in Sitio Fuentes, Barangay Maria Cristina, Iligan City, Philippines. Monthly field assessments were conducted from March to December 2023 during spring low tides using ten 50-meter transect lines with systematically placed plots. Species identification and structural measurements were performed to evaluate species composition, density, and importance value. A total of 218 mangrove individuals were recorded, belonging to one family, one genus, and two species — Rhizophora apiculata and Rhizophora mucronata. Results revealed that R. apiculata was the dominant species, reflecting the typical composition of rehabilitated mangrove areas in the Philippines. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H’ = 0.68) indicated low species diversity, while the high density of seedlings and saplings (0.87 individuals m-²) suggested active regeneration and favorable recruitment conditions. However, the dominance of a single genus implies limited ecological resilience and restricted habitat complexity. The findings classify the mangrove area as having low biodiversity but with strong potential for recovery. Continuous monitoring and the inclusion of more diverse native species are recommended to enhance ecological balance, ensure long-term sustainability, and strengthen the mangrove’s protective and productive functions.

Tiger grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) is a highly valuable species and one of the most important fish traded in the live reef fish food trade (LRFFT). However, this species requires a desired growth pattern to command a high price in the market. Moreover, this species changes its growth pattern throughout the culture period, which may compromise its price value. Thus, the present study was conducted to determine the length-weight relationship and condition factor of this species for three (3) months of culture. There were 150 E. fuscoguttatus juveniles (mean total length: 24.24 ± 0.26 cm; mean weight: 252 ± 7.93 g) collected from the coral reef of Tandubas Island, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines. Fish were fed with 5% of their average body weight and individually measured for their length and weight using a measuring board and a digital weighing scale. Parameters, such as length-weight relationship and condition factor of E. fuscoguttatus were calculated before and after the cultured period. Results exhibited a lowering b value (i.e., from 3.00 to 2.96) and showed no significant difference between the wild caught E. fuscoguttatus at the time of capture and after their culture period (p > 0.05), suggesting an isometric growth pattern in both wild and cultured conditions. Apparently, an increasing condition factor (i.e., from 1.89 to 1.92) was observed in cultured fish. Moreover, a cultured grouper exhibited a significantly higher condition factor than the wild ones (p < 0.05), suggesting improved health condition when it is cultured as compared to the wild ones. Moreover, the results also suggested that growth patterns and condition factors can be manipulated through feeding management and dietary interventions. Overall, it implies that the growth pattern from the wild may be imitated in captivity, with appropriate cage management. Hence, it is feasible to produce cage-cultured grouper with body characteristics comparable to wild individuals.

The decreasing global population of horseshoe crabs highlights the need for conservation in areas where remaining populations persist. However, a limited understanding of community perceptions and behaviors can hinder the development of effective conservation strategies. Thus, this study measures knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of the locals in Pangutaran Island, Sulu Province, Philippines, that can be integrated into future interventions and conservation strategies for horseshoe crabs in the area. A cross-sectional survey was conducted across 357 local coastal residents in three barangays of Pangutaran Island about their ecological knowledge of the horseshoe crabs in their locality, their attitude towards their population and conservation, and their current practices influencing the horseshoe crab population status. Findings showed that while ecological knowledge about the species remained limited (≤ 42%), majority expressed strong positive attitudes toward willingness to support conservation (55%). Active and bycatch capture of horseshoe crabs was reported by only a small proportion of respondents. However, the species continues to be utilized for traditional medicinal, cultural, and consumption purposes. KAP was significantly associated with sociodemographic factors, including occupation, educational attainment, and income (p < 0.001), and among its components. These findings highlight the importance of integrating ecological education with value-based community engagement to strengthen local participation in horseshoe crab conservation in Pangutaran Island.

The present study investigated the effect of two different hormones (17α-methyltestosterone and 17β-estradiol) on the sex reversal of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) juveniles. For each hormone type, a total of three treatments and a control were used having different dosages of 100 mg kg-1 (T1), 200 mg kg-1 (T2), 300 mg kg-1 (T3), and 0 mg kg-1 (T0), respectively. The study also gathered the percentage of survival for each hormone. Each hormone was mixed with feed pellet using the alcohol evaporation method. The result of the sex reversal treatment for 17α-methyltestosterone showed that the male population increased as the dosage of hormone increases. Additionally, the sex reversal treatment using 17β-estradiol showed that female populations increased as the dosage of hormones increases. Treatments 1, 2, and 3 of 17α-methyltestosterone showed a significantly higher percentage of males compared to the control having 70.56%, 90.24%, and 100% males respectively. On the other hand, treatments 1, 2, and 3 of 17β-estradiol showed a significantly higher percentage of females compared to the control gathering 76.11%, 92.02%, and 98.89% females respectively. Meanwhile, the highest percentage of survival rate in 17α-methyltestosterone was observed in the control (55±7.0%) which showed a significant difference with treatment 3 (40.33±2.52%) (p < 0.05) who gained the lowest survival rate. Treatments 1 and 2 showed no significant difference among other treatments. On the other hand, treatment 3 of 17β-estradiol with 68.33±2.08% gained the highest survival with a significant difference between treatment 1 (56±3.61%) and the control (55±7.0%) but no significant difference with treatment 2 (58.67±3.79%). The present study proved that the use of 17α-methyltestosterone and 17β-estradiol can successfully masculinize and respectively feminize African catfish.

The fisheries sector is a strategic industry for both national and regional economic development in coastal regions that are rich in marine resources. Capture fishermen play a crucial role in supporting food security and regional economic growth in Serang Regency, which is predominantly coastal. Therefore, this research aimed to analyze the factors affecting the capacity and welfare of fishermen in Serang Regency. The analysis was conducted in eight subdistricts, namely, Pontang, Tanara, Tirtayasa, Kramatwatu, Bojonegara, Pulo Ampel, Anyer, and Cinangka, between November 2025 and January 2026. Purposive sampling was performed with the condition that the respondents were fishermen who had gone to sea for 1 year and who had used less than 5 GT of boats. The number of samples was 10 times the number of indicators (20), totaling 200 capture fishermen spread across the eight subdistricts in Serang Regency. Data analysis was performed using the structural equation modeling (SEM–LISREL) method. The results revealed that the factors affecting fishermen’s capacity were both internal and external, with direct and positive effects. Factors affecting fishermen’s welfare included external elements (X2), with significant direct and negative effects on welfare (Y2). Furthermore, fishermen’s capacity (Y1) significantly and positively affects welfare (Y2). The internal factors of fishermen (X1) also have a significant indirect and positive effect on the welfare of fishermen (Y2) through capacity (Y1).

The study was conducted in the recently established local marine conservation area in North Minahasa Regency of North Sulawesi, Indonesia, which was formally established in July 2023. The purpose of this study is to investigate seagrass diversity and coverage and derive management recommendations. Data collection was conducted using the line-quadrat transect method, comprising three transects, each 50 m in length, spaced 25 m apart. The study identified nine seagrass species: Halodule pinifolia, Halodule uninervis, Cymodocea rotundata, Cymodocea serrulata, Syringodium isoetifolium, Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii, Halophila ovalis, and Halophila minor. The coverages of the seagrass at eleven observation stations were between 20.83 and 80.49%. The highest cover is at the LM10 station with a cover percentage of 80.49% or is included in the very dense category which is dominated by the species of seagrass T. hemprichii at 54.17%, the seagrass cover with the lowest percentage is at the LM07 station with a percentage of cover of 20.83% or included in the rare category which is dominated by the species of seagrass E. acoroides at 13.07%. Despite relatively dense conditions at several locations, the overall ecological status falls within the “unhealthy” category based on national standards. These findings indicate an urgent need for adaptive strategies to prevent further degradation of seagrass habitats within the marine conservation area.

The Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) is an ecologically and economically significant reef species native to Indo-Pacific coral reefs region, but it is increasingly threatened by overfishing and habitat degradation. Despite its endangered status under the IUCN and CITES Appendix II, there are limited data available on the growth patterns and physical condition of juvenile C. undulatus, especially in the wild. Thus, this study aimed to assess the length-weight relationship (LWR) and condition factor (K) of wild-caught juvenile C. undulatus. A total of 150 juvenile C. undulatus were bought from fishermen in Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines. Samples were analyzed for its total length and weight using standard biometric methods. The LWR analysis of wild C. undulatus revealed a positive allometric growth pattern (b = 3.09), indicating that the fish grew more in weight than length, a typical trend in juvenile fishes. A coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.92) demonstrated a fitness of the data on the positive linear equations. It suggest the positive correlation of weight and total length in juvenile C. undulatus. Furthermore, the average K of 1.543 indicated that the juvenile C. undulatus were in good physical condition, suggesting favorable environmental conditions in their natural habitat. Overall, the study implicates the coral-reef conditions of Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi where C. undulatus thrive.

Effective water resource management is essential for sustainable regional development and maintaining quality of life in the environmentally sensitive Issyk-Kul Lake Basin. The main objective of the study is to examine existing water resource management issues, including transboundary distribution, as well as the impact of water usage on the water level in Lake Issyk-Kul. The study employed a secondary-data research design combining quantitative analysis of long-term hydrological and water-consumption records with qualitative analysis of water-management policies and institutional conditions based on long-term data (1980-2024), documentary analysis of water management reports, and seasonal comparisons of water consumption and precipitation patterns in the Issyk-Kul Lake Basin. The results show a substantial long-term reduction in irrigation and domestic water consumption, although agriculture remains the dominant water-consuming sector in the Issyk-Kul Lake Basin. It was also found that agriculture remains the largest consumer of water, especially between April and August, when increased rainfall is observed. However, the lack of synchronisation between natural water cycles and water consumption practices leads to negative effects on the water level of Issyk-Kul Lake. The analysis reveals that anthropogenic pressures, particularly agricultural expansion, outdated irrigation practices, and seasonal mismatches between water demand and availability, continue to exert significant stress on the lake’s hydrological balance and coastal ecosystems. These findings indicate that existing water management practices are insufficient to ensure long-term ecological stability and sustainable regional development, highlighting the need for adaptive and integrated water resource management approaches. The practical value of this research lies in the development of specific recommendations for optimising the use of water resources, including the strategy for using rainwater during periods of maximum precipitation.

The ocean is the most significant contributor to oxygen production on Earth due to the presence of chlorophyll-a contained in phytoplankton. One way to determine the concentration of chlorophyll-a is by using a smartphone camera through the HydroColor application. The data obtained through the HydroColor application does not directly provide chlorophyll-a data, instead, it provides red, green, and blue (RGB) wavelength data. This RGB wavelength data is then input into an equation to generate the chlorophyll-a concentration. This study aimed to evaluate the HydroColor application to estimate chlorophyll-a concentration. The research was conducted in Banten Bay, using field data collected with a smartphone and compared against laboratory test results and MODIS satellite imagery. Among several regression models tested, the logarithmic model showed the best correlation with laboratory results, with an R² value of 0.83 and a correlation coefficient of 0.876. The HydroColor application can be practical in coastal water bodies with a smartphone featuring a high-resolution camera. This study demonstrates that HydroColor has the potential to serve as an alternative method for estimating chlorophyll-a concentration in Banten Bay.

This study examined the effects of adding the probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae to feed on feed efficiency, growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, and body biochemical composition of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). The test fish were striped catfish with an initial average weight of 20.36±0.22 g fish-1. The test feed was a formulated pellet diet with S. cerevisiae probiotics added at different doses: T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 g kg-1 feed, respectively). The test feed was administered using the ad satiation method thrice daily for 56 days. The results showed that adding S. cerevisiae probiotics to the feed significantly increased the feed efficiency, growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, and biochemical composition of striped catfish. Both feed efficiency and growth performance variables in striped catfish increased with increasing doses of S. cerevisiae probiotics. The same trend was observed for the digestive enzyme activity and biochemical composition of striped catfish. An additional 4 g kg-1 feed of probiotic S. cerevisiae was identified as the best dose for improving the productivity of striped catfish (P. hypophthalmus).

The insufficiency of conservation strategies focused on the Tesso Nilo Region underscores the necessity for inclusive and participatory transformative governance frameworks. The objective of this investigation is to analyze communication dynamics, identify obstacles to participation, and develop a contextually appropriate participatory communication model that promotes sustainable development in Tesso Nilo. Employing a qualitative research methodology with a multiple case study framework, data were amassed through in-depth interviews with 24 key informants, focused group discussions, participatory observations, and document analysis conducted in three buffer villages within the region. Thematic analyses were executed, bolstered by the triangulation of data to substantiate the findings. The results indicated that while official communication frequently exhibited exclusivity, local leaders and informal forums emerged as effective mediums for dialogue that enhanced social capital. In light of these findings, a Social Capital-Based Participatory Communication Model was developed, comprising three fundamental pillars: (1) equitable dissemination of information, (2) facilitation of inclusive dialogue, and (3) collaborative decision-making processes. This model offers an operational framework designed to promote participatory, transparent, and equitable governance in conservation initiatives. This research contributes to theoretical discourse by synthesizing the concepts of participatory communication, social capital, and environmental governance, while providing practical implications for conservation policies tailored to local contexts. Its implementation is recommended through the establishment of village communication forums, structural engagement of local leaders, and the enhancement of community capacity building.

The low survival rate during hatchery stages is a major bottleneck in the seed production of mud crab (Scylla paramamosain). This study investigated the effects of enriching Artemia nauplii with varying doses of β-glucan on the growth performance, metamorphosis, digestive enzyme activities, and survival rates of mud crab larvae. The experiment was structured into five distinct dietary treatments containing different β-glucan concentrations including T1: 0 g L-1 (control), T2: 0.25 g L-1, T3: 0.5 g L-1, T4: 0.75 g L-1, and T5: 1 g L-1, administered during the zoea 3 to zoea 5 stages. The experimental results revealed that environmental water quality parameters, total bacterial counts, and Vibrio densities remained stable and within optimal thresholds across all treatment groups. While β-glucan enrichment did not significantly impact larval metamorphosis rates, developmental stage indexes, or the total length growth of the crab 1 stage, it noticeably influenced larval digestive physiology. Dietary supplementation enhanced the specific activities of proteolytic enzymes, specifically trypsin and pepsin, as well as lipase, while significantly decreasing amylase activity. Crucially, larval survival rate megalopa from the zoea 4 stage onward and overall crablet productivity were significantly enhanced in the 0.5 g L-1 and 0.75 g L-1 treatment groups compared to the control. The highest survival rate at crab 1 (6.8%) and peak crablet productivity (27,200 individuals m-3) were achieved in the group enriched with 0.5 g L-1 of β-glucan. These findings suggest that incorporating β-glucan as a nutritional supplement into standard larviculture protocols optimizes nutrient utilization and boosts physiological resilience.

Potassium iodide (KI) is one of the most important sources of iodine which influences the physiological processes connected with reproduction in aquatic animals. This study evaluated the effects of KI immersion on gonadal development of Australian red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens, 1868)). A total of 90 crayfish (45 male and 45 female) were immersed in different concentration of KI, the concentration composed of different levels and added to the 1 liter of water: T1 (0.0 mL L-1), T2 (0.5 mL L-1), T3 (1.0 mL L-1), T4 (1.5 mL L-1), and T5 (2.0 mL L-1) for 14 days cultured under controlled conditions. At the end of the study, body weight, gonad weight, and gonadosomatic index (GSI) were determined for both male and female crayfish. The results of the study showed that KI immersion did not have significant effect (p > 0.05) on males because their body weight gonad weight, and GSI were comparable among treatments. On the other hand, KI immersion showed significant effect (p < 0.05) on females because treatment T2 showed the highest GSI value measured as 4.78±0.54%, while control treatment only recorded a GSI of 2.63±0.25%. This finding indicates that KI immersion at appropriate concentration may significantly improve ovarian development in female C. quadricarinatus as female GSI recorded was significantly higher than the treatment without KI.

Transboundary water cooperation in Central Asia links irrigation needs, energy security and environmental risk management. The study aimed to trace the evolution of water and environmental cooperation in Central Asia between 1991-2025, using Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan as examples. The study was conducted as a historical and comparative analysis based on intergovernmental agreements, coordination protocols, materials from regional institutions and project documents, comparing their content with the actual parameters of seasonal interaction and the environmental agenda. In the water-energy relationship between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, a shift in discharge regimes from irrigation to energy was recorded: between 1990 and 2000, the share of summer discharges decreased to about 45%, while winter discharges increased to about 55% (under the Soviet scheme, approximately 75% fell in summer and 25% in winter). In the trilateral coordination, in years of resource shortages, coordination shifted to a mode of specific parameters. In 2021, additional water volumes for irrigation were agreed at a level of about 700 million m3 compared to the previous year, and in 2025, decisions were made on energy supply for winter water conservation and summer water discharge. In terms of the environment, there has been a shift in focus towards monitoring water quality, land degradation and salinisation of irrigated areas, which reached 40-60% in regional assessments. These results can be used by the relevant water, energy and environmental authorities of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, regional coordination structures for transboundary waters, as well as international donors and project institutions to design procedures for seasonal coordination and reduction of environmental risks in transboundary river basins.

The high cost of synthetic culture media poses a significant challenge for large-scale microalgae production. This study evaluated extracts from agricultural by-products, specifically peanut shells (PN) and okara (OKR) extracts, as alternative nutrient sources for cultivating microalgae Nannochloropsis oculata, a species valued in aquaculture for its nutritional profile. N. oculata was cultured under various conditions: individual extracts, extracts supplemented with 50% or 100% f/2 medium, and combined extracts with cane molasses (CM). Results demonstrated that N. oculata could grow in all extract-based media, with positive specific growth rates (SGR) observed across treatments. The combining OKR and PN extracts with CM (OKR + PN + CM) exhibited the highest SGR (0.12 day-1) among treatments (p < 0.05) and reached peak cell density earlier (12.5 × 10⁶ cells mL-1 on day 8). This improved performance of N. oculata is likely attributable to micronutrients from the combined extracts and the additional organic carbon from cane molasses. These findings confirm that PN and OKR extracts can serve effectively for N. oculata cultivation, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic media. Further research into nutritional composition and mixotrophic potential of these by-products is recommended to optimize their application in large-scale microalgae production systems.

Cultured eel (Anguilla bicolor) represents an economically significant aquaculture commodity; however, bacterial infections continue to pose a major challenge by reducing fish health and production performance. The objective of this study was to detect and identify pathogenic bacteria isolated from cultured eels in Notog Village, Patikraja District, Banyumas Regency, Indonesia, through molecular analysis targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Twenty eel samples were collected from a single culture pond, and bacterial isolates were obtained from liver tissues. The isolates were cultured on Tryptone Soya Agar (TSA) and subsequently observed on Glutamate Starch Phenol (GSP) medium. Genomic DNA was extracted from bacterial cultures and amplified using universal bacterial primers 27F and 1492R. PCR products were visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis, sequenced, and analyzed using BLAST against the GenBank database. Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed using the Neighbor-Joining method with 1000 bootstrap replications in MEGA 12. PCR amplification produced clear DNA bands of approximately 1500 bp in both isolates, consistent with the expected size of the nearly full-length bacterial 16S rRNA gene. BLAST analysis indicated that isolate 1.4.3 exhibited the highest similarity to Aeromonas dhakensis (97.19%), while isolate 4.4.3 showed the highest similarity to Aeromonas veronii (96.86%). Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that both isolates clustered within the Aeromonas clade and were distinctly separated from the outgroup Streptococcus agalactiae. These results demonstrate that pathogenic Aeromonas species are associated with cultured eels in the study area. The findings underscore the importance of molecular surveillance, water quality management, and biosecurity measures to prevent bacterial disease outbreaks in eel aquaculture.

This study investigated the occurence of Eristalis larvae and its association with water quality parameters in the mangrove ecosystem of Langensari Village, Blanakan District, Subang Regency, West Java, Indonesia. Water and macrozoobenthos samples were obtained from three locations denoting distinct environmental settings: Station 1 (St-1) near a fish auction site, Station 2 (St-2) adjacent to community ponds, and Station 3 (St-3) near the Blanakan Estuary, Subang Regency, West Java Indonesia. Water quality assessments were carried out to provide a thorough characterization of environmental conditions in Langensari and to investigate the correlation between water quality and macrozoobenthos bioindicator responses. The measures of water quality encompassed temperature, pH, salinity, total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and biological oxygen demand (BOD). Identification of macrozoobenthos was conducted at the BRIN Marine Research Laboratory using a Leica M205C microscope. The findings indicated spatial variability in water quality across stations. All stations showed elevated COD and BOD levels, suggesting considerable organic contamination. The prevalence of macrozoobenthos was minimal, with only one Eristalis larva documented at St-2, and no macrozoobenthos detected at St-1 or St-3. The presence of Eristalis larvae may indicate their tolerance to organically enriched environments. Alongside water quality, habitat attributes such as water flow, mangrove presence, temperature, and salinity seemed to affect macrozoobenthos distribution. The data suggest that the distribution of macrozoobenthos in Langensari is indicative of both water quality deterioration and overarching habitat constraints.

Ornamental fish aquaculture requires cost-effective, high-protein feeds. This study evaluated the effects of maggot meal substitution combined with papain enzyme supplementation on the growth performance of Sumatra barb, Puntigrus tetrazona (Bleeker, 1855). Fish were reared under four dietary treatments with varying levels of maggot meal and papain supplementation. Growth performance was assessed based on length, weight gain, specific growth rate, survival rate, and feed conversion ratio. The results showed that dietary treatments significantly affected growth performance parameters (p < 0.05), except for survival rate (p > 0.05). The treatment with 40% maggot meal and 1% papain supplementation produced the best overall growth performance and feed efficiency. These findings suggest that maggot meal combined with papain enzyme can be an effective alternative protein source for improving growth performance in P. tetrazona culture.

This study aims to determine the impact of mining activities on seawater quality and the heavy metal content found in sediments and sea cucumbers in Binebas and Bowone villages, Sangihe Islands, Indonesia. Sampling was conducted in each village, in April, 2026, with three repetitions for water quality measurements, including temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, salinity, and sea depth. Sediment and sea cucumber sampling was only conducted once at each location. Analysis of heavy metal content (As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) in sediments and biota (sea cucumbers) was carried out ex situ using the atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) method. The compliance of the values obtained with environmental quality standards was evaluated. The indications of bioaccumulation and potential ecological risks in the waters around the Sangihe mining sites were examined. The results of this study indicate that all water quality parameters in the waters around the Sangihe mining site are in a tolerable range for marine organisms, including sea cucumbers. Heavy metals, which do not meet quality standards for almost all uses, indicate serious environmental and health risks.

This study examined the growth kinetics and antibiotic production of Bacillus sp. isolated from salted anchovy (Stolephorus sp.) wastewater, a protein-rich and saline environment. The isolate exhibited typical Bacillus characteristics: gram-positive, rod-shaped, motile, and endospore-forming, with hydrolytic enzyme activities including amylolytic, proteolytic, lipolytic, cellulolytic, and fermentative functions. Antibiotic filtrates were produced using different protein substrates skim milk, soy milk, egg yolk, and peptone under varying salinity levels (0‰, 1‰, 2‰, 5‰) with zinc supplementation. Skim milk provided the optimal nitrogen source, yielding the largest inhibition zones against Staphylococcus aureus (25 mm) and Escherichia coli (22 mm). Salinity significantly affected antibiotic activity, with 5‰ NaCl producing the highest inhibition zones of 14 mm (S. aureus) and 10 mm (E. coli). These results indicate that both the quality of nitrogen substrates and environmental salinity critically influence secondary metabolite production in Bacillus sp. The study highlights the potential of utilizing salted fish-processing wastewater as a sustainable substrate for microbial antibiotic biosynthesis, offering an eco-friendly approach to valorise industrial waste while producing bioactive compounds.

Integrated aquaponic systems offer a promising solution for increasing food productivity and water-use efficiency, particularly in hilly regions such as Padang where freshwater availability and land suitability are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the productivity and water-use performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultured in combination with hydroponic plants under different aquaponic treatments. Using a randomized complete block design, one control and three nutrient-enhanced aquaponic treatments were applied, each with four replicates. Fish growth, feed conversion ratio, survival, plant biomass, and water quality were monitored over a 60-day period. The results showed significant differences among treatments (p < 0.05), with the highest nutrient-supplemented aquaponic system producing the greatest tilapia final weight, specific growth rate, and hydroponic fresh biomass. Strong positive correlations (r ≈ 0.98) were observed between fish performance and plant yield, indicating efficient nutrient recycling. Overall, the improved aquaponic treatment demonstrated the best productivity and water-use efficiency, highlighting its potential for sustainable food production in water-limited environments.

Climate change poses significant challenges to coastal fisheries and the food security of communities dependent on them. This study analyses the resilience of fisheries-based food supply chains in a coastal region of Indonesia by examining four key dimensions: availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability, alongside fishermen’s adaptive responses to climate change. Data collected from surveys of 103 respondents — including fishers, aquaculture farmers, traders, and local stakeholders — indicate that while fish resource availability remains relatively strong, accessibility and stability are constrained by market dependence, limited infrastructure, and adverse climate impacts. Although awareness of nutritional benefits and proper utilization practices are high, capacity for value-added processing and financial preparedness is low, increasing vulnerability during environmental and economic shocks. Adaptive strategies such as livelihood diversification and improvements in fishing and aquaculture practices have been adopted but are insufficient to fully mitigate risks posed by unpredictable weather and fluctuating market prices. The findings underscore the need for integrated management approaches and targeted support programs to strengthen supply chain resilience, enhance food security, and support sustainable livelihoods for fishing communities. This research contributes to advancing fisheries governance and aligns with global sustainable development goals related to zero hunger and ocean sustainability.

Lobster is a high-value fisheries commodity that requires effective management to ensure long-term sustainability and conservation. This study aims to identify priority policy options for sustainable lobster governance based on a multi-criteria decision analysis. An adaptive action research approach was applied in the southern coastal waters of West Java, Indonesia, specifically in Ujung Genteng, Sindang Barang, and Pameungpeuk villages. Data was collected through focus group discussions, structured interviews, and direct field surveys involving lobster fishers and stakeholders. The data analysis used multi-criteria analysis to examine sustainability management and governance. The dominant substrates for lobster seed/BBL (puerulus) are coral rubble and reef structures. The availability of lobster seeds/BBL was found to be increasing, while adult lobster prices remained relatively high, with individuals exceeding 5 cm in size valued at approximately IDR 15,000 per individual by fishermen. Strong market demand, including lobster seeds, continues to drive fishing pressure. In addition, lobster grow-out activities are constrained by high operational costs and long production cycles. Overall, the sustainability of lobster was classified as moderate, with a composite score of 56.82%. Strong policy influence combined with relatively low welfare outcomes indicates an imbalance among sustainability dimensions. To enhance both conservation outcomes and socio-economic benefits, improved data collection on stock conditions, environmental parameters, and fisher income and welfare are essential. Strengthening governance through integrated ecological, social, and economic considerations is critical for achieving sustainable lobster fisheries.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus has been reported as a pathogenic bacterium that frequently attacks and causes high mortality in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Treating diseases with synthetic antibiotics has an impact on antibiotic resistance, polluting the environment, and endangering consumer health. Therefore, alternative options are needed to control diseases in shrimp, for example, the use of natural ingredients with immunostimulant properties. This study aims to test the supplementation effect of Chlorella vulgaris flour in feed to improve growth, immune system and resistance to V. parahaemolyticus infection in juvenile of Pacific white shrimp. This study examined four treatments consisting of feed supplemented with 2%, 6%, 10%, and 14% C. vulgaris flour (Cv.2%, Cv.6%, Cv.10%, and Cv.14%) respectively, with three replications. Shrimp were reared and fed for 30 days with feed according to the treatment, and on the 31st day they were challenged with V. parahaemolyticus. The results showed that Cv.14% resulted in the highest absolute growth, recovery rate, and survival compared to the other three treatments and with the lowest prevalence of vibriosis disease. Furthermore, based on the hemolymph profiles, the Cv.14% treatment resulted a better system-enhancing response than the other treatments. This study shows that Cv.14% treatment is the best dose to improve growth performance and the disease resistance to prevent V. parahaemolyticus infection in Pacific white shrimp.

Milkfish (Chanos chanos) pond farming in coastal Sidoarjo, Indonesia, shows unequal productivity among smallholder farms operating within the same brackishwater production region. This study quantified farm-level productivity gaps and identified measured technical, economic, environmental and operational variables associated with productivity variation. Field data were collected from 30 active milkfish farmers. Productivity was calculated as harvest output per pond area per production cycle and evaluated against the best-observed productivity benchmark of 4.72 ton ha⁻¹ cycle⁻¹. The analyzed variables were feed conversion ratio, feed cost, operational cost, dissolved oxygen, salinity, ammonia and labor involvement. Average productivity was 3.39 ton ha⁻¹ cycle⁻¹, leaving a mean productivity gap of 1.33 ton ha⁻¹ cycle⁻¹ and an average achievement ratio of 71.92%. Cost per harvested output showed the strongest empirical signal, with a significant negative association with productivity (Spearman correlation coefficient (ρ) = -0.564; p = 0.001). Ammonia and feed conversion ratio showed technically consistent negative directions, although their statistical support was limited. The results indicate that low-productivity farms mainly require better cost-output conversion, improved feed-use efficiency and stronger waste-pressure control rather than simple input expansion.

Aquaculture intensification increases the accumulation of solid waste derived from uneaten feed and fish excretion, which may reduce water quality and compromise production efficiency. At the same time, such waste may represent a recoverable resource within circular aquaculture systems. This study evaluated solid waste generation under different stocking densities in a hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × E. lanceolatus) nursery system and estimated its economic value using a willingness-to-pay (WTP) approach. The study was conducted from February to March 2025 using a completely randomized design with three stocking densities, namely 10, 30, and 50 fish per 0.5 m³ enclosure, with three replicates, over a 28-day culture period. Solid waste accumulation, water quality, biological performance, and economic valuation were analyzed. Solid waste production differed among treatments, with the highest accumulation recorded at the intermediate density, 926.39 g, whereas the highest density treatment produced lower solid waste, 87.35 g, due to early mortality associated with water-quality deterioration. The highest density also showed the highest ammonia, 1.76 mg L-1, and hydrogen sulfide, 2.34 mg L-1, indicating that the carrying capacity of the nursery system had been exceeded. The WTP survey involved 110 valid respondents and showed that the mean WTP for solid aquaculture waste was Rp4,527 kg-1, equivalent to USD0.25 kg-1, with observed values ranging from Rp0 to Rp23,000 kg-1, equivalent to USD0.00-1.28 kg-1. Bioeconomic evaluation indicates that the intermediate stocking density provides the most balanced outcome in terms of biomass retention, environmental stability, and recoverable waste value. These findings demonstrate that solid nursery waste can be quantified not only as an environmental burden but also as a potential bioeconomic resource, providing baseline information for circular aquaculture and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture development.

This study examined global research trends and innovation pathways in trap fisheries using bibliometric indicators from Scopus-indexed publications between 2000 and 2025. A PRISMA-style selection workflow was applied through Scopus TITLE-ABS-KEY searching, duplicate removal, and Python-assisted screening of titles, abstracts, and keywords. From 1,798 initial records, 605 strongly relevant journal articles were retained for bibliometric analysis using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer. The results show that trap fisheries research has expanded steadily, with an annual growth rate of 4.93%, involving 2,090 authors across 205 publication sources. The field was predominantly collaborative, with an average of 4.2 co-authors per document and international co-authorship representing 21.98% of the corpus. Thematic analysis indicated that trap fisheries research was mainly concentrated on species composition and biodiversity, trap design and fishing technology, habitat and ecosystem impacts, monitoring and data analytics, and fisheries management. In contrast, more specific themes such as bycatch mitigation, gear selectivity, ghost fishing, and fyke-net or set-net fisheries were less represented, although they are increasingly relevant in recent studies. Overall, this study provides a structured overview of the intellectual development of trap fisheries research and highlights the need for stronger integration between passive fishing gear technology, ecological sustainability, and data-driven fisheries management.