Aquaculture as Crucial Promoter for Sustainable Global Nutrition and Food Security

Aquaculture plays a pivotal role in addressing global food security and nutritional demands by providing high-quality protein and essential nutrients to a growing population. As one of the fastest-growing food production sectors, it contributes significantly to sustainable nutrition, with aquatic foods such as fish, molluscs, and crustaceans offering rich sources of proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and micronutrients. Technological advancements, including biofloc technology (BFT), integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), enhance production efficiency while mitigating environmental impacts. However, challenges such as climate change, disease outbreaks, and reliance on fishmeal constrain sector sustainability. Innovations in alternative feeds (e.g., insect meal, microalgae) and smart aquaculture systems (e.g., AI-driven monitoring) are crucial for improving resilience and reducing ecological footprints. Ensuring sustainable integration of aquaculture highlights its potential to combat malnutrition, promote economic development, and ensure environmental sustainability. Future strategies must prioritize adaptive practices, resource efficiency, and policy support to meet the rising demand for aquatic foods while protecting ecosystems.