Biotechnology in Fisheries and Aquaculture: A Holistic Review of Innovations in Health, Nutrition, and Production

Abstract

The fastest-growing agricultural industry in the world is aquaculture, and both wild fish capture and aquaculture production contribute to global fish production. Global fish production has risen rapidly in recent years to over 120 million tons, accounting for 52% of all fish consumed by humans. Aquaculture production accounted for 82 million tons, or USD 250 billion, of the estimated actual money value of USD 401 billion. Aquaculture biotechnology greatly enhances food security and nutrition by increasing the productivity, sustainability, and efficiency of aquaculture systems. Through the application of advanced genetic techniques including transgenesis, genomic selection, and marker-assisted selection, significant advancements have been made in the breeding of fish with superior traits, such as higher feed conversion efficiency, disease resistance, and faster growth rates. The most recent of these is the creation of transgenic fish, or AquAdvantage salmon, an Atlantic salmon that has undergone genetic modification, via the application of biotechnology. Molecular markers enable genetic tagging in breeding operations and offer precise data on the genetic diversity of natural populations. Additionally, the long-term preservation of reproductive cells by cryopreservation technology protects endangered or economically significant species. To stop undesirable gene escapees from harming biodiversity, biotechnology can also produce sterile fish. This review discusses the notable advancements and applications of biotechnology in aquaculture nutrition, commercially prepared feed, disease and health control through vaccines, and water quality management in the aquaculture sector.