The United Nation’s 2030 development agenda adopted in 2015 outlines 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the organization has continued to put food security in the center of its vocalization. Aquaculture is currently the fastest-growing food production sector globally and a sustainable option for attaining food security. Food as a basic necessity for man’s survival is always a timely issue. Hence, owing to aquaculture’s unique role, it is expected that the demand for aquatic products (especially seafood) will continue to increase due to geometric population growth. Many seafood products are among the critical protein sources in the world. This is partly because they have micronutrients and essential fatty acids that are not present in land-based protein sources. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, shellfish is one of the main cultured aquaculture groups in the world. Hence, the development of shellfish aquaculture has an important role in sustainable food supply and food security. In this article, an overview of the current and projected contributions of shellfish aquaculture to global food security is presented. Apparently, shellfish aquaculture in the next few decades will have to be intensified to bridge the gap between demand and supply in a cost-effective manner. Also, food waste would have to be reduced and natural resources should be used more efficiently to minimize the negative impacts on aquaculture on the environment.

Salinity stress presents a major ecological challenge for aquatic organisms, particularly in environments where salinity levels fluctuate. These fluctuations are becoming more pronounced due to climate change, further destabilizing aquatic ecosystems. Understanding how organisms adapt to such variability is essential for biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of aquatic resources. This review examines the physiological, molecular, and behavioral adaptations that enable aquatic organisms to survive and thrive under salinity stress. Specifically, it explores mechanisms of osmotic regulation, ion transport, and oxidative stress responses, highlighting key signaling pathways—such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase–protein kinase (PI3K-AKT), Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and the Hippo pathway—that facilitate these adaptive processes. The review also emphasizes the genetic and epigenetic modifications that contribute to resilience, underscoring the importance of genetic diversity for species survival in fluctuating salinity conditions. Furthermore, the interactions between host organisms and their microbiomes are discussed as critical factors influencing resilience. The review addresses the impact of salinity fluctuations on species distribution and biodiversity, with a focus on the implications of climate change for aquatic ecosystems. Finally, strategies for mitigating salinity stress, such as nutritional interventions and the development of salinity-resistant varieties, are explored, particularly in aquaculture. Overall, this review consolidates current knowledge on organismal adaptations, molecular mechanisms, and environmental challenges, offering valuable insights for ecological research and aquaculture practices in the face of climate change.

The size distribution, length–weight relationship and size at the onset of sexual maturity of the orange mud crab (Scylla olivacea) from four geographically distinct locations (Taiping, Setiu, Kota Marudu and Lundu) representing Malaysian waters were analysed and estimated. Scylla olivacea was found in the size range of 47–134 mm carapace width. Males were significantly smaller in size but heavier than females. Geographical variation in carapace width and body weight were significant, but no interaction was found between sexes and locations. As shown by the length–weight relationships of S. olivacea, the males exhibited positive growth allometry whereas the females exhibited negative growth allometry. Males mature physiologically prior to attaining morphometric sexual maturity. Females, however, achieve physiological and morphometric sexual maturity in synchrony. No significant variation was found in the estimates of size at the onset of sexual maturity of males and females among different locations. We recommend the use of the third right walking leg merus length and carapace width to estimate the size at the onset of sexual maturity (morphometric maturity) for S. olivacea. Data obtained in this study serve as important baseline data for future mud crab resource management in Malaysia and were used to recommend minimum landing sizes for S. olivacea in each respective location based on the largest size at the onset of sexual maturity estimates were suggested.