Aquaculture, as a rapidly expanding sector of global food production, faces increasing scrutiny regarding its environmental impact and sustainability. Emerging technologies are frequently created with the aim of lessening certain negative effects caused by current aquaculture systems. Climate change poses an additional challenge to freshwater aquaculture. The effects of climate change on freshwater aquaculture are more intricate compared to those on land-based agriculture. Recycling nutrients, or reusing nitrogen, using various polyculture systems may be a more viable and efficient option than managing or treating the effluents linked to conventional, intense monoculture method. The Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), selective breeding, aquaponics, alternative feeds, precision aquaculture, offshore aquaculture, genetic technologies, closed containment systems, and certified sustainable aquaculture. Innovations like probiotics, RNA interference, and cleaner fish are being used to prevent diseases in aquaculture and reduce reliance on antibiotics. Precision aquaculture uses sensors, data analytics and AI to optimize fish health, feeding, and water quality in aquaculture systems. It improves efficiency and sustainability. These innovations collectively represent a paradigm shift towards more environmentally friendly and economically viable aquaculture practices. The aim of this review article is to highlight emerging innovations in aquaculture that are contributing to the development of sustainable solutions for the industry. The article focuses on various cutting-edge technologies and practices that are improving the efficiency, environmental sustainability, and overall quality of aquaculture products. These innovations are making aquaculture more productive, efficient, and sustainable as it continues to grow to meet rising global demand for seafood.

Biofloc technology (BFT) is an innovative approach in aquaculture that provides substantial advantages for the implementation of sustainable and efficient aquaculture techniques. BFT entails the careful management of water quality and the provision of nutrients to cultivated aquatic organisms by adding carbon sources in a balanced manner. This supports the formation of advantageous microbial communities. The biofloc is an assemblage of organic material and microbes that is abundant in proteins. It functions as a natural source of food for species such as tilapia and prawns, hence decreasing the reliance on costly commercial feeds. This self-contained system aids in water conservation, fertiliser recycling, and waste and pollution reduction in comparison to traditional aquaculture methods. BFT additionally boosts the immune system of aquatic species, diminishing the likelihood of prevalent illnesses and fostering overall well-being. Nevertheless, the technology necessitates meticulous control of variables like as carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen in order to uphold a stable and fruitful environment. Although there are certain operational difficulties, BFT proves to be a viable approach for attaining sustainable aquaculture by enhancing output while minimising the negative effects on the environment.

To resurrect and establish a low-impact aquaculture practice, gel-based feed applications hold promise. Gel feed is viscoelastic, nutrient-dense, hard, flexible, and appealing, and can be moulded into appealing shapes to ensure rapid acceptance by fish. The purpose of this research is to create a suitable gel feed using various gelling agents and to evaluate its properties and acceptance by a model fish, Pethia conchonius (rosy barb). Three gelling agents, viz. starch, calcium lactate and pectin, were included at 2%, 5%, and 8% in a fish-muscle-based diet. The physical properties of gel feed were standardized using texture profile analysis, sinking velocity, water and gel stability, water holding capacity, proximate composition, and colour. The lowest levels of nutrient leaching protein (0.57 ± 0.15%) and lipid (14.3 ± 14.30%) were observed up to 24 h in the underwater column. The highest score for overall physical and acceptance characteristics was noted for the 5% calcium lactate-based gel feed. Furthermore, a 20-day acceptance feeding experiment was conducted using 5% calcium lactate to examine its suitability as fish feed. The results indicate a better acceptability (3.55 ± 0.19%) and water stability (−2.5 ± 2.5%) of the gel feed compared to the control, with an improvement in nutrient losses. Overall, the study provides an insight into the application of gel-based diets for ornamental fish rearing, besides ensuring an efficient nutrient uptake and minimal leaching to establish a clean aquatic environment.

This study investigated the encapsulation of snail protein hydrolysates (SPHs) using carrageenan as a microencapsulating agent at concentrations of 1%, 2%, and 3%. SPHs were prepared from the soft tissue of freshwater snails (Bellamya bengalensis) through enzymatic hydrolysis using bromelain, resulting in a degree of hydrolysis of 48.05%. The encapsulation process was carried out using the spray-drying technique. Encapsulation with 3% carrageenan enhanced the yield, encapsulation efficiency (up to 84.96%), colloidal stability (up to −33.8 mV), and thermal stability (up to 75 °C). The particle size increased as the carrageenan concentration increased, reaching 206.9 nm at 3%, and the uniform polydispersity index (0.26) indicated stable encapsulation. While encapsulation reduces solubility and antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, and HRSA), it effectively protects SPH from environmental factors such as hygroscopicity and storage stability, thus maintaining high scavenging activity. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that carrageenan and SPH strongly interact. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the particles had better shapes and smooth, cohesive surfaces. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of carrageenan as an encapsulating agent for SPH, enhancing its stability and bioactivity for potential applications in the food and nutraceutical industries as a bioactive additive and offering an alternative to conventional coating materials.