Aquaculture has many occupational hazards, including those that are physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and mechanical. The risks in aquaculture are inherent, as this activity requires particular practices. The objective of the present study was to show the risks associated with the aquaculture sector and present a critical overview on the Brazilian public policies concerning aquaculture occupational health. Methods include online research involved web searches and electronic databases including Pubmed, Google Scholar, Scielo and government databases. We conducted a careful revision of Brazilian labor laws related to occupational health and safety, rural workers, and aquaculture. The results and conclusion support the idea that aquaculture requires specific and well-established industry programs and policies, especially in developing countries. Aquaculture still lacks scientific research, strategies, laws, and public policies to boost the sector with regard to occupational health and safety. The establishment of a safe workplace in aquaculture in developing countries remains a challenge for all involved in employer-employee relationships.

Aquaculture based on environmentally friendly practices is the best alternative for building a better world when it comes to the production of food of animal origin. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations (UN) reinforce and direct this new form of farming. Scientists and farmers are concerned with maintaining stocks and sources of natural resources for the next generations, as well as for the maintenance of life on earth. In this perspective, this work brings together the 17 SDG around aquaculture. It briefly presents how we can apply them to make aquaculture better, more sustainable and productive.