Welcome to "Aquaculture: Technological Advancements", a comprehensive exploration of the cutting-edge developments that are reshaping the future of f isheries and aquaculture. As the global demand for aquatic products continues to soar, therfore the need for innovative and sustainable approaches to ensure the health and productivity of aquatic systems is increasing exponentially. This volume serves as a beacon for researchers, practitioners, and enthusiasts seeking to understand the latest technological strides and their implications for the industry. In this book, we delve into a range of topics that reflect the vibrant and dynamic field of aquaculture. Our journey begins with an examination of the recent advancements in biotechnology and molecular biology tools, which are revolutionizing the way we approach fisheries and aquaculture. These advancements are not only enhancing our understanding of aquatic species but also enabling more precise and effective management practices. We then explore modern biotechnological approaches to fish-based biomate rials, highlighting the innovative uses of these materials in various applications. The blue biotech revolution, driven by next-generation sequencing technologies, is transforming our ability to sequence and analyze aquatic genomes, offering new opportunities for improving fish stocks and aquaculture practices. The future of environmental DNA (eDNA) in aquaculture is also a focal point of discussion. While eDNA holds promise for monitoring aquatic environments and detecting species, small-scale farmers face unique challenges in adopting this technology. Our examination of these challenges aims to provide insights into how eDNA can be made more accessible and beneficial for all levels of aquaculture.

1. Introduction Aquaculture has played a sustaining role in global food systems by providing expanded food production and livelihood benefits with relatively minimal environmental harm. (Igwegbe et al., 2021). To emphasize the importance of the aquaculture sector, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (2020) stated that, global aquaculture production increased by 5.27%, hitting a record-breaking productivity value of 114.5 million tonnes between 1990 and 2018 (Pauly and Zeller 2017). Aquaculture has profited from developments in science and technology in nearly every aspect such as a greater diversity of species, nutritional regimes, production techniques, organizational frameworks, and marketing compared to other agricultural industries (FAO 2020). As an illustration, enhanced reproductive technologies have made it possible for individuals to achieve closed life cycles of aquaculture species, resulting in the diversification of species in the aquaculture sector (Weber and Lee 2014). The utilization of live feeds in hatcheries, such as microalgae, artemia, rotifers, brine shrimp, and various copepods, has eliminated the obstacle in breeding a variety of marine organisms (Conceição et al., 2010). Approximately 60 varieties of fish species have shown significant improvements in features of economic value through selective breeding assisted by quantitative genetics (Zuma 2022). River shrimps (Levy et al., 2017), Yellow catfish (Roskoski et al., 1975), and mono-sex tilapias (Mair et al., 1997) all have been produced owing to sex reversal technology and DNA markers linked to sex determination. The risk of inbreeding has decreased due to intrafamily screening being made possible by molecular parentage assignment (Xu et al., 2020). Selection for characteristics, particularly are governed by single genes and a small number of significant genes (Fuji et al., 2007; Houston et al., 2008) has been made possible by QTL (quantitative trait locus mapping) and marker-assisted selection (MAS) (Yue 2014). Enhanced feed formulations dependent on the dietary needs for every fish species have enhanced feed conversion rate (FCR) and decreased feed cost (Tacon and Metian 2015). Innovations for disease control (Kelly and Renukdas 2020) have minimized the prevalence of ailments in aquaculture.

1. Introduction Modern medicine relies heavily on biomaterials and tissue engineering, which are a broad category of materials designed to interact with biological systems in a therapeutic or diagnostic capacity. These materials, which are frequently polymers, natural or synthetic, are made to have particular physical, chemical, and biological characteristics in order to satisfy the demands of a range of medical applications (Holzapfel et al., 2013; Ozdil & Aydin, 2014). These materials can be produced, modified and characterized in a number of ways, according to the particular needs of the application, including 3D printing, molding, and machining (Jandyal et al., 2022). Biomaterials are extensively studied for their applications in tissue engineering, which comprises the recent developments into studying the disease models, micro-scale bone repairing, wound healing and other applications (Purnama et al., 2010). Biomaterial degradation and biocompatibility must be taken into account when developing implants or medical devices since the material's characteristics are tunable according the external or internal parameters. In order to produce biomaterials for use in healthcare applications, cooperation between specialists in biology, medicine, and materials science is needed, the upcoming advances in bioprinting, artificial graft and usage of artificial intelligence might give us an insight towards development in disease regression (Holzapfel et al., 2013; Khan et al., 2015). The majority of the protein found in the food supply worldwide comes from animal or grain sources, which together account for around half of the total. First of all, fish and crustaceans are significant and excellent providers of amino acids, a form of protein that is essential to nutrition and is only present in trace amounts in cereals and grains. It turns out that these matters for global nutrition and that some low-income, food-deficient nations really benefit from it. Furthermore, fisheries are significant local sources of food, commerce, and revenue in many coastal developing and developed countries. This has prompted researchers and biotechnologists to look at the identification, use, and extraction of these biomaterials in healthcare settings (Raghavendra et al., 2015). The varied fish-derived biomaterials have a variety of uses, including as in tissue engineering, medication delivery, and wound healing, which has opened up new avenues for medical science to make scientific discoveries (Bhat & Kumar, 2013).

1. Introduction With the advancement of science and technology, new technologies have been developed to advance molecular work to a great extent. Thousands of DNA molecules can be simultaneously sequenced at one time using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies act as revolutionary tools for various implementations and can produce hundreds of gigabases of sequence data within a single experiment. A wide variety of modern sequencing technologies go by the name of "high-throughput sequencing." In recent years, this technology has advanced as a de facto tool for the study of genomics and epigenomics. Nucleotides can be located using this technique anywhere in the genome or in groups of specific DNA or RNA regions. An NGS plot is a useful tool for bridging the gap between enormous datasets and genomic information in this era of massive sequencing data. Resequencing of genomic DNA will undoubtedly be the primary application of NGS in clinical settings. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) offers an intricate representation of single nucleotide variations (SNV), insertions and deletions (indels), complex structural alterations, and changes in copy number, all of which are attainable through a single analysis. Extensive genetic information can be obtained and used after complete genome sequencing, which reveals a large amount of genetic data. However, a significant portion contains either novel information or data whose clinical significance has not yet been established. WGS is the most comprehensive genetic analysis of an individual or cancer genome.

1. Introduction By 2030, sustainable development must be achieved through cross-sector cooperation, creativity and comprehensive initiatives. Aquaculture has contributed to SDGs; however, its contribution depends on the effectiveness of local and international governance (Farmery et al., 2020). Because it includes all aquatic ecosystems, it is one of the global food-producing industries that does so at one of the fastest rates (Mugimba et al., 2021), accounting for approximately half (46%) of the total global fish production (FAO, 2020). Understanding the various environmental, social, and economic aspects of aquaculture offers a more specialized method for handling opportunities and challenges for future development (Troell et al., 2023). Global seafood consumption has risen from 9.0 kg in 1961 to 20.2 kg in 2020, accounting for over 17% of the world's intake of animal proteins (FAO 2022). Indeed, there are considerable regional differences in the production potential and value of the aquaculture sector (Naylor et al., 2021). Over the past 20 years, China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Egypt have been the major producing countries that have consolidated their share of regional or global production (FAO 2020). Moreover, developing nations account for more than 95% of global aquaculture production, growing at an average annual rate of 6.13 percent (FAO, 2020). As the name aquaculture indicates, it involves farming various aquatic organisms, ranging from the production of unicellular Chlorella algae within indoor bioreactors (Gors et al., 2010) for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) production in outdoor floating net cages (FAO, 2019). The aquaculture production of fish is the largest, accounting for over half (53.4 million tonnes) of all farmed aquatic species. Aquatic plants (31.8 million tonnes), mollusks (17.4 million tonnes), crustaceans (8.4 million tonnes), amphibians and reptiles (471,784 tons), and miscellaneous invertebrate animals (422,124 tons) are among the other important aquatic species farmed (Tacon 2019). Although aquaculture is a fast-expanding industry that provides billions of people with food and is a means of subsistence worldwide, several obstacles could prevent this sector's expansion and sustainability on a global scale.

1. Introduction The aquaculture industry is a rapidly expanding domain of food production worldwide. With the exponential growth of the human population, there has been a corresponding rise in the demand for natural resources. Therefore, all technologies aim to maximize food production. The widespread expansion of aquaculture, especially in coastal areas, increases the load of biomass in the culture water and presents enduring ecological hazards. (Piedrahita 2003; Sharifinia et al., 2018, 2019). The primary challenge confronted by aquaculturists as a result of rapid intensification of the system is the quality of water. Consequently, there has been a surge in eco-friendly management and cultivation practices. Additionally, the development of aquaculture is limited by high land costs and its heavy reliance on fish oil and fish meal (Browdy et al., 2001; De Schryver 2008). Nevertheless, the sector continues to exhibit limited productivity, which is primarily attributed to inadequate quality inputs and substandard culture technologies. With substantial operating and maintenance expenses, the acceptance of recirculating systems among farmers, specifically in developing nations, is limited. Hence, there is a growing requirement for an affordable, environmentally friendly technology that is embraced by farmers and can be widely implemented (Ahmad et al., 2017; Karimanzira et al., 2017). There is growing interest in enclosed aquaculture systems, primarily driven by the biosecurity, environmental, and marketing benefits they offer compared to traditional, semi-intensive, and extensive systems (Ray, 2012).

1. Introduction For millennia, civilizations worldwide have relied on medicinal plants for healthcare, with their usage documented as far back as ancient Sumeria. Today, traditional medicinal plants remain vital in many regions, especially in developing countries. Ethnobotanical studies have identified numerous bioactive plants, sparking extensive research into their biological activities and chemical compositions. Interest in medicinal plants has surged due to the drawbacks and costs of prescription drugs, leading to increased exploration of plant-based alternatives. Plants offer diverse chemical compositions with varied biological activities, making them suitable for treating complex diseases and posing little risk of antibiotic resistance development. Aquaculture, the fastest-growing sector in animal food production, faces challenges such as overcrowding and poor water quality, leading to disease outbreaks. While veterinary drugs are commonly used, their intensive use poses environmental and health risks, including antibiotic resistance and accumulation in animal tissues. Vaccines are effective but expensive and often limited in scope. Given the drawbacks of synthetic drugs, there's a growing need for alternative disease management strategies in aquaculture. Medicinal plants offer a promising solution, with reported bioactivities such as stress reduction, immune stimulation, and antiparasitic effects. By enhancing fish immunity and f itness, medicinal plants provide a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to chemotherapy in aquaculture (Cabello et al., 2006; Romero-Ormazabal et al., 2012).

1. Introduction Aquaculture is described as an organized production of crops in an aquatic medium (FAO, 1987). Global aquaculture production has continued to expand at approximately 9% per year since the 1970s, with Asia dominating production levels, particularly for finfish (FAO, 2014). FAO data indicate that global fish production stands at 167 million tons (MT), of which 44% (73.8 MT) is contributed by the aquaculture sector (FAO, 2016). Twelve percent of the world's population depend on the fishing industry for their livelihood as and it provides 17 percent of animal protein. India is second only to China in terms of the world's output of culturable fisheries. According to reports, the aquaculture industry in India has suffered significant losses from the frequent incidence of infectious diseases of bacterial and viral origins, which has hindered sustainable development. To overcome the challenges of developing appropriate technologies for managing water quality in culture systems, developing quick diagnostic tools and ways to contain disease outbreaks, and providing disease-free or highly healthy broodstock and seeds, aquaculture requires creative biotechnological interventions “is the need of the hour” (Subasinghe et al., 2003).

1. Introduction Aquaculture is a thriving industry that contributes significantly to the economy by creating employment, sustenance, and nutrition owing to diverse resources and possibilities. Aquaculture is experiencing rapid growth as the swiftest food production sector is expanding, with an annual increase exceeding 8%. Fish production reached an estimated level of 16.25 million metric tons (MMT) (MPEDA). In the dynamic realm of aquaculture, the application of fish therapeutics is important for maintaining the health and productivity of fish populations. As the industry strives to meet the escalating global demand for seafood, understanding the nuances of fish therapeutics is crucial. This article explores the diverse techniques employed in fish health management, delving into their applications and advantages while simultaneously addressing the inherent limitations that pose challenges to sustainable aquaculture practices. Navigating through these complexities is essential to forge a path towards effective, ethical, and environmentally responsible fish therapeutics in the ever-evolving landscape of aquaculture.

1. Introduction Since the 1980s, the aquaculture industry has boomed due to growing market needs and limited natural harvesting options. To meet demand, high-density f ish farming methods have become popular, but overcrowding can stress fish, making them prone to diseases. The implications of diseases in aquaculture extend beyond mere mortality and morbidity, encompassing poor growth rates, inferior flesh quality, and diminished profit margins. Consequently, a critical imperative arises to implement preventive and therapeutic measures. Traditionally, chemotherapeutic agents, including antibiotics and disinfectants, have been employed for the treatment and prevention of various diseases in farmed fish. Nonetheless, their indiscriminate and continuous use raises concern, as it may foster the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, contribute to environmental pollution, and result in the presence of chemical residues in fish products. The existence of antimicrobial residues in food has garnered attention from the scientific community, given the associated risks to food safety and public health. These risks encompass not only antibiotic resistance (AMR) but also potential issues related to severe allergic reactions, carcinogenicity, renal dysfunction, mutagenicity, developmental toxicity, bone marrow depression, and disruption of the normal gut microbiota. Consequently, a reevaluation of preventive and therapeutic strategies in aquaculture is imperative to ensure sustainable practices without compromising human health (Bondad, Reantaso et al., 2023). The unregulated utilization of antimicrobial agents in aquaculture poses potential risks to human health. Consequently, several countries have implemented prohibitions on specific chemotherapeutics and are reluctant to import aquaculture products treated with antibiotics and chemicals. In response to these concerns, researchers have intensified their endeavors to explore natural alternatives for developing dietary supplements that can promote the growth performance, health, and immune system of cultured fish. In this context, the utilization of herbs emerges as a promising solution (Syahidah et al., 2015).

1. Introduction Aquatic algae is present in both contaminated and uncontaminated water sources. serve as essential bioindicators for evaluating water quality. Their sensitivity to pollutants and position in The significance of lower-level organisms in the food chain lies in their invaluable role in comprehending the effects of toxic substances on aquatic ecosystems. (Dwivedi & Pandey (2002). Pesticides, including herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides, play a crucial role in agriculture by utilizing forestry and animal husbandry to improve crop production. However, their indiscriminate use can lead to environmental contamination, which poses significant risks to ecosystems and human health. Pesticide contamination primarily results from surface runoff, emissions during spraying, improper transportation, inadequate spraying practices, and insufficient wastewater treatment from the pesticide industry. Introduction of pesticides into the environment Presents numerous environmental and health risks., inhibiting plant and animal growth and affecting the development and nervous systems of animals Pesticides have the potential to infiltrate the food chain, bioaccumulate in higher trophic levels, and reach the human body through biomagnification. Commonly used pesticides, such as imidacloprid, isoproturon, simazine, atrazine, mecoprop, and glyphosate, along with historical organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), contribute to significant pesticide contamination.

1. Introduction The current method of agricultural production is fish farming. A type of aquaculture known as "fish production" or "fish farming" entails the process of growing and producing a range of fish species. Proteins, vitamins (especially B2 and D), calcium, and other minerals are abundant in fish (Khalili, Tilami, and Sampels, 2018; Bostock et al., 2010). In the past, fish output was limited to freshwater fish capture. Fish farming, also known as pisciculture, is becoming a more common and commonly utilized technique for fish production. The aquaculture and fish farming industry is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors globally. The production rate of farmed fish has increased from less than one million metric tons, as reported in the 1950s to about 110.1 million metric tons in 2016, which is valued at over $243 billion. In the recent years, production of farmed finfish has reached 57.5 million tonnes (that is equivalent to 146.1 billion USD), including 49.1 million tonnes (109.8 billion USD) from inland aquaculture and 8.3 million tonnes (36.2 billion USD) from marine culture in the sea and coastal aquaculture on the shore (Rito and Viegas, 2020). Nowadays, the majority of the world’s population is reliant on the consumption of fish from aquaculture. Over the past few decades, finfish production through aquaculture and fish farming has increased remarkably, including both production and economic yield. Consequently, fish farming is becoming a major source of agricultural food in the present scenario.

1. Introduction The increasing global population has intensified the challenges associated with land and freshwater scarcity (Dutta, 2019). The unpredictable supply of water bodies has prompted a significant shift among farmers towards the utilization of private tube wells, exerting increased pressure on groundwater resources (Ahmad et al., 2003; Ahmad et al., 2007). Due to inadequate water management practices and excessive extraction of groundwater, leading to a decline in water tables, irrigation is increasingly exerting a detrimental influence on the ecosystem (Pingali and Shah 2001; Qureshi et al., 2003). Therefore, agricultural technologies that contribute to water conservation, cost reduction, and increased productivity are gaining increasing importance (Gupta et al., 1997; Gupta et al., 2002). Zero tillage fish farming, a groundbreaking approach in aquaculture, has emerged as a sustainable and efficient method for cultivating fish without disturbing the aquatic environment. Zero tillage fish farming is an innovative and sustainable aquaculture method that minimizes soil disturbance and preserves natural pond ecology (Hussan et al., 2019). In contrast to traditional practices involving pond bottom dredging, zero tillage maintains water quality, supports biodiversity, and enhances overall environmental sustainability (FAO AQUASTAT 2009). By avoiding disruptive practices, this approach promotes self-sustaining aquatic ecosystems, contributing to increased productivity, cost-effectiveness, and resilience in fish cultivation. Zero tillage fish farming represents a significant shift towards responsible and eco-friendly aquaculture, addressing challenges such as environmental degradation, food security, and the impact of climate change. This chapter explores the principles, benefits, and importance of zero-tillage fish farming, shedding light on its potential to transform the aquaculture industry.

1. Introduction Bisphosphonates are frequently utilized in treating osteoporosis and cancer induced bone metastases, but they carry the risk of inducing a severe complication known as osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). ONJ manifests as exposed bone in the craniofacial area and persists for over eight weeks in patients who are currently or previously treated with bisphosphonates. Many novel antiresorptive tyrosine kinases, mammalian targets of rapamycin, monoclonal antibodies, and immunosuppressant drugs have been discovered since BRONJ was first identified in 2003 and linked to ONJ (Akita et al., 2020). Current ideas include the prevention of angiogenesis and suppression of bone remodeling, gingival inflammation, gingival fibroblast dysfunction, and compromised immunological function. Wound healing mechanisms may play a role in most instances of ONJ, which occur after dental procedures, such as tooth extraction. In addition to surgical treatment for bone lesions, complementary therapies such as laser therapy, ozone therapy, and the administration of platelet concentrates in solid and liquid forms might help prevent ONJ and promote recovery (Gaurav Kumar et al., 2017; Hampton et al., 2015). Formation of new blood vessels is critical for the initiation and maintenance of wound healing.

1. Aquaculture and Shrimp farming Considering the current population explosion and the speed of human-centered land encroachment, scientists have expressed concern about the availability and production of food to meet global demand. The agricultural sector alone would not be able to cope with such a huge global demand of 7.6 billion people, which does not seem to be decreasing in any way. Approximately 20% of the global population consumes fish, which originate in the aquaculture sector. On the other hand, it has grown many fold with advancements in science and technologies in fish production and post-harvest, which has become a prominent commercial sector. The fisheries sector is broadly classified into two types: marine and inland. In marine fisheries, fishermen venture into the sea to fish with their fishing vessels and gear to harvest fish, whereas in inland f isheries, fishermen go fishing in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. However, with advancements in technology and growing demand for fish as food sources, people have started growing fish in captivity under controlled and semi controlled conditions in ponds. The history of fish culture tracks back to 2000 BC, which originated in China, where they started growing carp in captivity by providing the required conditions for fish growth. Providing suitable conditions in captivity means providing the required physical and chemical environment in the culture system by keeping the physicochemical parameters at the optimum level as required by the species cultured. Physicochemical parameters of soil and water are key to the successful culture of fish, which is why emphasis has been placed on the scientific study of the physical and chemical parameters of soil and water.

1. Introduction Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) have garnered attention as a sustainable solution to address the environmental and economic challenges associated with traditional aquaculture practices. Recent studies, such as those conducted by Martins et al. (2023) and Chen et al. (2024), have underscored the efficiency and resource conservation benefits of RAS. This section introduces the overarching opportunities and challenges in RAS, laying the foundation for a detailed examination of the latest developments in the field, opportunity presented by RAS lie in its capacity for water conservation. Martins et al. (2023) highlight the continuous filtration and recirculation of water within the system, significantly reducing overall water usage. This not only addresses environmental concerns but also aligns with the broader goals of sustainable aquaculture and provides a unique advantage in biosecurity, as emphasized by Li et al. (2022). The ability to meticulously control water quality parameters minimizes the risk of diseases and contributes to a healthier and more resilient aquaculture system. This enhanced biosecurity is pivotal in mitigating the impact of disease outbreaks on aquaculture operations. Precision control over environmental factors within the RAS facilitates optimal growth conditions, resulting in higher production yields. Anderson and Smith (2023) delved into the advantages of this controlled environment, positioning the RAS as a key driver for meeting the growing global demand for sustainable seafood production.

1. Introduction Human activities significantly lead to deterioration of ecological systems, affect individual organisms, and disrupt natural ecosystems. The rise in foreign compounds, such as heavy metals and pesticides, in aquatic ecosystems due to human activities has spurred extensive global research efforts (Wester et al., 2002). The Union’s Water Framework Directive (WFD) mandates monitoring programs to assess water body health. In environmental studies, understanding the impact of contaminants on aquatic life requires a multifaceted approach (Ullah and Zorriehzahra, 2015). Biomarkers that observe biological responses at various levels offer crucial insights into the presence and bioavailability of toxicants, complementing traditional methods (Yancheva et al., 2016). These indicators, termed early warning signals, are vital for evaluating exposure, effect mechanisms, susceptibility to contaminants, and enhancing predictive models (Yancheva et al., 2016). Integrating biomarkers into ecological studies provides a holistic understanding of environmental stressors and their implications in aquatic organisms. 2. Why is fish used as a model organism in ecotoxicological studies? According to the Water Framework Directive (WFD), fish serves as a crucial indicator of river ecological status (Ullah and Zorriehzahra 2015). Their diverse sizes, ages, trophic levels, and sensitivity to various toxicants make them excellent indicators of water contamination (Wester et al., 2002). Fish adapt their metabolic functions in response to environmental changes, which makes them valuable in toxicological research. Monitoring sentinel fish species is a widely accepted method for assessing toxicant accumulation and its impact on human health (Wester et al., 2002). Fish, with their developed osmoregulatory, endocrine, nervous, and immune systems, are preferred to invertebrates in toxicological studies. Fish can absorb toxicants through both waterborne and dietary exposure, allowing the evaluation of contaminant transfer through the food chain. Key tissues for ecological, toxicological, and pathological studies in teleost fish include the gills, liver, and kidney because of their high metabolic activity and tendency to accumulate toxicants (Wester et al., 2002).