Functional compounds for sustainable control of infectious diseases in meagre (Argyrosomus regius) aquaculture: a review

The burgeoning field of aquaculture faces a persistent challenge: disease management in increasingly intensive farming environments. A recent review focusing on meagre (Argyrosomus regius), a commercially valuable species in Mediterranean aquaculture, highlights this issue with striking clarity. Environmental drivers of spawning and recruitment of anchovy in the Bay of Biscay demonstrates the complex interplay of environmental factors impacting fish populations, a context relevant to understanding disease susceptibility. The limitations of traditional antibiotic treatments, driven by regulatory pressure and the escalating global concern over antimicrobial resistance, necessitate a critical re-evaluation of health management strategies. This review underscores the need for innovative, species-specific approaches, moving beyond reactive interventions towards preventative and resilience-enhancing measures. Indeed, the challenges faced in meagre aquaculture mirror broader concerns within the industry, as evidenced by the ongoing maritime security concerns affecting shipping routes as reported in Trump Declares Iran Ceasefire ‘Over’ As US & Iran Exchange Strikes For Second Consecutive Night, which indirectly impact supply chains and resource availability for aquaculture operations.

The review’s emphasis on nutritional strategies—incorporating whole and hydrolyzed proteins, targeted nutrient supplementation, probiotics, and algae-derived products—is particularly noteworthy. These approaches, focused on bolstering host resilience rather than directly targeting pathogens, represent a significant shift in perspective. While the authors rightly point out that direct evidence linking these nutritional interventions to improved disease resistance and survival in meagre remains limited, the preliminary findings are encouraging. The modulation of oxidative status, immune biomarkers, stress responses, and intestinal health—all identified as potential benefits—suggests a pathway towards a more sustainable and preventative model of aquaculture health management. The existing research underscores the need for rigorous, pathogen-challenge studies and long-term validations at commercial scales to definitively establish the efficacy and economic viability of these nutritional strategies. The discovery of Ernest Shackleton’s final ship First Images Reveal Ernest Shackleton’s Final Ship Quest Tangled In Fishing Nets On Labrador Seabed serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of marine ecosystems and the unintended consequences of human activity, further strengthening the case for responsible and sustainable aquaculture practices.

The review’s critical assessment of the current state of knowledge is valuable, clearly outlining the gaps that need to be addressed. The authors’ call for a more integrated and longitudinal approach to research is particularly pertinent. Simply observing changes in biomarkers is insufficient; researchers must demonstrate a direct correlation between these changes and improved disease outcomes and ultimately, enhanced survival rates in commercial settings. This requires a shift from isolated laboratory studies to more ecologically relevant and commercially applicable trials. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of the specific mechanisms by which these nutritional interventions exert their effects is crucial for optimizing their effectiveness and tailoring them to the unique physiological needs of meagre at different life stages and under varying environmental conditions. The development of robust, validated analytical methods for quantifying bioactive compounds in feed and tissues will also be essential for ensuring consistency and traceability.

Looking ahead, the convergence of aquaculture science, nutritional biology, and data analytics presents a transformative opportunity. The ability to integrate real-time data on water quality, fish behavior, and nutritional intake—coupled with advanced analytical techniques—could enable the development of precision feeding strategies that optimize both fish health and production efficiency. The creation of an integrated data ecosystem, as World Data Ocean advocates, will be critical for accelerating progress in this area. A key question remains: how can we incentivize the adoption of these more complex and potentially costly preventative strategies by aquaculture producers, particularly in the face of immediate economic pressures related to disease outbreaks? The answer likely lies in demonstrating the long-term economic benefits of reduced mortality, improved feed efficiency, and enhanced product quality, alongside supportive regulatory frameworks and consumer demand for sustainably produced seafood.