Aquaculture practices and potential human health risks: current knowledge and future priorities

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Food Science

Background:

• Global aquaculture production has rapidly increased, becoming a major source of seafood.
• This expansion necessitates significant use of formulated feeds, antibiotics, and chemicals in aquaculture facilities.
• Increased aquaculture production raises concerns about potential human health impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review chemical, biological, and emerging agents used in modern aquaculture.
• To assess the potential public health impacts of contaminants in aquacultured seafood.
• To identify populations at risk and highlight the need for further research and policy development.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific findings on aquaculture agents and their effects.
• Analysis of contaminants found in aquacultured finfish and shellfish.
• Identification of human health risks associated with aquaculture practices.

Main Results:

• Aquaculture practices can lead to elevated levels of antibiotic residues and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in seafood.
• Contaminants such as persistent organic pollutants, metals, parasites, and viruses may be present in aquacultured products.
• Workers, nearby populations, and consumers are identified as at-risk groups for exposure.

Conclusions:

• Current aquaculture practices pose potential risks to public health through various contaminants.
• Additional research is needed to compare risks between aquacultured and wild-caught fish.
• Collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and industry is essential for developing effective interventions and policies.