Aquaculture-driven antibiotic pollution - a critical and emerging threat to maritime health

The rapid growth of global aquaculture poses significant environmental challenges, particularly through the release of antibiotic residues and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) into coastal ecosystems. Intensive aquaculture systems, especially in Southeast Asia, frequently use antibiotics to manage infections in farmed species, leading to persistent pollutant discharge into marine environments, where antibiotic residues have been detected at environmentally relevant concentrations ranging from ng L⁻¹ to low µg L⁻¹ levels. This study underscores the urgent need for scientific and policy attention to address the intersection of aquaculture practices, environmental pollution, and public health risks associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Research highlights the alarming proliferation of AMR in aquaculture-related bacteria, with quantitative evidence indicating resistance levels exceeding 50% for approximately one-third of antimicrobial compounds tested across Asia, exacerbated by the presence of microplastics which facilitate the transfer and accumulation of resistance genes among bacterial communities. Rising marine temperatures further enhance this challenge, correlating with increased levels of resistance in both aquaculture and clinical settings. Current maritime health frameworks inadequately address these risks, potentially transforming coastal areas into reservoirs for resistant bacteria, thereby threatening food safety and public health. This paper advocates for a coordinated, One-Health approach that incorporates systematic monitoring, stricter antibiotic regulations, research into alternative disease control measures, and the inclusion of marine AMR risks in public health policies. By implementing these strategies collaboratively, we can safeguard the health of marine ecosystems and the well-being of communities reliant on them.