Impact of climate change and adaptation strategy in aquaculture: a systematic review

Climate change significantly impacts aquaculture production due to the fact that production capabilities are reliant on the biophysical conditions of the surrounding aquatic environment. This study examines the effects of climate change and aquaculture adaptation strategies at the farm, sector, and national levels. An exhaustive review of the scientific literature is conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews. The findings indicate that aquaculture is primarily impacted negatively by climate change, with the negative consequences surpassing the positive ones. A prolonged production period, an expansion of suitable areas for aquaculture cultivation, and the emergence of new species in colder regions are all positive developments. The adverse consequences encompass decreased water availability, deteriorating water quality, raised salinity and temperature, and damage to aquaculture infrastructure attributable to extreme climatic phenomena; these are classified as direct effects. As an indirect effect, the decreased availability of feed ingredients, such as fish meals, limits the production, expansion, and sustainability of aquaculture. Implementing pond dikes, nets, drainage systems, and fences to safeguard production systems against climatic events (such as storms and floods) is an element of farm-level adaptation strategies. Sector-level strategies encompass the dissemination of local knowledge and information via educational initiatives and advocacy campaigns. Governments at the country level promote sector-level cooperation and develop policies to alleviate the impacts of climate change on the aquaculture sector.