Aquamimicry in Aquaculture: A Nature-Based Approach to Improve Growth, Immunity, and Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

With the increase in global population, it is recommended to intensify aquaculture production systems with implementing environmentally suitable management strategies. In recent years, modern cultivating strategies, such as aquamimicry, have been recognized for their sustainability in improving biosecurity, effectiveness, and reducing feed costs as well as the negative environmental impacts of aquaculture. Aquamimicry is an approach that involves the introduction of specific probiotics to carbon sources, aimed at promoting the establishment of phytoplankton and zooplankton, thereby simulating the conditions found in natural ponds. This review aims to clarify the effects of aquamimicry systems on the growth and immune responses of cultured species, as well as the potential influence of these systems on environmental quality to promote advancements in the aquaculture sector. The findings from the recent researches indicate that the aquamimicry system significantly enhances the growth performance and feed consumption efficiency of cultured species by mimicking the natural environment and nutrient flow of aquatic ecosystems. Mimicking the surrounding environment helps aquaculture organisms to improve immunological function as well, therefore lowering their reliance on chemical therapies and antibiotics. The present review also shows that aquamimicry system supports ecological sustainability by means of water quality improvement, waste recycling enhancement, and reduction of negative ecological effects usually linked with conventional aquaculture operations. Although there is a lack of data in this emerging field, the purpose of this study is to compile what little is known about the growth and immune response of aquamimicry-cultured species and to offer a thorough overview of the research arena.