Microbial-Environment-Host Benefits Interactions in Aquaculture

Interactions between the microbiota, the host (cultured organisms) and the environment play a crucial role in ensuring the healthy growth and productivity of aquatic systems. The interactions involve the gut of fish and shellfish, the environment that modulates the composition of the gut microbiota, and the core gut microbial community, which colonizes the gut in the organism’s early stages of development. The fish microbiome communities, comprising various micro-organisms, are found in the mucosal tissues, including the skin, olfactory system, gill and gut. The importance of fish microbiome, especially in the gut tissue, in the management of various physiological activities are documented. In the aquaculture industry, meeting the growing demand for animal protein requires innovative approaches to boost production. However, the expansion of the fish industry can lead to increased vulnerability to diseases and financial losses. Antibiotics, commonly used to control diseases, pose a number of restrictions in fish and shellfish farming. As an alternative, probiotics or their products have gained prominence in aquaculture for disease management and are regarded as fitting substitutions for antimicrobial compounds.

The intestinal microbiota can be modulated through environmental parameters and additives in water and feed such as probiotics, prebiotics, bioremediators, immunostimulants, vaccines, etc. that improve metabolic responses, growth, immunity, and stress and disease resistance. Manipulation of the gut microbiome using diets supplemented with Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, microalgae, and yeasts have been tested as potential probiotics in fish. The composition of the fish gut microbiota is also determined by the microbiota present in the ambient water and sediment. Thus, with a focus on these objectives, we are initiating a special edition titled ‘Microbial- Environment-Host Benefits Interactions in Aquaculture’ inviting contributions from relevant experts.

This Research Topic will publish original research papers and reviews related to the following topics:

• Dietary additives and food supplements
• Probiotic benefits in fish and shellfish health in aquaculture
• Screening of microbial products for biological activities
• Beneficial potentials of bacteria
• Microbial products in intestinal health
• Understanding the pathways of microbiota in health
• The relationship between microbial community and health
• The relationship among microorganisms, environment, and host
• Reshaping host gut microbiota