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Knowledge4Policy
Knowledge for policy
Supporting policy with scientific evidence

We mobilise people and resources to create, curate, make sense of and use knowledge to inform policymaking across Europe.

  • Publication | 2025
Climate-smart aquaculture: Innovations and challenges in mitigating climate change impacts on fisheries and coastal agriculture
Global Food and Nutrition Security

This review examines the integration of climate-smart aquaculture (CSAq) as a strategy to enhance the resilience and sustainability of global aquaculture and coastal agriculture in the face of climate change. CSAq encompasses innovations such as integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), genetic advancements, renewable energy integration, and optimized water management, all aimed at minimizing environmental impacts while maintaining productivity. As climate change introduces threats like ocean acidification, temperature fluctuations, and extreme weather events, CSAq offers adaptive solutions critical for preserving marine ecosystems, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and sustaining food security. The review emphasizes that the successful adoption of CSAq is contingent upon supportive policies, cross-sectoral collaboration, and socio-economic considerations, including gender inclusivity and community involvement. As aquaculture's role in food security continues to grow, CSAq provides a pathway for mitigating climate impacts while promoting sustainable development. This review underscores the necessity of climate-smart approaches for building resilient food systems that can adapt to a changing climate and sustain livelihoods in vulnerable coastal regions.