Future directions in breeding for disease resistance in sustainable aquaculture

Aquaculture has emerged as a vital solution to meet the increasing global demand for high-quality protein. However, the sustainability of this rapidly growing sector is threatened by frequent disease outbreaks, leading to significant economic losses and environmental challenges. Traditional disease management strategies such as antibiotics, vaccines, and chemical treatments have provided some relief. But, they are increasingly associated with adverse effects, including the development of antimicrobial resistance and environmental degradation, as well as increased cost of production and acceptance by farmers and consumers. Breeding for disease-resistant aquaculture species presents a promising and sustainable alternative that aligns with global efforts to enhance food security by reducing production costs and environmental footprints. This chapter explores the future directions in breeding for disease resistance in aquaculture, focusing on innovative tools and technologies that can transform breeding programs. Advances in genomic technologies, such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS), marker-assisted selection (MAS), and genome editing (GE), have opened new possibilities for precise and efficient selection of disease-resistant traits. Emerging fields, such as epigenetics and microbiome manipulation, further highlight the potential of non-genetic approaches to enhance disease resistance. Coupled with bioinformatics and artificial intelligence (AI), these tools provide unprecedented opportunities for integrating big data and predictive analytics into breeding programs. Key challenges are critically examined, including balancing disease resistance with other production traits, maintaining genetic diversity, and addressing ethical and regulatory concerns. This chapter highlights advancements in breeding for disease resistance in aquaculture, emphasizing improvements in traditional breeding techniques and emerging technologies with insights that will drive innovation, boost productivity, and ensuring a more sustainable and secure global aquaculture industry.