Effects of Climate Change on the Aquafeed Industry and its Reciprocal Impacts: The Importance of Identifying Adaptive and Mitigative Strategies

Abstract

Background: The intensification of commercial aquaculture and the sustainability of the aquafeed industry are essential to address global food security issues and achieve several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Climate change adversely affects this industry; at the same time, traditional fish feed production and ingredient sourcing contribute to climate change effects, vice versa. Aims: This review broadly evaluates the bidirectional connection between climate change and the aquafeed industry. Moreover, this study confirms the critical supply chain vulnerabilities and proposes actionable mitigation and adaptation frameworks. Study Design: Comprehensive literature review. Place and Duration of Study: The Regional Research Center, NARA, Panapitiya, Waskaduwa, between January 2025 and December, 2025. Methodology: An extensive literature survey was conducted. Results: Climatic stressors significantly undermine the supply of conventional ingredients and drive up their prices. Environmental shifts also increase the risk of contaminant accumulation in crops used as feed ingredients. On the contrary, conventional aquafeed operations enhance global warming. To minimize these dual crises, innovative formulations and fishmeal substitutes must be integrated with accurate feeding management. Conclusion: The aquafeed industry should be transformed from its current unsustainable state to sustainable alternatives, which is necessary for climate resilience. Practicing these adaptations successfully requires global cooperation to establish a standardized policy framework.