Abstract

Climate change is increasing stress on aquaculture systems, significantly influencing farmed aquatic species' health and disease dynamics. Rising temperatures, altered salinity, and ocean acidification compromise immune function and physiological resilience in fish and shellfish, making them more susceptible to pathogens and parasites. Additionally, environmental fluctuations can facilitate the emergence, virulence, and transmission of infectious diseases, disrupting aquaculture productivity and sustainability. This review explores the complex interactions between climate-induced stressors and disease outbreaks in aquaculture, highlighting key mechanisms by which environmental stress affects host-pathogen dynamics. It also addresses the vulnerability of specific aquaculture species and production systems, drawing attention to critical regions at risk. Mitigation strategies, including adaptive management practices, improved disease surveillance, and selective breeding for resilience, are discussed as pathways to reduce the impact of climate change on aquaculture health. Understanding the multifactorial relationship between climate variables and disease ecology is essential for developing effective interventions and ensuring the long-term viability of aquaculture industries under changing climatic conditions.

Keywords: Climate-induced stress, Aquaculture species, Aquaculture industries