16 MARCH 2026 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG • Bledsoe, J., Redman, N., Simmons, D., Tudor, C., Welker, T., Romano, N., & Overturf, K. (2025). Proteomic mechanisms underlying soybean meal-induced enteritis resistance in selected rainbow trout. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, 56(6). e70068. https://doi.org/10.1111/jwas.70068 This study evaluated molecular and physiological responses associated with feeding traditional fishmeal-based or high soybean meal plant-based diets to rainbow trout over a 7-month timeframe. Trout selectively bred to tolerate plant-based diets were compared to a commercial strain of rainbow trout. Results showed that the selected strain had superior growth, weight gain, and feed conversion when fed either the high-soybean meal or traditional fishmeal diet. Histological results confirmed susceptibility to soybean meal-induced enteritis (SBMIE) in the commercial trout strain, but enteritis was not observed in the selected strain. Proteomic analysis was used to identify Nlrp1, an inflammasome sensor in the plasma of fish susceptible to SBMIE. This appears to represent a key molecular biomarker for systemic inflammation. Further gene analysis showed heightened stress, DNA damage, and signaling of innate immune pathways in the intestine of the commercial trout strain in response to the plant-based diet. These inflammatory signatures, stress-related signaling pathways, and the Nlrp1 plasma marker were not present in the selected strain. Detection of the Nlrp1 biomarker adds to the repertoire of inflammatory biomarkers identified through plasma proteomics in salmonids. Overall, this study advances our understanding of the genetic and physiological basis of tolerance to plant-based diets and validates the application of selective breeding to solve specific challenges for aquaculture species. • Hudson, K. A., Watanabe, W. O., Dumas, C. F., Alam, M. S., Losordo, T. M., & Carroll, P. M. (2025). Evaluation of alternative stocking and harvesting models on production of black sea bass, Centropristis striata, in recirculating aquaculture systems: Potential effects of genetic selection. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society. 56(6), e70064. https://doi.org/10.1111/jwas.70064 This study evaluates different stocking and harvesting strategies for black sea bass (BSB) produced in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) while also modeling the potential growth benefits associated with genetic selection. The authors used a growth model based on pilot studies to compare several “production plans” for a hypothetical commercial facility and measured a range of parameters such as annual yield, harvest frequency, and tank space efficiency (TSE). The study found that a four-stage stocking model utilizing three tanks for the final growout stage was the most effective for the wild-type (F0) generation. They showed that selective breeding could further improve productivity, with estimated annual biomass yield increases of 11.8% for the F1 generation and an additional 9.2% for the F2 generation. Ultimately, the results of this study highlight that iterative testing of stocking schedules and genetic improvement is critical for optimizing the commercial viability and supply stability of BSB in land-based RAS aquaculture. The Journal of the World Aquaculture Society Editor’s Choice Awards 56(6) Korea Chapter, cont. from page 14 and operations system. (Source: Busan Metropolitan City press release, January 19, 2026.) NIFS Develops Abalone Juvenile Feed Using Underutilized Green Tide Seaweed, Cutting Feed Costs by 25.6 Percent The National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS) reported a patented manufacturing technology that uses green tide seaweed that can proliferate along Jeju’s coast in summer, as an ingredient in formulated feed for abalone juveniles. NIFS’s Feed Research Center found that the seaweed based ingredient could fully replace imported kelp powder. Based on production cost estimates, the formulation reduced feed cost by 25.6 percent. NIFS indicated that field trials were conducted with the Abalone Producers Association and that the formulation will be refined based on farm feedback before technology transfer to feed manufacturers. (Source: NIFS press release, December 2, 2025.) — Han-kyu Lim, President Reported by Jeongwhui Hong CALLING ALL READERS DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE TO WORLD AQUACULTURE? We’d love to see it! We welcome general features, articles and news covering a variety of aquaculture-related topics, preferably well-illustrated with photographs and line art. Published quarterly, the magazine keeps WAS members up to date with research results and reviews of aquaculture trends and topics. You do not need to be a member of the Society and there are no page charges. Guidelines for authors are available here. Submit manuscripts to C. Greg Lutz, Editor in Chief, at glutz@agcenter.lsu.edu or Cecilia Castellanos Nichols, ed.assistant@was.org when emailing your submission.
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