UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Fisheries and aquaculture collectively underpin global food security, provide livelihoods for hundreds of millions of people, and contribute substantially to the nutrition of coastal and inland communities worldwide. Yet escalating anthropogenic pressures—including overfishing, habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution—continue to challenge the long-term viability of these sectors. This review synthesises recent advances in sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture practices, drawing on peer-reviewed literature published primarily between 2005 and 2026. The global status of wild-capture fisheries and farmed production is examined alongside innovative management approaches such as ecosystem-based fisheries management and marine protected areas. Emerging aquaculture technologies—including integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, recirculating aquaculture systems, and alternative feed ingredients—are critically evaluated. The roles of remote sensing, biotechnology, and selective breeding in improving sustainability outcomes are also discussed. Socioeconomic dimensions of sustainability, including food security, small-scale fisheries, the blue economy, and the governance frameworks that underpin sustainable practice, are further addressed. The review identifies critical knowledge gaps and proposes a research agenda to advance the sustainable co-development of fisheries and aquaculture in a rapidly changing world. This review demonstrates that sustainable fisheries and aquaculture have become a scientific, technological, and governance priority of the first order. It is recommended that an integrated, evidence-informed, and equitable approach be possible to ensure that aquatic food systems continue to support human flourishing within planetary boundaries.