MARINE BACTERIA AS POTENTIAL PROBIOTICS IN AQUACULTURE

Abstract

Marine microbes are known for their bioactive compounds in various industries. Similarly, marine bacteria are vital in sustainability of aquaculture around the world. Despite its essential role in synthesis of bioactive compounds, commercial use of marine bacteria as probiotics in aquaculture industry is the neglected sector in the world. Few developed countries are utilizing the probiotics in aquaculture industry while rest of the world has not considered it as an option. Probiotics can target wide spectrum of issues in aquaculture industry from reducing pollutants to a source of disease treatment that can be exploited accordingly. Marine bacteria are selected via rigorous processes to isolate potential probiotic. These probiotics are known for targeting various sites for competition, chemicals present in the environment, produce inhibitory substances to prevent fungal, bacterial, viral infection, augment stress conditions, and boost immunity. In this review we will highlight the importance of marine bacteria as potential source of probiotics in aquaculture industry. We aimed to highlight the challenges faced by aquaculture industry to emphasize the gravity of this issue. Finally, we stress on the advantages on marine probiotics and the methods that can be employed to identify potential probiotics. Marine bacteria are identified via series of processes involving pre-experimental screening in which the marine bacteria are isolated, cultured and tested for its activities in favor of host health. Second is experimental screening in which the microbe is delivered to aquaculture host and the results are observed. If the results are substantially robust in terms of improving health, the probiotic is approved for final screening tests. Finally, in post-experimental screening, the marine bacteria are identified to its strain level and assessed whether it has the potential to be used as probiotics and can be produced as mass culture. Further research is essential to identify promising bacteria and effectively utilize them in the aquaculture culture industry. It is crucial to aware farmers regarding the economic importance of aquaculture at an industrial scale to boost economy but produce quality seafood.