Abstract

Aquaculture, the science of raising aquatic life, offers a promising solution for sustainable food security. As humanity’s appetite grapples with the twin challenge of safeguarding the environment and ensuring sustainable seafood production, it necessitates reassessing the sustainability of traditional aquaculture practices. Unlocking a paradigm shift towards traditional sustainable aquaculture practices like Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) offers a transformative solution, potentially redefining the ‘‘Blue Revolution’’ by promoting sustainability through water conservation. This review comprehensively analyzes RAS technology and delves into its historical progression, core principles, and diverse components of water treatment systems, rearing tanks, and biofiltration mechanisms. Additionally, the review explores successful applications for rearing diverse aquatic species and evaluates feed and disease management practices within the recirculating system. Current trends and technological advancements, including innovations in waste management, energy efficiency, and employment within this environmentally controlled system, are also highlighted. While acknowledging existing challenges in energy consumption, cost optimization, and feed sustainability, the review provides a comprehensive and critical analysis by emphasizing the immense future potential of RAS. The review aims to guide future research and development efforts by advocating environmentally friendly practices, paving the way for a more sustainable future for the resilient aquaculture industry.