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Advancing Circularity in Small-Scale Rural Aquaponics: Potential Routes and Research Needs

Author

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  • Laura Silva

    (Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Mazatlán 82112, Mexico
    Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Unidad Mérida, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mérida 97357, Mexico)

  • Francisco Javier Martinez-Cordero

    (Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Mazatlán 82112, Mexico)

  • Gösta Baganz

    (Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany)

  • Daniela Baganz

    (Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany)

  • Ariadne Hernández-Pérez

    (Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia de Abejas, Conejos y Organismos Acuáticos, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City 04510, Mexico)

  • Eva Coronado

    (Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Unidad Mérida, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mérida 97357, Mexico)

  • Maria Celia Portella

    (Aquaculture Center of Unesp, Sao Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil)

Abstract

Small-scale fisheries and aquaculture play a crucial role in securing food, income, and nutrition for millions, especially in the Global South. Rural small-scale aquaculture (SSA) is characterized by limited investment and technical training among farmers, diversification and dispersion of farms over large areas, reduced access to competitive markets for inputs and products, and family labor. Small-scale integrated circular aquaponic (ICAq) systems, in which systems’ component outputs are transformed into component inputs, have significant potential to increase circularity and promote economic development, especially in a rural context. We offer an integrated and comprehensive approach centered on aquaponics or aquaponic farming for small-scale aquaculture units. It aims to identify and describe a series of circular processes and causal links that can be implemented based on deep study in SSA and ICAq. Circular processes to treat by-products in ICAq include components like composting, vermicomposting, aerobic and anaerobic digestion, silage, and insect production. These processes can produce ICAq inputs such as seedling substrates, plant fertilizers, bioenergy, or feed ingredients. In addition, the plant component can supply therapeutic compounds. Further research on characterization of aquaponic components outputs and its quantifications, the impact of using circular inputs generated within the ICAq, and the technical feasibility and economic viability of circular processes in the context of SSA is needed.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura Silva & Francisco Javier Martinez-Cordero & Gösta Baganz & Daniela Baganz & Ariadne Hernández-Pérez & Eva Coronado & Maria Celia Portella, 2025. "Advancing Circularity in Small-Scale Rural Aquaponics: Potential Routes and Research Needs," Resources, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-30, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:14:y:2025:i:8:p:119-:d:1708278
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nguyen Thi Kim Quyen & Huynh Van Hien & Le Nguyen Doan Khoi & Nobuyuki Yagi & Anna Karia Lerøy Riple, 2020. "Quality Management Practices of Intensive Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Farming: A Study of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-18, June.
    2. Christopher Shaw & Klaus Knopf & Werner Kloas, 2022. "Fish Feeds in Aquaponics and Beyond: A Novel Concept to Evaluate Protein Sources in Diets for Circular Multitrophic Food Production Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-30, March.
    3. Christopher Shaw & Klaus Knopf & Laura Klatt & Gabina Marin Arellano & Werner Kloas, 2023. "Closing Nutrient Cycles through the Use of System-Internal Resource Streams: Implications for Circular Multitrophic Food Production Systems and Aquaponic Feed Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-30, April.
    4. Dave Mangindaan & Emil Robert Kaburuan & Bayu Meindrawan, 2022. "Black Soldier Fly Larvae ( Hermetia illucens ) for Biodiesel and/or Animal Feed as a Solution for Waste-Food-Energy Nexus: Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-18, October.
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    6. Stefka Stoyanova & Ivaylo Sirakov & Katya Velichkova, 2024. "Sustainable Production: Integrating Medicinal Plants with Fish Farming in Aquaponics—A Mini Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-20, July.
    7. Priscila Sarai Flores-Aguilar & Amanda Kim Rico-Chávez & Eloy Rodriguez-deLeón & Humberto Aguirre-Becerra & Sergio Aurelio Zamora-Castro & Genaro Martín Soto-Zarazúa, 2023. "Bioactive Compounds of Endemic Medicinal Plants ( Cuphea spp.) Cultured in Aquaponic Systems: A Short Study," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-14, October.
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