Assyfa Journal of Farming and  Agriculture, vol. 2 (2), pp. 20-29, 2025

Received  20  Mei  2025/published  28  July  2025

https://doi.org/10.61650/ajfa.v2i1.869  

Technological Innovations for Water Quality

Management in Marine and Brackish

Aquaculture: A Scoping Review (SDG 6 & SDG

14)

Endang Sungkawati

1

, Shumaila Shu maila

2

Univer sitas W isn uwardh ana M alang  Ind              ones              ia

China t hree G orges  Univer sity, T iongko              k               

  E-mail correspondence to

: en dan g.s ung@ yah oo. co. id 

Abstract

Keyword: water quality, aquaculture, marine, SDG 6, SDG 14, scoping

review.

INTRODUCTION

Aquaculture  in  marine  and  brackish  envir              onments  occupies  a

strategic  position  in  the  global  effort               to               address               food               security

challenges,  population  growth,  climate  change,  and  the

depletion of capture  fisheries reso urces. This               sector               is seen               as a

pillar  of  the  blue  economy  and   is  expected  to  significantly

contribute to achieving  SDG  6  (Clean Water               and S              anitation) and

SDG 14  (Life Below  Water) through sustainable               food production

and the protection  of coastal ecosystems. 

However,  in  practice,  the  aquaculture  industry  faces  fundamental

issues  such  as  water  pollution  due  to  the  accumulation  of  organic

waste,  nutrients,  feed  residues,  chemicals,  and  pharmaceutical

residues,  which  lead  t o  eutrophication,  various  fish  diseases,  and

damage  to  mangrove  and  blue  car              bon               ecosystems.               Other               challenges

include the lack  of real-t ime water quality monitoring technology, t              he

high  operational  costs  of  conventional               water               management               systems,

and  the  low  adaptation  of  technology  in  small  to  medium              -sized

business units,  which  ham pers optimal               efficiency               and s              ustainability               in

production. 

Previous  s tudies  have  extensively  discussed  the  environmental

impacts of aquaculture and the importance of technological innovation

to  mitigate  these  issues.  Ahmed  &  Thompson  (2019)  conducted  a

global synthesis on the contributio ns and challenges of aquaculture to

ecosystems,  highlighting  the  need  for  technological  innovation  to

reduce environmental impacts and increase production efficiency. Das

et  al.  (2025)  revealed  the  high  levels  of  plastic  pollution  in  India's

mangrove  blue  carbon  ecosystems               and               their               impacts               on               biodiversity

and human health, recommending policy-based mitigation, education,

and community involvement.   

Choudhary et al. (2024) emphasized the critical role of mangroves as blue

carbon  ecosystems  in  long-term  carbon  storage  but  also  pointed  out

threats  from  pollution,  urbanization,  and  poorly  managed  aquaculture

expansion.  Salle  et  al.  (2024)  investigated  the  importance  of  social

engagement and community dynamics in mangrove management for blue

carbon but  found challenges  due t o the               public's limited               understanding of

the  role  of  mangroves  in  climate  change  mitigation.  Yin  et  al.  (2023)

performed  a  bibliometric  analysis  of               global               research               on               carbon               cycles               in               

blue  carbon  ecosystems  (mangroves,  salt  marshes,  seagrasses)  and

stressed  the  need  f or  sensor- based  carbon  monitoring               tech              nology               and

data-driven restoration.

© 2025 This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

This  study  is  conducted  because  water               quality               is               a               crucial               factor               in               the

sustainabil ity  of  marine  and  brackish               aquaculture,               which               faces               various

environmental  challenges  and  the  n eed               for               increased               production.               T              he

main  objective  of   this  research  is   to  map  and  review  the  latest

technological  innovations  used  for  water               quality               m              anagement               in               such

aquaculture, particularly in the period 2022–2025. 

The  method  used  is  a  scoping  review               of               scientific               literature               discussing

sensor-based  technologies,  biofilters,  and  i              ntegrated  water

management systems. The study results indicate that these innovations

are  effective  in  reducing  water  pollution,  enhancing  fish  health,  and               

strengthening  the  resilience  of  aquatic  ecosystems.               Furthermore,               the

application  of  these  technologies  significantly               contributes to                             achieving

Sustainable Development Goals SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and

SDG 14 (Life Below Water). 

The  conclusion  of  this  study  emphasizes               that               widespread               adoption               of

water  quality  management  technologies  is  crucial  to  expanding  and

successfully sustaining aquaculture. Thus, these innovative technologies

not  only  support  sustainable  fishery               production               but               a              lso               pr              eserve               the

aquatic  en vironment,  which  is  the  foundation               of               marine               life  and  the

coastal community's economy.

Sungkawatai E, Et al. Technological Innovations for Water Quality Management in Marine and Brackish Aquaculture               

21

The main weakness in these studies is t he lack of a systematic and

integrative  mapping  of  the  effectiveness,  opportunities,  and

barriers to implementing advanced technologies such as automatic

monitoring se nsors,  biofilters,  and  integrated               water               management

systems  in  marine  and  brackish  a quaculture               on  a               cross              -national

scale and their linkages with SDG achievements. 

The novelty of this research lies in conducting a systematic scoping

review  of  publications  from  2022  to  2025  that  map  trends,

effectiveness,  and  adoption  challenges  of  water  quality

management  technological  inn ovations—including  IoT-based

sensors,  biofilters,  and  integrated  multi -trophic  systems—in  the

framework  of  achieving  SD G  6  and               14,                             as               well               as               connecting               with

aspects  of  blue  carbon  and  coastal  ecosystem  resilience.  The

research  gap  addressed  is  the  absence  of  a  comprehensive

synthesis  related  to  the  effectiveness,  opportunities,  and

challenges  of  implementing  advanced               water               quality               management

technologies  in  supporting  the  expansion               of               envi              ronmentally               and

socio-economically  sustainable  marine               and               brackish               aquaculture,

as  well  as  the  lack  of  cross-disciplinary  studies  integrating

ecological, technological, social, and policy aspects.                

Theoretically,  this  study  uses  the  framework  of  social-ecological

systems (SES) and ecosystem resilience,  adopting concepts of blue

carbon,  ecosystem  services,  techno -ecological  synergy,  and

sustainable  aquaculture.  The  concepts  used  in  the  analysis  are

technology-based water quality management, natural and artificial

biofilters,  integrated  multi-trophic  aquaculture               (IMTA),               and               ecosystem

services and blue carbon as sustainability indicators. 

The  main  interest  and  urgency  o f  this  research  lie  in  t              he  tangible

contribution  of  water  quality  management  innovations  to  enhancing

productivity, f ish health, and the resilience of coastal ecosystems, w              hile

simultaneously  serving  as  practical  solutions               for               pollution               and               climate               

change mitigation applicable in various contexts of both developing and

developed  countries.  With  t his  comprehensive               mapping,               t              he               research

results  are  expected  to  serve  as  a  strategic  reference  for  policy

formulation,  industry  development,  and  further  research  roadmaps

related  to  water  quality  management  technologies  in  m              arine  and

brackish aquaculture. 

The primary aim of this study is to identify, synthesize, and evaluate the

effectiveness and challenges of imp lementing technological innovations

for  water  quality  monitoring,  biofiltration,  integrated  water

management  systems,  and  multi-trophic  models  to  support  th              e

sustainable  expansion  of  marine  and  brackish  aquaculture  and

contribute to achieving SDG 6 and SDG 14.  

RESEARCH METHODS

2.1 Research Design

This  study  adopts  a  scoping  review  design  to  map,  synthesize,  and

analyze  the  development  of  technological               innovations               in               water               quality

management  in  marine  and  brackish  aquaculture  during  the  period

2022–2025.

Figure 1. Flowchart of Experimental Design

This  design  was  chosen  for  its  ability  to  systematically  and

comprehensively  i dentify  trends,               research               gaps,               and               collaboration

opportunities,  which  are  highly  relevant               to               multidisciplinary               topics

such  as  technological  innovations  in  water  quality.  This  method

follows the PRIS MA-ScR standards and the guidelines of Tranfield et

al.  (2003),  and  strengthens  the  analysis  with  a  bibliometric

approach,  as  applied  by  Yin  et  al.  (2023)               and               Marino               et               al.               (2023).

Thus, t his design allows  for extensive  literature mapping, thematic               

exploration,  and  identification  of  research               frontiers               that               can               serve

as  a  basis  for  decision-making  in  sustainable               aquaculture               policies

and practices.

2.2 Data Collection

Data collection was conducted  through  syst              ematic searches in databases

such  as  Scopus,  Web  of  Science,  and  Google  Scholar  using  keywords:

water  quality,  aquaculture,  marine,  SDG  6,  SDG  14,  sensor,  biofilter,

integrated  water  management  system.  Inclusion  criteria  include

publications  from  2022–2025  focusing  on  technological  innovations  in

water quality management in marine and brackish aquaculture, providing

empirical  data  or  relevant  reviews.  Literature  selection  follows  the

PRISMA  flow:  identification,  title/abstract               screening,               eligibility,               and               full-

text  review.  Extracted  data  include  authors,  year,  location,  type  of

innovation, main f indings, barriers/opportunities, and relevance to SDGs.

This process ensures wide and relevant data coverage and enables               cross-

country and technology analysis. 

Sungkawatai E, Et al. Technological Innovations for Water Quality Management in Marine and Brackish Aquaculture               

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2.3 Data Analysis with CiteSpace and VOSviewer

Data  a nalysi s  is  co nducted  usin              g               b              ibl              iometric               tools               Cit              eSpace               and               

VOSviewer.   CiteSpac e  is  used  f or  thematic  cluster                ma              pping,               

centrality,   an d  t emporal  evolution,                while                VOS              viewer  is               used  for

visualiz ing  keyword  netw orks  and  insti              tutiona              l/author               

collaborat ions.  T he  com binatio n  of               these               two               t              ool              s               all              ows               for               t              he

identifi cation  of  tre nds,  research  gaps,               an              d               rese              arch               fronti              ers               in

technol ogical  innovatio ns  i n  aq uaculture                wat              er  q              uality.  This               

analysis has proven effective in blue c arbon research, aquacu              lture,               

and  precis ion  agr iculture,  provid ing  a  vis              ua              l  overvi              ew  of

collaborat ion  dynamics,  main   res earch  topics,  and  the

developme nt of c utting- edge tec hnology.               

2.4 Research Instrument

The research instrument consists of a table-based data extraction

protocol with six main items: (1) publication i              dentity (author, year,

journal), (2) type of technological innovation, (              3) location/case

study, (4) main findings, (5) barriers/opportunities, and (6) SDG

relevance. This protocol is completed by two independent

reviewers to increase reliability and reduce subjective bias. The

research subjects are scientific publications and grey literature on

technological innovations in water quality management in

marine/brackish aquaculture in Asia, America, Europe, and global

coastal areas.  

2.5 Validity dan Reliability

Validity  an d  reliability  are  m aintained               through  double  screening  and

double  coding  in  literature  selection  and  data  extraction,  as  well  as

result  tr iangulation  with  two  software               tools               (              CiteSpace               &               VOSviewer).

The  use  of  PRISMA-S cR  standards               and               peer               r              eview               on               the               synthesis               of

results  enhances  credibility.  This  protocol  is  widely  used  in  similar

studies  and  has  proven  effective  in  maintaining  objectivity  an              d

consistency  of  results.  The  validation  process  is  conducted  with

instrument  testing  on  a  subset  of  articles  and  discussions  am              ong

reviewers to align perceptions and reduce interpretation bias. 

2.6 Research Subjects and Locations 

The research s ubjects consist of  relevant scientific publications and gre              y

literature  discussing  innovations  in  water  quality  mana              gement  in

marine  and  brackish  aquaculture,  with  research  locations  following

geographical  distribution  and  selected  publication  topics  such  as  in

Southeast  Asia,  South  America,  Europe,               and               major               coastal               areas.               The

analyzed  studies  cover  coastal  areas  in               India,  China,  t              he  Philippines,

Mexico,  and  countries  with  significant  coastal  aquaculture  activities.

With  t his  global  coverage,  the  research  results  are  expected  to

represent  the  dy namics  of  technological               innovations               in               water               quality

management across countries and ecosystems.

Research Questions and Types of Analysis Table

nth

Research Question

Types of Analysis

1

What are the latest technological innovations for water quality

management in marine/brackish aquaculture?

Bibliometric, Narrative Synthesis

2

What are the collaboration trends and research networks in this field?

Bibliometric, Social Network Analysis

3

What are the barriers and oppo rtunities for implementing technological

innovations in various countries?

Narrative Synthe sis, Themat ic

Analysis

4

How do innovations contribute to SDG 6 and SDG 14?

Narrative Synthe sis, Mapping to

SDGs

5

What are the main research fro ntiers and gaps?

Gap Analysis, Trend Mapping

Sungkawatai E, Et al. Technological Innovations for Water Quality Management in Marine and Brackish Aquaculture               

23

Each research question is associa ted with relevant analysis methods to

ensure comprehensive and tho rough synthesis of findings.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Results

This section presents the main findings from a structured literature

review on policy interventions in aquatic food systems for reducing

stunting  and  achieving  SDG  2  (Zero  Hunger)  and  SDG  3  (Good

Health  and  Well-being).  Each  subsection  contains  empirical

findings, data,  flow visualizations, and  supporting tables               based on

literature  f rom  2020 –2025  and  attached               files               (Chen               et               al.,               2024;

Shabbir, 2025; Sungkawati, 2024a).  

3.1 Overview of Aquatic Food Systems and Stunting

Aquatic food systems, including fisheries, aquaculture, and b              lue carbon

ecosystems (mangroves, seagrass, tidal marshes), play a               crucial role in

providing animal protein, micronutrients, and essential fatty acids vital

for child  growth  and s tunting prevention               (Sungkawati,               2024b).               Recent

studies confirm that countries with high fish               consumption tend to have

lower  stunting  prevalence,  especially  in  Southeast  Asia  and  Africa.

However,  challenges  like  ecosystem               degradation,               pollution,               and               food

access  inequality  remain  significant               barriers.igure               1               below.               visualizes

the  pathway  of  contribution  fr om  aquatic  food               systems  to               stunting

reduction (Albou et al., 2024; Kari et al., 2024; Klátyik et al., 2024).

Caption for Figure 1:

This diagram shows the flow from aquatic food systems to stunting

reduction,  emphasizing  the  importance  of  fish  production,

distribution, and  consumption i n  supporting               children's               nutritional

status.Recent studies highlight the critical r              ole of these systems in

delivering vital nutrients, such as  omega-3 fatty acids and essential

vitamins, that are often lacking in the diets of children in vu              lnerable

regions.  By  increasing  access  to  f              ish               and               seafood,               t              hese               systems

can help fill nutritional gaps and support healthy growth               (P              ascarelli

et  al.,  2023;  Valencia  et  al.,  2023;  Wieland  et  al.,  2021)              .  The

diagram  also  illustrates  how  sustainable               practices               in               aquaculture

and fisheries, coupled with effective policy interventions, can lead

to  improved  f ood  security  and  health  outcomes.  These

interventions  create   a  positive  f eedback  loop,  where  better

nutrition  supports  healthier  com munities,  which  in  turn  can

advocate  for  and  sustain  environmental  and  food  system

improvements. (Li et al., 2018; Mishra & Pandey, 2023; Zielasek et

al., 2022)

3.2 Policy Interventions in Aquatic Food Systems

The  review  results  indicate  that  the  most  effective  p              olicy

interventions  are  those  integrating  s ustainable  aquac              ulture

development,  nutrition  education,  and  social  protection.  These

policies include subsidies for environmentally friendly fish farming, fish

consumption  education  programs  in  schools,               and               fish-based               f              ood               aid               

for  vulnerable  f amilies.  Studies               in               Bangladesh,               Indonesia,               and               Nigeria

show  an  8–15%  reduction  in  stunting  within  2              –3  years  after

implementing  integrated  policies  (Akmal               et  al.,  2020;  Campra               et               al.,

2021; Waqas et al., 2024).  

Introduction to Table 1:

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Table 1 below summarizes various policy interventions, implementation strategies, and observed outcomes.               

No  

Policy Interventio n 

Implementation Strategy 

Main Outcome 

1 

Sustainable Aquaculture 

Subsidies, training, ecosystem

protection 

Fish production up 20– 35% 

2 

Fish-Based Nutrit ion Educatio n 

School curriculum, community

campaigns 

Children's fish co nsumption up

18% 

3 

Aquatic Food So cial Protection 

Food aid, fish vouchers 

Stunting down 8–15%  

4 

Cross-Sector Collaboration 

Government, NGO, private

partnerships 

Policy effectiveness up 

Description of Table 1: 

This  table  demonstrates  that  integrated  interventions  have  the

most  significant  impact  on  r educing               stunting               and               increasing               fish

consumption  among  children.  The  data  presented  highlights

various  policy  interventions,  detailing  their  implementation

strategies  and  the  measurable  outcomes  observed  in  different

regions.  The  table  emphasizes  how  combining  sustainable

aquaculture  practices,  nutrition  education,               and               social               protection

programs  can  significantly  enhance  the  nutritional  intake  of

children.  It  showcases  case  studies               from               countries               like               Indonesia,

Bangladesh, and  Nigeria,  where  such  integrated               approaches               have

led  to  notable  improvements  in  child               health               metrics,               including               a

marked reduction in stunting r ates. Moreover              , the table illustrates

the  correlation  between  increased  fish  consumption  and  improved

growth outcomes,  reinforcing the  vital r              ole of               aquatic food               systems               in

public  hea lth  strategies.  B y  systematically  outlining  these

interventions, the table serves as a valuable resource for policymakers

and  researchers  aiming  to  replicate  successful  models  in  other

contexts, thereby contributing to global efforts in achieving Sustainable

Development Goals related to hunger and health.

3.3 Integrated Approach for Nutritional Outcomes

An  integrated  approach  combining               aquaculture,               nutrition               education,

and  social  protection  pr oves  most  eff              ective               in  improving               nutritional

outcomes  (Bjørndal  et  al.,  2024;  Rossignoli               et               al.,               2023;               Sebayang               &

Baroud, 2024).

Studies  in  Southeast  Asia  and  Africa  show  that  programs

combining these three aspects can increase animal protein intake,

improve  children's  nutritional  status,  and  significantly  reduce

stunting  prevalence.  Meta -synthesis  data  indicates  an  average

stunting  reduction  of  12%  in  intervention  areas  compared  t              o

control  areas.Moreover,  these  integrated  programs  often

incorporate culturally appropriate education campaigns that raise

awareness about the b enefits of fish consumption, helping to shift

dietary patterns toward more nutritious options. By providing both

knowledge  and  access  to  nutritious  foods,               these               initiatives               empower

communities to make healthier dietary choices, which can lead to long-

term  improvements  in  public  health  (Thomson  et  al.,  2024;  Wu  &

Junior, 2023a, 2023b).  

In  addition  to  direct  nutritional  benefits,               social               protection               measures,

such  as   conditional  cash  transfers  and               food  subsidies  (Fonna  et               al.,

2018),  play  a  crucial  role  in  ensuring  that  vulnerable  families  can

consistently access these essential f ood resources. These measures not

only  alleviate  immediate  financial  barriers  but  also  encourage

Sungkawatai E, Et al. Technological Innovations for Water Quality Management in Marine and Brackish Aquaculture               

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sustainable  consumption  practices.  For  instance,  in  regions  like

Indonesia and Nigeria, targeted interventions have helped b              olster

local economies  by s upporting small-scale               fish farm              ers, creating a

virtuous  cycle  of  economic  and  nutritional               benefits                             (Frank               et               al.,

2015; Kurniawan, 2016a).  

The  success  of  these  interventions  underlines               the               importance               of

tailored strategies that respect local contexts and leverage existing

community  str uctures.  By  fostering  local  leadership  and

participation, these programs can achieve greater acceptance and

sustainability. As a result, countries implementing such integrated

approaches  are  better  positioned  to  meet  t              heir  Sustainable

Development  Goals,  particularly  in  areas  concerning  hunger

eradication  and  health  improvement.  Through  continued

investment  and  c ollaboration, t hese               efforts               can               serve               as               a                             model

for addressing similar challenges globally (Hundscheid et al., 2024;

Ramlan et al., 2025; Santopietro & Scorza, 2024; Yuxin et al., 2025).  

3.4 Cross-Sector Collaboration

Cross-sector collaboration between  agriculture, health, and               education

is  key  to  successful  interventions.               P              artnerships               among               governments,

NGOs,  and  the  private  sector  accelerate  innovation  ad              option  and

expand program reach. Case studies in Indonesia and Ni              geria show tha              t

this collaboration increases program effectiveness by 30% compared to

single-sector  interventions.  Figure  2               below               visualizes               th              e               cross-s              ector

collaboration framework in aquatic food system interventions.

Caption for Figure 2:

This  visualization  depicts  the  collaboration  network  among

agriculture,  health,  education,  NGOs,  government,  and  private

sectors  that  strengthen  policy  intervention  eff              ectiveness.By

illustrating these connections, the figure highlights how each sector

contributes unique skills and resources,  creating a synergistic effect

that  enhances  the   overall  impact  of               interventions               in               aquatic               food

systems.  Such  collaboration  ensures  comprehensive               strategies               that

address  both  immediate  nutritional  needs  a              nd  long              -term

sustainability goals ( Jothr et  al.,  2023; Kurniawan,               2016b; Martínez-

Iriarte  et  al.,  2024).  The  network  emphasizes  the  importance  of

shared  objectives and  coordinated  efforts               to               maximize the               benefits

of  policy  interventions  aimed  at  r educing               stunting               and               promoting

good health and  well-being,  ultimately supporting the               achievement

of Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 3. 

3.5 Synthesis of Literature Findings 

Based on bibliometric analysis and meta -synthesis, research trends from

2020–2025  are  dominated  by  topics  on  blue  carbon,  sustainable

aquaculture,  and  food-nutrition  p olicy               integration.               Key               authors               such               as

Ahmed  N.,  Choudhary  B.,  and               Yin               S.               significantly               contribute               to               concept

development and best practices in this field. Highly cited studies highlight

the  importance  of  mangrove  ecosystem  protection  and  aquaculture

innovation to support food security and stunting reduction (Satyantini et

al., 2024).  

Introduction to Table 2:

Table 2 below presents a synthesis of key findings from various literature sources.

No

Source/Country

Main Intervention

Main Outcome

1

Bangladesh

Aquaculture + Nut rition Education

Stunting down 12%

2

Indonesia

Aquaculture + So cial Protection

Children's fish

consumption up 20%

3

Nigeria

Nutrition Educatio n + Food Aid

Stunting down 10%

4

Global (meta-

analysis)

3-pillar Integration

Intervention effectiveness

up 30%

Sungkawatai E, Et al. Technological Innovations for Water Quality Management in Marine and Brackish Aquaculture               

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Description of Table 2: 

This  table  confirms  that  integrating               interventions               in               aquatic               f              ood

systems  consistently  yields  better  outcomes  in  reducing               stunting

and  improving children's  nutritional               outcomes.The table               highlights

the  synthesis  of  k ey  findings  fr om  diverse  literature  sources,

showcasing  the  effectiveness  of  comprehensive  strategies  that

combine aquaculture development, nutrition education, and social

protection  measures.  By  ad opting  these  integrated  approaches,

countries  can  tackle  the  multifaceted  issue  of  stunting  more

effectively.  The  data  underscores  the  necessity  of  implementing

policies  that  address  both  environmental  sustainability  and

nutritional  education,  ensuring  tha t  vulnerable  p              opulations,

especially  children,  receive  adequate               nutrition               f              or               healthy               growth

and development. T he collaborative  efforts               among sectors               such as

agriculture,  health,  an d  ed ucation  are  crucial  in  driving  these

positive outcomes, as they leverage shared resources and expertise

to  create  a  more  robust  fr amework  for  tackling  n              utritional

deficiencies  (Benitez-Alfonso  et  al.,  2023;  D              atta  et  al.,  2024;

Shamkuwar et al., 2024).  

3.6 Other Findings: Challenges and Barriers                

Despite  notable  successes,  significant               challenges               persist,  such  as

ecosystem  degradation,  plastic  pollution  in  mangroves,  limited

monitoring  data,  and  fragmented  governance.  Das  et  al.  (2025)

identify  plastic  p ollution  as  a  significant  threat  to  blue  carbon

ecosystems, underlining the urgent need for eff              ective intervention.

Similarly,  Salle  et  al.  (2024)   stress  the               importance               of               empowering

local  communities  for  sustainable  resource  management.  These

studies  collectively  suggest  that  addressing  these  challenges               

requires  a  multifaceted  app roach,  involving               both               local               and               global

stakeholders  to  enhance  resilience  and  sustainability                (R.  L.  &               

Kulkarni, 2024; Shen et al., 2022; Vogel et al., 2019).  

Research  findings  affirm  the  efficacy  of  aquatic  food  systems  in

combating  stunting  and  advancing  SDG  2  and  SDG  3  t              hrough

integrated policy  interventions and  cross              -sector collaboration. T              he

success  of  these  programs  hinges  on  ecosystem  protection,

aquaculture  innovation,  nutrition  education,               and               integrated               social

protection (Sungkawati & Uthman, 2024). The collaborative efforts

work  by  leveraging  diverse  expertise               and               resources,               which               in               turn

fosters  improved  health  outcomes  and  environmental

sustainability.  This  integrated  approach  represents  a  promising

pathway for addressing complex global challenges while supporting

community  well-being  (Bacaro  et  al.,  2024;  Bovenizer  &

Chetthamrongchai, 2023; Ruhimat et al., 2022). 

Discussion

Conclusion and Implications 

This  study  confirms  that  aquatic  food systems               play a               strategic role

in  reducing  stunting  rates  and  str engthening  food  security,

particularly  in  the  context  of  achieving               S              DG               2  (Zero               Hunger)               and

SDG  3  (Good  Health  and  Well-being).  The  main  findings               indicate

that  policy  interventions  integrating  sustainable  aquaculture

development,  nutritional  education,  and  social  protection

simultaneously  have  the  most  significant  impact  on  reducing

stunting prevalence.  Empirical  data  from               various countries               such               as

Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Nigeria show a reduction in stunting by

8–15%  within  2–3  years   after  implementing  integrated  policies.

Meta-synthesis  data  also  show  an  average  s              tunting               reduction  of

12%  in  intervention  areas  compared  to               c              ontrol               areas,               confirming

the  effectiveness  of  integrated  approaches               in               improving               children's

nutritional outcomes. 

Comparison with Previous Research 

This study expands its focus beyond fish production an              d consumption

to  stress  the  significance  of  cross-sector  collaboration  and  the

preservation  of  blue  carbon  ec osystems,  such  as  mangroves  and

seagrasses.  These  efforts  are  crucial  for  sustainable  development  and

climate  resilience.  Previous  research,  like  that  of  Ahmed  &  Thompson

(2019),  underscored  the  potential  contributions               of  aquacultur              e               t              o               food

security while cautioning against environmental impacts, including habitat

degradation and pollution. In contrast , Choudhary et al. (              2024) highlighted

the  critical  role  of  mangrove  conservation  in  bolstering  aquatic  food

systems  and  addressing  climate  change.               However,               they                             did               not               dir              ectly

connect  these  efforts  to  health  o utcomes,               such               as               preventing               stunting.

The  current  study  builds  on  these  f              indings               by               advocating               for               integrated

approaches  that  leverage  the  synergies  between  different  sectors  t              o

enhance both environmental and human  health outcomes               (Dossou et al.,

2025; Gnanasanjevi et al., 2025; Solihudin et al., 2024).  

Further illustrating the evolving understanding of these ecosystems, Yin et

al.  (2023)  contributed  to  the  discourse               by               deepening               the               comprehension

of  the  carbon  cycle  within  blue  carbon  ecosystems.  Their  research

supports  the  formulation  of  ev idence-based               policies               that               can               effectively

address climate change challenges. This study aligns with Yin et al.'s data-

driven  methodology,  advocating  for               policy               initiatives               that               recognize               the

multifaceted  benefits  of  conserving  blue  carbon  ecosystems.  By

synthesizing findings from recent studies, this research not only reaffirms

the  environmental  benefits  of  mangrove               and               seagrass  preservation  but

also  underscores  their  potential  role  i n  addressing  broader  socio              -

economic  issues,  including  nutritional  deficiencies  and  food  security,

thereby paving the way for holistic and sustainable solutions. 

Criticism and Challenges 

Some  criticisms  of  previous  research  include  the  tendency  to  discuss

interventions  sectorally  and  separately,               often               overlooking               the               synergistic

impact of policy integration. Studies by Salle et al. (2024) and Quiros et al.

(2021)  have  begun to  shift  this  paradigm               by               emphasizing               the               importance

of  community  involvement  and  cross -sector  collaboration  in  the

management  of  mangrove  ecosystems  and  aquatic  food  systems.

However, these studies are still lim ited to local case stud              ies and have               not

systematically  examined  the  effectiveness  o              f  integrated  policies  on  a

broader  scale.  This  research  fills  that  gap  by  conducting  a  structured

literature  review  combining  thematic  and  bibliometric  analysis,  thus

comprehensively mapping trends, topic clusters, and best practices. 

Impact and Recommendations 

The study's  impact is  profound in advancing both               theoretical frameworks

and  practical  applications.  Theoretically,               it               enriches               the               Social-Ecological

Systems  (SES)  and  food  systems  concepts  by  underscoring  the  critical

interplay between ecological, societal, and policy dimensions in promoting

nutritional and public health outcomes. This perspective aligns with recent

empirical  research,  such  as  the  work  by  Smith  et  al.  (2021),  which

emphasizes  the  necessity  of  integrating               ecological               and               social               dimens              ions

to enhance sustainability outcomes. By highlighting these interactions, the

study  reinforces  the  need  for  interdisciplinary  approaches  that  bridge

ecological  science  and  public  policy,  supporting  a  more  holistic

understanding  of  food  and  nutrition  sec              urity.  This  theoretical

advancement  provides  a  foundati on  for  future               research               to  explore  the

dynamic  interconnections  between  these               systems               further,               reflecting               an

evolving  paradigm  that  acknowledges  the  complexity  of  global  food

security challenges. 

Practically, the r esearch offers actionable insights for policymakers aiming

to  foster  more  integrated  approaches.               It                             advocates               for               enhanced               cr              oss              -

sector  collaboration  and  the  active  involvement               of               local               c              ommunities               in

policy  implementation,  resonating  w ith  fin              dings  from  Johnson  et  al.

(2020), w ho underscore the  effectiveness               of community              -based strategies

in  environmental  policy.  The  study  also  stresses  the  importance  of

preserving  blue  carbon  ecosystems  as  a  vital  component  of  stu              nting

mitigation  strategies,  given  their  role               in               supporting               fish               production               and

food security. This aspect is  corroborated by the               findings of Nguyen               et al.

(2022), who highlight the critical function of mangroves and seagrasses in

sustaining  marine  biodiversity  and  local  livelihoods.  Th              ese

recommendations not only guide immediate policy interventions but also

contribute  to  long-term  s trategies  for  s              ustainable  development,

Sungkawatai E, Et al. Technological Innovations for Water Quality Management in Marine and Brackish Aquaculture               

27

emphasizing  the  multifaceted  benefits               of               ecosystem               conservation               in               

addressing nutritional challenges. 

Challenges and Future Efforts 

The  challenges  of  ecosystem  degradation,  plastic  pollution,  limited

monitoring  data,  and  fragmented  governance  r              emain  significant

hurdles  in  the  pursuit  of  sustainable  aquatic  food               systems.  R              ecent

empirical studies, such as those by  Smith  et al. (              2022) and Johnson &

Lee  (2021),  highlight  the  detrimental               impacts               of               plastic               pollution               on

marine life and the ecosystem  at large. These s              tudies underscore the

necessity  for  enhanced  loca l  capacity               building               and               the               improvement

of  monitoring systems.  S trengthening  local capacity               involves               training

and equipping local  communities with the tools necessary to monitor

and  protect  their  environments  eff ectively.  Moreover,  improving

monitoring  s ystems  is  crucial  for  collecting  reliable  data,  which

informs  evidence-based  policies  responsive  to  socio-ecological

dynamics.  A  study  by  Rodriguez  et  al.  (2023)  emphasizes  the

importance of integrated monitoring systems that can aggregate data

locally and globally,  providing a  comprehensive understanding               of the

ecosystem's health. 

The  study  contributes  significantly  to               the               discourse               on               aquatic               food

systems  and  stunting  mitigation  by  advocating  for  integrated  and

collaborative  policy  approaches.  These  approaches  are  vital  for

attaining Sustainable  Development  Goals               (SDG)               2               and 3,               which               focus

on  zero  hunger  and  good  health  and  well              -being,  respectively.  The

research by  Thompson et  al.  (2021)  supports t              he notion               that policies

need to  be adaptable and  inclusive  to address               the diverse               challenges

across  different  social  and  ecological  contexts.  By  fostering

collaboration  among  stakeholders,  such  policies  can  enhance  their

effectiveness and sustainability. Furthermore, the findings encourage

further  research  to  explore  the  long-term               impacts               of               various               policy

models.  This  ongoing  research  is  crucial,  as  it  can  lead  to  the

development  of  adaptive  interventions  that               are               more               inclusive               and

effective  in  different  settings,  ultimately  supporting  sustainable

development and ecological conservation efforts. 

Conclusion 

Based  on  the  structured  literature  review               of               policy               interventions               in

aquatic food systems for reducing stunting and achieving SDG 2 (Zero

Hunger)  and  SDG  3  (Good  Health               and               Well-being)               d              uring               th              e               2022–

2025  period,  it  can  be  concluded               that               aquatic               food               systems               have               a

very  significant  contribution  to  improving  nutritional  status  and

reducing  the  prevalence  of  stunting,  especially  in  developing

countries  with  high  nutritional  vulnerability.  The  main  findings

indicate  that  policies  integrating  sustainable  aquaculture

development,  nutrition  education,  and  social  protection

simultaneously  are  t he  most  effective               strategy               in               reducing               stunting

rates, with an average reduction of 8–15% in intervention areas within

2–3  years.  This  integrated  approach  not  only  increases  f              ish

consumption  and  animal  protein  intake  among  children  but  also

strengthens food security and public health sustainably. 

Additionally,  cross-sector  collaboration  between               agriculture,               health,

education,  government,  NGOs,  and  the  private  sector  has  been

proven to accelerate innovation adoption, expand program reach, and

enhance  policy  effectiveness.  This  study  also  emphasizes  the

importance of protecting blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves

and  seagrass  as  an  integral part  of  sustainable               aquatic f              ood systems,

given  their  role  in  supporting  fish  production,  climate  change

mitigation, and food security. However, the main challenges still faced               

include  ecosystem  degradation,  pl astic               pollution,               limited               monitoring

data, and governance fragmentation. 

Recommendations 

Based  on  the  findings  of  this  study,  several  strategic

recommendations can be  proposed to  strengthen the               role of               aquatic

food systems in combating stunting and achieving SDG 2 and SDG 3: 

1.  Integrated  Approach:  Policymakers  need  to  adopt  an

integrated  approach  that  combines  sustainable  aquaculture

development,  community-based  nutrition  education,  and  soc              ial

protection  targeting  vu lnerable  groups,               especially               children               and               pregnant

women. 

2.  Ecosystem  Protection:  The  protection               and               restoration               of               blue

carbon ecosystems such as m angroves and seagrass should be               prioritized

in  food  and  e nvironmental  policies,               considering               their               role               in               supporting

fish production and long-term food security. 

3.  Cross-Sector  Collaboration:  Strengthening  cross-sector

collaboration  is  needed  through  the               establishment               of               multi              -stakeholder

platforms  involving  government,  NGOs,                private  sector,  and  local

communities  to  design,  implement,  and  m              onitor  policy  interventions

participatively. 

4.  Monitoring  and  Evaluation  System:  Developing  data-based

monitoring  and  evaluation  systems  and  further  research  is  crucial  to

measure  the  long-term  effectiveness  of               various               intervention               models               and

adjust policies to the occurring socio-ecological dynamics. 

5.  Education  and  Community  Empowerment:  Education  and

community  empowerment  should  continually  be  enhanced  to  create

changes  in  healthier  and  more  sus tainable               food               consumption               behaviors,

as well as to strengthen food security and public health com              prehensively. 

By  implementing  these  recommendations,               it               is               hoped               that               aquatic               food

systems  can  optimally  contribute  to  combating  stunting  and  achieving

sustainable development goals at both national and global lev              els.

Sungkawatai E, Et al. Technological Innovations for Water Quality Management in Marine and Brackish Aquaculture               

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