A Mediterranean perspective on antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture

Aquaculture is a critical food production sector globally and across the Mediterranean region. However, the current practices raise serious concerns about the spread and fate of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This review synthesizes the current knowledge of AMR in Mediterranean aquaculture, with a focus on the most commercially important marine and freshwater species. Based on an extensive literature search, this review reveals substantial variability in antimicrobial use and monitoring across countries, shaped by farmed species, regulatory frameworks and data availability. While European seabass and gilthead seabream dominate the knowledge baseline, data gaps persist for emerging species and underrepresented regions. The review highlights the urgent need for harmonized surveillance, region-specific strategies, and sustainable disease management practices to mitigate AMR risks in Mediterranean aquaculture.