Abstract

Coastal aquaculture development has also exposed the earthen pond systems to greenhouse gases (GHG) and sediment degradation because increased production is brought about by the intensification of coastal aquaculture. The pond sediments serve as biogeochemical hotspots during which the feed and faecal-generated excessive organic loading changes the redox processes and remodels the community. These changes in the microbes have a very strong effect on carbon and nitrogen cycling and cause emission of carbon dioxide (CO 2), methane (CH 4) and nitrous oxide (N 2 O). This review summarises available data on the effect of aquaculture intensification on the remodelling of sediment microbiota and metabolic processes, focusing on the enrichment of anaerobic processes, including methanogens, sulphate-reducing, and denitrifiers, and the impoverishment of aerobic decomposers. We also attribute transitions in microbial functionality to manifest variability in GHG emissions and contrast the emissions made by aquaculture ponds and natural coastal ecosystems. Lastly, review covers sediment- and microbe-centred management strategies that would help to alleviate emissions and indicate significant research gaps that are necessary to enhance climate-sensitive and sustainable aquaculture.