Ilias Ebne Kabir

The rapid growth of the global population has increased the demand for safe, healthy, and sustainable food, and fish supplies about 20% of the world's protein demand. Fishery products are rich in nutrient compositions such as moisture, protein, lipids, minerals, etc. Moisture and fatty acid components that favor microbial spoilage and lipid oxidation are susceptible to post‐harvest losses, leading to compromised food security and economic development. Preservation methods including chilling, freezing, and packaging improve shelf‐life but provide only temporary protection. Although synthetic preservatives are widely used to preserve fish, growing concerns about their potential toxicity have raised questions about their safety. Consequently, consumers are increasingly choosing natural and eco‐friendly preservation methods. Bioactive compounds derived from photosynthetic marine macroalgae (seaweed) are gaining attention on a global scale. Seaweed is considerably rich in phenols, phlorotannins, polysaccharides, pigments, and essential minerals, which exhibit impressive antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. These bioactive compounds can be used as fish ingredients and coatings of fish products, increasing shelf‐life, enhancing safety, and ultimately improving nutritional quality while reducing spoilage. This review summarizes the seaweed‐based preservatives as a sustainable approach to enhancing the quality, safety, and shelf‐life of fish and fishery products, thereby supporting global food systems. In conclusion, seaweeds provide sustainable natural antioxidants and antimicrobials that improve the shelf‐life, functionality, and nutritional quality of fishery products.

The distribution of fish larvae in estuaries is crucial for comprehending the functioning of these ecosystems and their role as nursery grounds for marine fish species. Data regarding larval fish assemblages in the coastal waters of Bangladesh are currently scarce. This study examines the spatial and seasonal dynamics of larval fish communities in these waters using a two-year sampling effort with a bongo net. This study investigates the diversity, abundance, and distribution of larval fishes at four sites (Bakkhali River Estuary, Moheshkhalipara, Naf River Estuary, and Rezu Khal Estuary) on the southeastern coast of Bangladesh. A total of 10,387 fish larvae representing 25 families were identified. Clupeidae (42.9%), Engraulidae (35.5%), Ambassidae (10.1%), Myctophidae (2.1%), and Gobiidae (1.9%) were the five most dominant families based on the larval catch composition. Marked seasonal differences in the larval fish abundance were observed. However, these differences were not observed when comparing the four sampled sites. Additionally, the correlation between environmental variables and the larval abundance indicated that salinity negatively influences (p < 0.001) the larval fish abundance. This is the first comprehensive investigation of larval fish assemblages in the coastal waters of Bangladesh. The findings of this study enhance our understanding of the nursery habitat requirements for the early development stages of both migratory and resident species in subtropical coastal waters, providing valuable information for potential applications in management and conservation efforts.