IJA_2024v14n2

International Journal of Aquaculture, 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 101-111 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ija 106 Forio and Goethals (2020) found that the process of sustainable water resource management involves a cyclic approach of monitoring, assessment, and management actions. This cycle begins with the assessment of aquatic composition using various indices. Identifying key disturbance variables is the next step, where indicators and evidence are gathered using statistical tools and models. This leads to problem identification and cause determination, which is further validated through lab tests, artificial river tests, and experiments. Management and policy actions are then implemented based on these findings. The final step in the cycle involves restoration and protection measures to maintain or improve water quality, thereby closing the loop and feeding back into continuous monitoring and assessment. This iterative approach ensures the effective management and sustainable development of water resources. 5.2 Marine ecosystems Marine ecosystems are subject to various anthropogenic pressures, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change. The advent of smart monitoring technologies, such as smart buoy networks (SBNs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and multi-sensor microsystems (MSMs), has revolutionized the monitoring and management of these ecosystems. These technologies enable real-time data collection and adaptive monitoring programs, which are crucial for responding to environmental changes and catastrophic events. The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology has further enhanced the ability to track and manage marine ecosystem health by providing accurate and precise measurements over large areas (Narmadha et al., 2023). Despite these advancements, the full potential of these tools in marine ecosystem management is yet to be realized and will likely become more evident in the coming decade (Glaviano et al., 2022). 5.3 Transitional and coastal ecosystems Transitional and coastal ecosystems, such as estuaries and mangroves, are dynamic environments that provide essential services, including nutrient cycling, habitat provision, and coastal protection. These ecosystems are increasingly recognized for their role in supporting biodiversity and human livelihoods. The concept of ecosystem-based management (EBM) has been embraced to integrate biodiversity conservation and ecosystem service provision in these areas. EBM approaches environmental management from a social-ecological system perspective, aiming to protect biodiversity while sustainably harvesting ecosystem services. The AQUACROSS project, for example, has unified policy strategies and management concepts across freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems to support the EU Biodiversity Strategy targets (Langhans et al., 2019). This integrated approach is essential for addressing the complex challenges facing transitional and coastal ecosystems and ensuring their long-term sustainability. 6 Technological Innovations and Future Trends 6.1 Emerging monitoring technologies Recent advancements in monitoring technologies have significantly enhanced our ability to assess and manage aquatic ecosystems. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated monitoring systems has emerged as a powerful tool for conservation managers, enabling the collection, transfer, and processing of data over large spatio-temporal scales. This approach reduces monitoring bottlenecks and long-term costs, facilitating timely and effective management decisions. Additionally, the Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized environmental assessment by providing accurate and precise measurements over larger areas through smart devices and increased networking capabilities (Glaviano et al., 2022). Smart buoy networks (SBNs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and multi-sensor microsystems (MSMs) are examples of such technologies that can autonomously adapt their monitoring programs and send alarm messages to prompt human intervention (Glaviano et al., 2022). 6.2 Advances in data collection and analysis The field of aquatic ecosystem monitoring has seen significant improvements in data collection and analysis methods. High-frequency environmental sensing and statistical approaches have expanded our understanding of aquatic ecosystem metabolism, allowing for the measurement and interpretation of gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER) (Jankowski et al., 2021). The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) has also gained traction as a non-invasive method to gather relevant data on species presence and biodiversity, offering a

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