Vol. 9, Special Issue 4, Part I (2025)

Aquaculture has experienced remarkable growth in recent decades, emerging as a key provider of high-quality protein for global food security and economic stability. However, the intensification of fish farming has elevated the risk of aquatic disease outbreaks, posing significant economic losses and ecological threats. Amid concerns over antibiotic misuse and drug residues, vaccination stands out as a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to disease management in aquaculture. Despite its potential, the availability of commercial fish vaccines remains limited, underscoring the urgent need for further development in this field. Plant genetic engineering offers a promising avenue for vaccine production, leveraging the advantages of cost-effectiveness, safety, and the ability to perform posttranslational modifications akin to natural systems. While plant-based vaccines have been successfully utilized in human and animal health, their application in aquaculture, particularly for fish, is still in its nascent stages. This review examines the current landscape of fish vaccines and evaluates the potential of plant-based platforms for vaccine production in aquaculture. It underscores the importance of developing fish vaccines through plant biotechnology to address critical challenges in fish health management, food safety, and human health. Additionally, considerations for optimizing fish vaccine production in plants are discussed, including antigen selection, vaccine stability, regulatory approval, and public acceptance.