Journal of Marine Biology

In recent years, amid escalating challenges arising from climate change, water scarcity, degradation and destruction of coastal ecosystems, and the emergence of economic and social pressures in rural areas adjacent to shrimp-farming sites, the need to re-evaluate conventional shrimp aquaculture practices has become increasingly salient. Shrimp farming, as one of the most important sectors of aquaculture in Iran and worldwide, has substantial potential to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals; moreover, steering shrimp aquaculture toward climate-smart approaches can render its developmental impacts more pronounced and tangible. This study was conducted to identify effective measures in shrimp farming aligned with the threefold objectives of climate-smart aquaculture. To this end, a descriptive–analytical documentary research design was employed. Through a review of scientific and library-based sources, global experiences, and national strategic programs, a set of effective measures was identified. The findings indicate that optimizing water-resource management, employing advanced technologies for monitoring and controlling culture environment quality, rehabilitating degraded ecosystems, diversifying products and target markets, strengthening local community capacities, and ensuring the active participation of stakeholders in policymaking constitute only part of the measures that can advance the threefold objectives of climate-smart aquaculture. When appropriately designed and implemented, these measures can enhance the resilience of shrimp farms to climate-related hazards, improve economic productivity, elevate the quality of life of coastal residents, and safeguard natural resources. Finally, strategies such as formulating climate-oriented incentive policies, developing locally grounded training and extension systems, and establishing technological infrastructure are proposed. Overall, this study represents a step toward bridging science, policy, and practice in pursuit of sustainable and climate-resilient aquaculture in an era of climate change.