Abstract
The aquaculture industry is growing rapidly. It is the fastest growing food industry in the world, with production expanding 16-fold between 1985 and 2018, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization FAO. The industry operates in an environment of high uncertainty, as the management of biological and environmental risks is critical. The aim of this research is to identify machine learning (ML) algorithms applied to quantify risks, categorize applications by sector, and evaluate data linkage to the extent that they feed into formal risk management protocols. A systematic review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. This search was conducted in Scopus and Science Direct for publications up to January 2026. Initially, 134 records were identified, of which 38 studies were ultimately included in the analysis. The results showed that artificial intelligence (AI) and ML offer new predictive capabilities. Integrating Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, AI methods and ML algorithms improve risk mitigation. However, there is a significant disconnection between algorithmic predictions and operational action. Only 3 of 38 studies demonstrated integration with standardized risk management frameworks (e.g., ISO31000). The study concludes that while AI tools provide predictive efficiency, interdisciplinary frameworks are required to filter predictions through economic and ethical criteria. Strengthening this connection will bring the use of AI as a tool for proactive and standardized risk mitigation.
