Phage Therapy for Sustainable Sea Cucumber Aquaculture

Phage therapy is increasingly recognized as a promising alternative to antibiotics for controlling bacterial diseases in aquaculture. This review focuses specifically on sea cucumber farming, with emphasis on phage application methods, therapeutic performance, and current limitations in translating laboratory results into field use. Available studies show that phage-based treatments can improve the survival of Apostichopus japonicus challenged with Vibrio spp., especially when delivered through feed or formulated as phage cocktails. However, practical application is still constrained by host-range specificity, phage resistance, environmental stability, delivery efficiency, and regulatory barriers. By summarizing recent evidence and identifying research gaps, this review highlights the potential of phage therapy as a sustainable disease management strategy for sea cucumber aquaculture.