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Review Article Volume 15 Issue 2
A review of physical environmental enrichment with a focus on overhead cover and vertically-suspended structures
Kali A Roduner, Michael E Barnes
Received: August 03, 2026 | Published: August 17, 2026
Citation: Roduner KA, Barnes ME. A review of physical environmental enrichment with a focus on overhead cover and vertically-suspended structures. J Aquac Mar Biol. 2026;15(2):112-118. DOI: 10.15406/jamb.2026.15.00450
Abstract
Environmental enrichment is increasingly used in aquaculture to improve growth, reduce stress, and promote natural behaviors. Structural (or physical) enrichment is the addition of structures to increase environmental heterogeneity and complexity or provide shelter. At a production level, conventional structural enrichment strategies, such as adding materials to a rearing unit, are often impractical because of the associated increase in labor, waste accumulation, and elevated disease risks. However, structural enrichment techniques have been recently developed that do not interfere with routine hatchery operations and frequently increase fish growth. This review focuses on the relatively recent structural enrichment techniques of non-submerged overhead cover and vertically-suspended structure, and their effects on growth, health, and behavior in production-scale systems. Additionally, key factors influencing enrichment effectiveness and practical considerations for implementation are discussed. These methods of structural enrichment show promise as economically-efficient tools to enhance fish rearing performance and welfare without negatively impacting hatchery procedures.
Keywords: environmental enrichment, structural enrichment, overhead cover, vertically suspended structures, fish welfare, fish behavior, hatchery rearing, aquaculture
©2026 Roduner, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.