Aquaculture
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12348/2
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- Bangladesh, with its diverse coastal and marine ecosystems, holds immense potential to harness low-trophic extractive mariculture (LTEM) as a key component of its sustainable blue economy. Considering the present national interest, this study provides a comprehensive assessment of the current status of LTEM in Bangladesh, identifying its challenges and offers strategic interventions for future development. Using a mixed-method approach, the research integrates an extensive literature review, key informant interviews, field research experiences, and stakeholder workshops involving policymakers, industry leaders, academia, NGOs, and community representatives. Based on the synthesized information, key challenges were broadly classified into four categories, which were further sub-divided into several thematic issues, including eight for technical, five for environment, five for socio-economic, and two for regulatory and policy constraints, revealing systemic inefficiencies such as poor suitability mapping, technological limitation, weak value chains, poor coordination among stakeholders, and insufficient research investment. These issues contribute to knowledge gaps, coastal hydro-dynamics conditions, inconsistent practices, and hinder the development of effective regulatory frameworks, limiting market access, product quality, and export potential. In response, twelve thematic intervention areas were identified, which were further refined during plenary discussions in the workshops to form a detailed roadmap for the period 2025–2035. The roadmap outlines a series of sequential actions and identifies key actors for each of the twelve thematic areas, with an emphasis on addressing the barriers to LTEM development. By shifting from a project-focused approach to a systems-oriented strategy, the framework integrates stakeholder perspectives and lessons learned to strengthen Bangladesh’s LTEM sector.
- Smallholder fish farmers in Zambia face complex social and ecological challenges. Previous studies have highlighted limitations to productivity in Northern Province, where rates of poverty are high and farmers lack access to essential inputs and markets. Stakeholders emphasize research is needed to understand aquaculture’s functions at household and farm scales. Innovations to improve productivity must consider agroecological contexts, local knowledge, and adaptations to situate aquaculture within local livelihood. A study was conducted in Luwingu District to assess productivity and understand farmer perceptions. Data collection (Oct–Dec 2021) engaged fish farmers (n = 63) in surveys, farm appraisals, and discussions. Qualitative data highlighted farmers’ perspectives, and thematic review identified their major challenges. Quantitative data described household demographics, priorities, resources, and management systems. Multivariate techniques (principal components analysis [PCA]) assessed variation within the sample, reduced data complexity, and created sets of composite variables describing system inputs. Multiple linear regression tested effects of inputs on pond productivity (kg Fish m−2); and stepwise elimination identified key factors. Results indicated that farmers considered aquaculture a secondary economic activity, contributing an average of only 9% ± 12% to household income. Most farmers used household labor, basic tools, and crop waste as inputs. The mean output (1.2 ± 1.2 t fish ha−1) was low. Predictive models indicated household wealth, education, farm size, intensity of feed, fingerling and labor inputs, fish growth cycles, and spatial integration with cropland were most associated with aquacultural productivity. Farmers emphasized that limited finances, high costs, and inconsistent local supplies of quality inputs were major challenges. Potential pathways for change are discussed, and recommendations for additional research are offered.
- Aquaculture contributes to agricultural development, economic growth, and poverty reduction initiatives in Zambia. In northern and rural regions of the country, development requires improvements to the management of local and farm-generated inputs. Fish farmers have limited market access and purchasing power, which restricts access to commercial inputs, such as formulated feeds and chemical fertilizers. Instead, farmers adopt integrated-agriculture-aquaculture (IAA) practices, whereby on-farm resources supply essential inputs. Research is limited regarding local systems of resource management, and this hinders development of innovations for improving efficiency. This mixed-methods study explored local patterns of resource utilization. Smallholders (n = 63) participated in surveys and interviews regarding resource management. A series of quantitative analyses, including descriptive statistics, principal component analyses (PCA), and multinomial logistic regression (logit) models, identified relationships between these resources, household livelihood, and system productivity. Qualitative analyses explored farmer perceptions regarding seasonal resource availability. Results suggested that livestock manure, homemade feeds comprising maize and soybean, garden residues, and kitchen wastes were the most frequently selected inputs. Logit models of feeding intensity found that income, proximity to Luwingu Town, experience in aquaculture, and access to extension services were key household resources. High-intensity feeding strategies incorporated commercial feeds, chemical fertilizers, as well as home-made feeds containing a wide diversity of both high- and low-quality ingredients. Low-intensity feeding strategies incorporated only farm waste and termites. Potential innovations that may improve system performance in resource poor contexts are considered and recommendations for additional research are offered.
- Agriculture is the backbone of India’s rural economy with 70 percent of households dependent on it. Mostly earning marginal incomes for the families, the sector holds the key to country’s development ambition. The Government of India, through its Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare launched the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan 2025 (VKSA-2025) as a flagship initiative under its broader vision for a developed India, ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’. As part of the development initiative, an intensive nation-wide farmer outreach program was conducted May 29–June 12, 2025, aiming to train and educate rural communities on modern agricultural technologies and government welfare schemes. Recognizing the critical role of aquatic foods and WorldFish’s scientific expertise and impact achieved in improving livelihoods and nutrition in communities, WorldFish was invited by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to provide outreach to more widely raise awareness and promote the adoption of technologies and innovations in fisheries and aquaculture and the supportive schemes.
- Entwined in mythology, traditions and livelihoods, fish is not just another food in India, but deeply cultural, particularly in the coastal states. India has quietly risen in ranks as the second largest fisheries and aquaculture producer in the world at 14.4 million tonnes in 2021. The country is now looking to take its fishing sector to the next level, aiming to fully harness the potential of aquatic food systems for sustainable development and boost incomes to uplift millions left behind by its booming economy. A recent visit to WorldFish research facilities by a delegation led by Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General, Indian Council of Agriculture and Research (ICAR), Government of India, explored strengthening of research ties and collaboration with WorldFish, attesting to the commitment of India.
- Over a period of a week, October 6–12, WorldFish, leveraging its partnerships and programs in Africa, and in collaboration with the Indian High Commission in Sierra Leone, brought a high-level delegation from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) together with policymakers, researchers, private sector players, and practitioners in Nigeria and Sierra Leone to exchange knowledge and explore opportunities for collaboration on their respective sustainable aquaculture growth.
- This report presents a summary of activities conducted during a two-day workshop focused on identifying local ingredients, practicing fish feed formulation, engaging in hands-on feed production, and developing business plans.
- In India, wild fisheries and aquaculture have been integral to food security, livelihoods, and cultural and ecosystem services for centuries. Post- independence, the Indian fisheries sector received structured policy attention, particularly through the five- year plans, and the establishment of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and its constituent institutes. The introduction of “Blue Revolution” in the 1980s marked a turning point, catalysing growth through improved infrastructure, research, and extension services. The development of inland aquaculture, specifically carp culture in freshwater and shrimp farming in brackish waters significantly increased production, while subsequent diversification in both species and systems helped position India as a global leader. Currently, the Indian fisheries sector, contributing to rural livelihoods and food security, including eliminating hidden hunger, reflects a blend of traditional practices and modern innovations. However, several sustainability challenges exist, including overfishing, habitat degradation, climate change, disease outbreaks, and socioeconomic vulnerability of fishing communities. Addressing these, and moving towards resilient, inclusive, and sustainable aquatic food production systems will require a multifaceted approach integrating policy reforms, ecosystem- based management, technological innovation, and community participation— all of them aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Food and Agriculture Organization Blue Transformation strategy.
- India’s coastal zones are essential ecosystems, rich in biodiversity and providing millions of livelihoods. Mangrove forests are a crucial component of these ecosystems, acting as natural barriers against storms and coastal erosion while also playing an important role in carbon sequestration and fisheries support. In recent years, there has been an increasing awareness of the importance of coordinated strategies that balance ecological restoration and economic development. One promising strategy is mangrove-based aquafarming, which combines aquaculture and mangrove conservation. This approach improves fish and shrimp yields through nutrient recycling, increasing coastal biodiversity, strengthening resistance to environmental stressors, and boosting the local economy. This chapter offers a comprehensive analysis of various national and international models that incorporate mangrove-based aquafarming techniques. It emphasizes the ecological and economic benefits of these practices, showing how they boost ecosystem services while supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities. The chapter also identifies the critical factors that make mangrove aquafarming a feasible and adaptable strategy across diverse environmental settings. By illustrating its ability to harmonize environmental sustainability with economic growth, the chapter highlights the significance of mangrove aquafarming in promoting resilient ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods.
- Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) is the causative agent of a fatal disease in many fish species, resulting in mass mortalities and significant economic losses. Since its introduction to Ghana in late 2018 and in the absence of effective vaccines, the crude practice of heat-shock treatment (HST) on deliberately exposed cultured tilapia fingerlings was widely adopted by farmers to control the disease in Ghana with some apparent success. This study investigated the interplay between the expression of heat-shock proteins (HSPs) and viral replication during ISKNV infection. An in vitro experimental challenge study which involved deliberate infection with ISKNV and subsequent exposure of primary Oreochromis niloticus (tilapia) brain cell lines to HST at 48 hours post-infection was carried out. The ISKNV was confirmed by Oxford Nanopore Sequencing of the full major capsid protein (MCP), while the species identity of the cell line was confirmed by Sanger sequencing of the cytochrome C oxidase (COX1) genomic region. The test groups and control groups were screened at various time points for viral proliferation and HSP marker expression using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Exposure to heat shock significantly increased HSP 90 and 47 expressions by fourfold and sixfold, respectively, with a concomitant 10-fold decrease in viral load as compared to the non-heat-shock group. Viral apoptosis gene ORF 005L was significantly downregulated following increase in HSPs expression. This initial finding implies that HST may play an important role in suppressing viral replication through the apoptosis regulatory gene ORF 005L. This information will contribute to the understanding of the beneficial effect of heat-shock therapy used in control of the viral pathogen in aquaculture. Further studies in controlled in vivo experiments will give more clarity to the general effect of this treatment on tilapia growth and ISKNV persistence in infected fish populations.
- The current study was conducted in five counties in coastal Kenya: Lamu, Tana River, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale. Data was collected from 600 respondents using structured questionnaires with Kobo Collect data collection tool. The areas of focus for the research were on identifying key interventions that were likely to promote growth and adoption of IMTA in Kenya. The study points out issues of policy and regulatory frameworks as key to IMTA implementation by aligning and updating the existing laws and regulations in support of sustainable aquaculture and innovations. The study structure aligns with observations from current Kenyan studies, which highlight the fundamental role of community involvement in aquaculture sector development where, local communities must participate in both labor roles and decision-making processes because this inclusivity drives sustainable aquaculture initiatives.
- The overall goal of AABS is to test innovations, generate evidence and scale technologies, tools and approaches to: Improve food and nutrition security; create increased employment and income opportunities using naturebased solutions; restore and sustainably manage marine and coastal resources to mitigate and help coastal communities adapt to climate change.
- The overall goal of AABS is to test innovations, generate evidence and scale technologies, tools and approaches to: Improve food and nutrition security; create increased employment and income opportunities using naturebased solutions; restore and sustainably manage marine and coastal resources to mitigate and help coastal communities adapt to climate change.
- The overall goal of AABS is to test innovations, generate evidence and scale technologies, tools and approaches to: Improve food and nutrition security; create increased employment and income opportunities using naturebased solutions; restore and sustainably manage marine and coastal resources to mitigate and help coastal communities adapt to climate change.
- The overall goal of AABS is to test innovations, generate evidence and scale technologies, tools and approaches to: Improve food and nutrition security; create increased employment and income opportunities using naturebased solutions; restore and sustainably manage marine and coastal resources to mitigate and help coastal communities adapt to climate change.
- Asia–Africa BlueTech Superhighway (AABS) will help Tanzania address its fisheries and aquaculture challenges by leveraging South–South collaboration to improve sustainability, resilience and prosperity in coastal communities. Through evidence-based models and partnerships, AABS will enhance the adaptive capacities of small-scale fish workers and farmers, mitigating the effects of climate change and increasing the sustainability of fish production. By focusing on Tanzania’s vulnerable coastal regions, the initiative will not only support the government’s goals but also ensure that the livelihoods of these communities are more secure and equitable.
- Asia–Africa BlueTech Superhighway (AABS) will help Tanzania address its fisheries and aquaculture challenges by leveraging South–South collaboration to improve sustainability, resilience and prosperity in coastal communities. Through evidence-based models and partnerships, AABS will enhance the adaptive capacities of small-scale fish workers and farmers, mitigating the effects of climate change and increasing the sustainability of fish production. By focusing on Tanzania’s vulnerable coastal regions, the initiative will not only support the government’s goals but also ensure that the livelihoods of these communities are more secure and equitable.
- Asia–Africa BlueTech Superhighway (AABS) will help Tanzania address its fisheries and aquaculture challenges by leveraging South–South collaboration to improve sustainability, resilience and prosperity in coastal communities. Through evidence-based models and partnerships, AABS will enhance the adaptive capacities of small-scale fish workers and farmers, mitigating the effects of climate change and increasing the sustainability of fish production. By focusing on Tanzania’s vulnerable coastal regions, the initiative will not only support the government’s goals but also ensure that the livelihoods of these communities are more secure and equitable.
- Asia–Africa BlueTech Superhighway (AABS) will help Tanzania address its fisheries and aquaculture challenges by leveraging South–South collaboration to improve sustainability, resilience and prosperity in coastal communities. Through evidence-based models and partnerships, AABS will enhance the adaptive capacities of small-scale fish workers and farmers, mitigating the effects of climate change and increasing the sustainability of fish production. By focusing on Tanzania’s vulnerable coastal regions, the initiative will not only support the government’s goals but also ensure that the livelihoods of these communities are more secure and equitable.
- Asia–Africa BlueTech Superhighway (AABS) will help Nigeria address its fisheries and aquaculture challenges by leveraging South–South collaboration to improve sustainability, resilience and prosperity in coastal communities. Through evidence-based models and partnerships, AABS will enhance the adaptive capacities of small-scale fish workers and farmers, mitigating the effects of climate change and increasing the sustainability of fish production. By focusing on Nigeria’s vulnerable coastal regions, the initiative will not only support the government’s goals but also ensure that the livelihoods of these communities are more secure and equitable.