Aquaculture
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12348/2
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- Aquaculture plays a vital role in Egypt’s food and nutrition security, producing more than 1.5 million tonnes of fish annually and accounting for approximately 80% of national fish production. Despite its importance, the sector is increasingly exposed to risks arising from climate change and socio-economic pressures, including population growth, rising food demand, land-use change, and evolving governance systems. In this study, we adapt the GOMAP model for land-based aquaculture systems to project aquaculture production potential (APP) under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP1–2.6, SSP2–4.5, and SSP5–8.5) across five key governorates: Behera, Damietta, Kafr El-Sheikh, Ismailia, and Port Said. The analysis integrates species distribution models for major farmed fish species in Egypt, machine learning–based projections of pond water temperature, and dietary requirements of cultured species. The results show that under SSP1–2.6, most regions are able to maintain or enhance their APP throughout the 21st century, with Ismailia and Port Said preserving nearly 100% of their production potential relative to the 2020s. Under SSP2–4.5, APP becomes increasingly uneven across regions; Behera and Kafr El-Sheikh experience declines of up to 79% and 74%, respectively, by the 2090s, while Port Said and Ismailia remain comparatively resilient. Under the SSP5–8.5 scenario, declines in APP are most severe and widespread, particularly for tilapia, with production potential falling below 50% in several regions by the end of the century. In contrast, mullet and catfish exhibit greater resilience to climatic stress across all scenarios. These findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted adaptation strategies, including selective breeding, shading and aeration technologies, and spatial reallocation of aquaculture activities to climatically stable areas. The proposed modelling framework provides a valuable decision-support tool for promoting sustainable and climate-resilient aquaculture development in Egypt.
- The training was designed in response to the capacity assessment conducted with producers in September 2025, which identified business planning and marketing as one of the most critical needs. The training also highlights the importance of strengthening linkages among various actors, including aquaculture farmers, rice–fish farmers, vegetable growers, other crop producers, and business-oriented farmers representing five agricultural cooperatives. The training aimed to strengthen participants’ knowledge and practical skills in agricultural cost analysis by introducing essential financial concepts, tools, and methods. Specifically, it sought to build participants’ capacity to accurately assess production costs, analyze financial performance, and apply cost-analysis techniques to improve decision-making in agricultural production planning and implementation.
- Aquaculture plays an important role in fostering economic growth and addressing rural poverty in numerous regions worldwide. The AQUADMC (Optimising AQUAculture Development and Market Connectivity) project focuses on integrating diverse datasets, including EO-derived information and socio-economic data, to support the development of freshwater and coastal aquaculture in various parts of Bangladesh and Kenya. Using satellite imagery, socio-economic insights, and logistical analysis, the project seeks to optimise site selection, enhance market connectivity, and promote environmentally sustainable practices. The methodology employs advanced satellite technologies to monitor water quality parameters in rivers, lakes and coastal areas. Indicators such as turbidity, chlorophyll-a concentrations, salinity and surface temperature are analysed to evaluate environmental suitability for aquaculture activities. Water quality data obtained through the application of algorithms on satellite imagery are complemented by historical, socio-economic data tracing the evolution of aquaculture practices in the analysed regions. The integration of socio-economic and logistical data in the identification of aquaculture trends seems to demonstrate a strong alignment with water quality data derived from satellites for the monitoring of existing aquaculture sites and the possible location of new ponds. The project is an interactive decision support tool, providing policymakers and stakeholders with a comprehensive resource for making informed decisions. The AQUADMC project represents an exemplary case of international cooperation in Earth observation. These efforts highlight the critical role of collaborative approaches in promoting sustainable aquaculture development in Bangladesh, Kenya and beyond.
- This report forms a key deliverable of the AQUADMC project and provides a comprehensive overview of the Mapping Tool and Final Platform developed as part of the project. This document aims to detail the implementation and functionality of the geospatial web platform designed to facilitate the consultation of geospatial and socio-economic datasets. It provides a detailed account of the consolidated methodologies employed in the two project activities, along with the results of their integration into the platform. The project leverages advanced remote sensing and satellite technologies to evaluate and map potential aquaculture sites. The methodology incorporates environmental, socio-economic, and logistical factors to ensure the suitability and sustainability of each site. The primary output is a mapping tool that integrates data from suitability analyses, socio-economic impact assessments, and logistical evaluations. This tool delivers clear, actionable insights to support the selection of aquaculture sites that optimise operational efficiency, market accessibility, and environmental sustainability. The present report presents the Mapping Tool and Platform in Bangladesh and Kenya.
- Small-scale inland aquaculture plays a critical role in livelihoods, food security, and nutrition across low- and middle-income countries, yet its contribution and performance remain poorly understood due to the lack of fine-grained, system-level data. This paper presents a scalable data infrastructure and analytical framework for the systematic characterization of small-scale aquaculture systems, first implemented for carp-based aquaculture in Bangladesh. The framework integrates a modular household survey design, robust multi-stage sampling and triangulation procedures, geospatial suitability analysis, and standardized indicators covering production practices, socioeconomic performance, food security, poverty, and environmental outcomes. Using in-person surveys of 4,540 small-scale carp producers across 54 upazilas nationwide, the resulting dataset captures substantial heterogeneity in production systems, intensification levels, livelihood outcomes, and vulnerability to climatic and economic shocks. The data enable the construction of comparable indicators for income, multidimensional poverty, dietary diversity, and environmental performance, and are suitable for applications ranging from policy analysis and intervention targeting to life cycle assessment and food system modeling. By addressing a major structural data gap in small-scale aquaculture, this data infrastructure provides a transferable foundation for evidence-based decision-making, impact assessment, and the design of context-specific interventions. While demonstrated in Bangladesh, the framework is designed for replication across species, production systems, and geographic contexts, supporting more effective and inclusive aquatic food system transformation globally.
- Homa Bay County is endowed with rich natural freshwater resources. The county covers an area of 4,267.1 km2, inclusive of the water surface, which on its own covers an area of 1,227 km2. The County’s weather is suitable for high potential and increased fisheries and aquaculture development. The County enjoys the largest surface area of Lake Victoria in Kenya (approximately 55% of Kenya’s surface area of Lake Victoria) compared to the Counties of Siaya, Migori, Kisumu and Busia. It has rivers, wetlands, water reservoirs, valley dams and ponds whose potential, if well harnessed, can generate many metric tons of fish. However, the current production is only 39,000 MT of capture fisheries and 130 MT from aquaculture. This under performance in the capture fisheries is attributed to limited regulation, lack of proper enforcement of laws and guidelines, which has led to the use of illegal, destructive gears that catch immature fish. In addition, aquaculture is constrained by limited investment in fish farming; high cost of inputs; limited access to high-quality fish seed and feed; and inadequate extension services. Both capture and aquaculture production systems face challenges of high post-harvest losses; inadequate human, technological and infrastructural capacity at all stages of the value-chain leading to low production and overall productivity. This policy, done with a gender sensitive lens and considering affirmative action issues, will go a long way in addressing these challenges. The County Government has been working and proposes to continue working with all stakeholders to address these challenges through the implementation of this policy. This policy includes a stronger emphasis on aquaculture development, which is critical in bridging the gap in fish production in light of declining stocks from the wild. This policy will significantly support the creation of decent employment; lift up household and national incomes; food and nutritional security. The Vision of this policy is ‘A vibrant, modern, commercialised, and sustainably managed, county fisheries and aquaculture sub-sector’.
- Aquaculture has emerged as an important source of nutrition, income and economic activity in Egypt, providing about two-thirds of the fish consumed in the country. However, its continued success is threatened by climate change because of rising water temperatures, water scarcity, changes in rainfall patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events. Meanwhile, the sector itself also has an impact on climate and the environment in the form of GHG emissions, discharge of nutrients and disturbance of ecosystems. Fish farmers expressed enthusiasm for renewable power as a means to reduce costs and provide a more reliable source of electricity, although they worried about the capital costs of installing it. Most fish farms in Egypt are leased, rather than owned, which discourages capital investment. The study shows that major reductions in GHG emissions can be achieved if renewable energy replaces most of the diesel that tilapia farms use. This needs to be tested and analyzed from a financial standpoint.
- This report provides a general insight into IMTA farming systems and species from the Khulna district, with a focus on farmer practices, species management, health risks, and future opportunities for development. A variety of stakeholders were consulted to gather preliminary information on the current health status and key risk factors impacting the health of potential IMTA systems and species, including government institutions, researchers, farmers, as well as WorldFish employees involved in parallel aquaculture projects in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) in Bagerhat, the Department of Fisheries (DoF) in Khulna, and Khulna University (KU) were among the Bangladesh Government and research stakeholders approached for the health consultation. Farmers were visited in various locations in 3 upazilas of the Khulna district, namely Paikgacha, Dumuria and Batiaghata upazilas. Following the field visits, an introduction to future AABS IMTA health activities and a summary of the gathered information were presented to WorldFish Bangladesh staff in Dhaka, with whom information on selected aquatic species across different trophic levels was further discussed in breakout group sessions.
- This manual is designed to serve as a comprehensive practical reference for the operation and maintenance of smart feeding mechanisms (Automatic Feeders) used in modern aquaculture systems. The guide aims to help users understand the main components of the device, correct installation methods, as well as explain programming steps and daily operation to ensure efficient, safe, and consistent feed distribution. This manual was prepared to provide clear guidance for workers in fish farms, helping them improve feed management, reduce feed waste, and ensure that fish receive their nutritional requirements at appropriate times. The guide also explains routine maintenance procedures and methods for identifying and troubleshooting common faults, contributing to extending the device’s lifespan and achieving optimal performance within the farm.
- In 2025, WorldFish Bangladesh implemented activities through the CGIAR Scaling for Impact (S4I) Program to accelerate the uptake of proven aquaculture innovations in Bangladesh. Working across Pathways to Scale, Enabling Environments, and Learning for Impact, the program addressed system-level bottlenecks in fish seed and feed systems, expanded decentralized extension, and advanced nutrition-sensitive and climate-smart aquaculture. A flagship intervention was the Seed-Compact Model, through which 20 private hatcheries and 309 Local Service Providers supplied improved carp and small indigenous species seed to around 26,000 farmers and delivered advisory services to over 31,000 farmers in climate-vulnerable coastal areas. Nutrition outcomes were strengthened through expanded SIS seed production and Community Health Worker–led nutrition messaging reaching 77,000 people. Climate resilience was enhanced via solar-powered hatcheries and on-farm evaluation of G5 rohu. Two national workshops, new datasets, and peer-reviewed publications strengthened evidence and coordination, laying a strong foundation for scalable, inclusive aquaculture from 2026 onward.
- This insight brief captures the learnings from the knowledge exchange session held at the Asia–Africa BlueTech Superhighway (AABS) inception workshop, hosted by WorldFish from 9-12 October 2023, in Penang, Malaysia. The inception workshop brought together over 70 experts and scientists from 27 collaborators, partners and potential partners in participatory discussions to give shape to Phase 1 of AABS (2023-2027) to be implemented in Bangladesh, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria and Tanzania.
- Small indigenous fish species (SIS), such as mola, punti, and tengra, play a vital role in improving nutrition and supporting livelihoods in Bangladesh. Successful production depends on the availability of quality seed, effective nursery management, and sound biosecurity practices. This guideline presents practical approaches for rearing SIS larvae in nursery ponds to produce healthy fingerlings for stocking in grow-out ponds. It covers pond preparation, larval stocking and acclimatization, feeding and fertilization regimes, water quality management, and timely harvesting. Emphasis is placed on simple, cost-effective biosecurity measures to prevent predator entry, reduce disease risks, and maintain optimal water conditions, thereby enhancing survival, growth, and productivity.
- The objective of this study is to synthesize existing literature on climate adaptation practices (CAPs) in the aquaculture sectors of Bangladesh, Kenya, and Zambia, and to inform the development of an Adaptation Decision Support System for Aquaculture (ADSS 4 Aqua). The qualitative review provides a consolidated understanding of emerging and context-specific adaptation options and proposes a strategic framework to support evidence-based, climate-resilient aquaculture development. The findings are intended to guide policymakers and development partners in designing pilot interventions, formulating responsive policies, and prioritizing future investments in climate adaptation within the aquaculture sector.
- Rice is central to Cambodia’s food system and rural livelihoods, yet climate change and market volatility are increasingly undermining the sustainability of traditional rice monoculture. Evidence from Kampong Thom and Prey Veng under the CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes program demonstrates that integrated rice-based systems offer a viable pathway toward more resilient and productive landscapes. By integrating rice, prawns, and vegetables within a single field, these systems transform conventional rice plots into multifunctional ecosystems that enhance farm income, nutrition, and ecological resilience. Through targeted field redesign, such as improved dikes, strategic canals, reduced chemical inputs, and careful environmental management, farmers can diversify production without compromising rice yields. Findings show that diversified rice systems outperform monoculture economically, nutritionally, and ecologically, proving that climate-smart innovations can deliver both technical feasibility and tangible livelihood benefits for Cambodian smallholders.
- This is a workshop report from a workshop hosted by WorldFish in Kafue, Zambia, to validate the BlueResilience Platform, an aquaculture advisory tool that sends climate alerts and advisories to tilapia fish farmers. A total of 17 participants (6 women, 8 youth) participated in the training. At the end of the workshop, participants who included lead farmers, SMEs, and platform managers, had been trained on how the platform works, had validated and revised climate advisory messages in English and two local languages (Chichewa and iciBemba). The Blue Resilience Platform which is currently hosted by WorldFish has reached 19,866 farmers (7,683 women) and of these, 8,813 farmers (2,884 women) are using generated climate advisories to respond to climate risk (see Table 1 on the details of the advisories). WorldFish has trained two Data Managers from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Head Office to take over the administration of the Blue Resilience platform to ensure that more farmers can access the platform and enhance sustainability.
- Chemicals used in aquaculture, including antibiotics, disinfectants, biocides, and other therapeutic agents, can significantly affect the surrounding environment and disrupt the interconnected One Health sectors, encompassing human, animal, and environmental health, as well as food safety. However, there is limited understanding of the extent and key factors influencing chemical use in aquaculture farms in Bangladesh. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study in November 2022, surveying 116 commercial tilapia farms in Mymensingh, a major tilapia production hub in Bangladesh. The pond-level questionnaire was deployed to collect data from one randomly chosen pond per farm where tilapia farming was conducted during the last production cycle. A total of 68.1% of farmers reported 251 instances of aquamedicine administration involving 61 different products, with the majority (54.6%) being antimicrobial agents, including antibiotics, antiparasitics, and disinfectants, applied in the selected ponds. Approximately 46.6% of the farmers interviewed experienced fish mortality in their ponds and the two primary causes of fish mortality identified by respondents were water quality issues (85.2%) and pathogen infections (66.7%). Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the likelihood of using any chemical inputs was approximately twenty-four times higher (OR 23.8, 95% CI: 4.9–116.3, p<0.05) on the ponds where clinical signs of illness were present and five times higher in polyculture commercial tilapia farming techniques (OR 5.3, 95% CI: 1.1–26.2, p<0.05). Frequent use of chemical products, particularly antimicrobial agents, could have significant risks to both environmental, animal, and human health. This practice may contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the contamination of aquatic ecosystems with harmful residues. To mitigate these impacts, it is essential to promote preventive measures such as improved water quality management and biosecurity practices, while ensuring the responsible and judicious use of antimicrobials in aquaculture.
- In aquaculture, antimicrobials are commonly used to prevent and treat infections in fish; however, injudicious antimicrobial use (AMU) can pose significant risks, including the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in aquatic environments. This study was carried out to assess the occurrence of drug-resistant Escherichia coli in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) collected from 41 commercial tilapia farms located in five upazilas (Fulbaria, Trishal, Phulpur, Tarakanda and Mymensingh Sadar) of Mymensingh, Bangladesh, between December 2022 and April 2023. A total of 153 samples, including skin (n=41), gill (n=41), intestine (n=30), and farm water (n=41) were analyzed. The E. coli isolates were isolated and then identified using the E. coli-specific uidA gene by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was conducted by means of Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method with 14 antimicrobials to determine the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns, and the results were interpreted by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. In addition, the multiple antimicrobial resistance (MAR) index was calculated to determine the extent of multi-drug resistance in E. coli. A total of 31 E. coli isolates (20.26%) were identified, with the highest prevalence in the intestine (32.26%), followed by skin (29.03%), water (25.81%), and gill (12.90%). The isolates were mostly resistant to ampicillin (93.55%), nalidixic acid (38.71%), and oxytetracycline (32.26%). Conversely, more than 80% of the isolates were susceptible to chloramphenicol, meropenem, norfloxacin, gentamicin, azithromycin, levofloxacin, and cefepime. The MAR index values ranged from 0 – 0.71, with 38.71% of the isolates classified as multi-drug-resistant isolates, indicating selective pressure within the aquaculture environment. These findings highlight the possible risk of transmitting AMR bacteria through the aquatic food chain and emphasize the necessity for prudent AMU in aquaculture.
- Rice cultivation in Cambodia faces challenges from climate change, including intensifying droughts, erratic rainfall, and declining market prices, which undermine the sustainability of traditional monoculture systems. Integrated Rice-Field Pond (RFP) systems, piloted under the CGIAR–Asian Mega Delta initiative, offer a climate-smart alternative by transforming rice paddies into multifunctional, resilient micro-ecosystems. Strategically embedded ponds provide water security, enhance aquatic biodiversity, diversify food and income sources, and strengthen household resilience against climate shocks. Demonstrations under the CGIAR–Multifunctional Landscapes (MFL) program in Prey Veng and Kampong Thom highlight significant benefits: fish harvests through improved pond management, integrated farming profits were several times higher than rice monoculture, and household nutrition and dietary diversity improved. Community adoption has been strong, with low investment requirements enabling scalability to thousands of households. However, management gaps such as widespread pond draining, passive use, and inconsistent practice adoption, limit system resilience. Addressing these challenges requires targeted capacity building, improved governance, and national policy alignment to formally recognize RFPs as climate adaptation assets. Scaling the vision of “One Pond, One Family” could transform Cambodia’s rice landscapes into interconnected, biodiverse of productivity and resilience, securing livelihoods and food systems for millions of rural households.
- Carp-based aquaculture is a major contributor to freshwater fish production and livelihoods in Bangladesh, yet high mortality of hatchery-produced larvae remains a persistent challenge when stocked directly into grow-out ponds. Effective nursery management is therefore essential to ensure the production of healthy, robust, and high-quality fingerlings. This publication provides practical guidance on carp nursery management with a strong focus on biosecurity. It covers nursery systems, pond preparation, stocking density, water quality management, stage-specific feeding practices, disease prevention, and safe harvesting and transportation. Emphasis is placed on simple, cost-effective biosecurity measures to reduce pathogen introduction and spread, particularly in small- and medium-scale nursery operations. Adoption of these recommended practices can significantly improve fingerling survival and growth, reduce production risks, and enhance the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of carp aquaculture systems.
- This data gap study of Zambia’s aquatic food system shows a sector focused on building basic institutional foundations rather than advanced technologies. The most critical data gaps relate to mapping stakeholder roles and improving fishery production statistics, reflecting a strong need for governance clarity, coordination, and reliable baseline information. Stakeholders view these foundational elements as more urgent than digital tools or monitoring technologies, identifying weak institutional structure as the main constraint to growth. At the same time, experts highlight less frequently mentioned but highly significant gaps in climate change indicators, malnutrition, and subsistence production. These concerns signal underlying risks to food security and climate resilience that could undermine progress if left unaddressed. The sector also demonstrates strong demand for evidence to inform policy, with data primarily generated to influence government regulations and strengthen resilience to environmental shocks. In addition, gender norms and gaps have become a central operational concern, as women’s dominant role in informal value chains makes gender-disaggregated data essential for increasing national production.