Aquaculture
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12348/2
Browse
Recent Submissions
- This report details the process of data input to WorldFish Genetic Improvement Program (GIP) Databases through Data Management System Graphical User Interfaces (Chang et al., 2021) (Figure 1). Outputs of GIP Data Management Systems are not described. Access to these systems and databases is restricted to authorized WorldFish personnel. Currently, four Data Management Systems support carp species (catla, rohu, silver carp), GIFT tilapia, Abbassa (GIANT) tilapia, and other tilapia species.
- This presentation was delivered at the workshop “Carp Genetic Improvement and Dissemination: Progress and Future Pathways” held on 24 September 2025 in Khulna, Bangladesh. It highlighted WorldFish’s work on the development and dissemination of improved strains of rohu (Labeo rohita), catla (Catla catla) and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) through family-based selective breeding, currently supported by the CGIAR Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods (SAAF) program. The initiative has already released G3 rohu, which has reached more than 200,000 farmers and demonstrated significantly higher growth and profitability. The presentation outlined the planned release of G5 rohu in 2026 and the forthcoming introduction of other improved strains, including G4 silver carp and G3 catla, in the coming years. It underscored the importance of long-term research and dissemination partnerships to sustain and expand these gains. Looking ahead, it emphasized opportunities to refine breeding objectives, apply advanced genomic tools, incorporate new traits and species, use cryopreservation to secure genetic resources, and strengthen quality-assurance systems to safeguard genetic integrity.
- The purpose of the Workshop was Build a shared vision and sense of ownership among stakeholders engaged in animal and aquatic food systems, enabling them to collaboratively address key food system challenges. In Bangladesh, millions of people depended on animal and aquatic food systems for both nutrition and livelihoods, yet these systems faced significant challenges, including overfishing, disease risks, climate impacts, and gender inequities. To address these challenges in a locally relevant and sustainable manner, SAAF organized a Co-design Workshop in Rangpur Division, a northern agroecological zone marked by diverse socio-political and climatic conditions. The workshop convened local stakeholders—including government officials, particularly from the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Department of Livestock Services (DLS), and Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI), as well as academicians from universities, farmer groups, researchers, and private sector actors—to collaboratively identify priority needs, co-develop solutions, and design context-specific interventions. By fostering participatory planning, shared ownership, and strong local partnerships, the workshop ensured that SAAF initiatives were inclusive, relevant, and positioned to improve nutrition, livelihoods, and resilience of people in Bangladesh.
- In March 2025, WorldFish conducted a comprehensive technical and biosecurity assessment of Jaweta Fish Farms Ltd, located in Homa Bay County, Kenya, as part of the Climate-Resilient Aquaculture Systems for Africa (CASA) Project. The evaluation aimed to determin the farm’s readiness to receive and manage Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) fry. The assessment was conducted by WorldFish scientists Dr. Samuel Bekele Mengistu and Dr. Sameh Attia through on-site visits, technical meetings, and a standardized evaluation framework.
- A survey of feed ingredients was carried out in the six geopolitical zones to determine the availability, abundance, and effectiveness of these ingredients as considered for incorporation into fish feed for aquaculture production. A total of 516 well-structured questionnaires were administered to 228 ingredient producers and 288 ingredient sellers in the selected local government areas (LGAs), urban and rural markets, to obtain information on ingredient type, price, production capacity, and seasonality over a five-year period (2018-2022). It was observed that the ingredients were used in various ways, such as animal feeds, industrial use, and human consumption. The majority of the ingredients from producers reach the sellers through the market. The forms in which the ingredients were sold include grains, amounting to 64%; coarse form, 24%; powder form, 10%; and liquid form, 2%. The types of sellers operational are small-scale (51%), medium-scale (41%), and large-scale (8%), with 33% having more than 10 years of experience, 40% having 5 to 10 years of experience, and 27% having less than 5 years of experience. Based on the data collected, cassava can be found all year round. Maize, beans, nuts, soybeans, and sorghum were reported to be more abundant in the dry season; yam was observed to be available all year round but very expensive at the onset of rains until the third quarter of the year. Based on the sellers' opinion, fishmeal is found all year round. It was concluded that there should be an intensification of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) production to further reduce the price of aquafeeds for increased aquaculture production.
- High feed costs driven by reliance on imported ingredients hinder aquaculture development in Zambia. Locally available animal protein alternatives offer a promising solution, but their digestibility remains underexplored. This study evaluated the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of two local caterpillars: mopane caterpillar or vinkubala (Gonimbrasia belina) and silkmoth caterpillar or tukanja (G. zambesina), as well as three small fish species, namely kapenta (Limnothrissa miodon), kakeya (assorted fish), and chisense (Potamothrissa acutirostris), for potential inclusion in juvenile GIFT tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diets. A reference diet with yttrium oxide (Y2O3) as a digestibility marker and test diets (70% reference diet, 30% test ingredient) were used. Fish were fed at 90% satiation for 6 weeks, with feces collected in the last 2 weeks. The ADC of the test diet ranged from 98% to 99% for dry matter (p > 0.05), while crude protein (80%–92%), crude lipid (90%–97%), and energy (78%–89%) were significantly different (p < 0.05), reflecting the effective utilization of these ingredients in the diet. The ADCs of the tested ingredients showed numerical differences, but high variability in standard deviations resulted in no statistical significance (p > 0.05). ADC of dry matter ranged from 54% to 62% in caterpillars and 67%–81% in fish, crude protein from 62% to 65% and 68%–82%, crude lipid from 66% to 74% and 68%–83%, and ash from 60% to 69% and 74%–83%, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of locally available Zambian ingredients to support sustainable and cost-effective aquafeeds for tilapia. However, the variability in digestibility values indicates the need for further investigation to optimize their inclusion in diets.
- This study aimed to identify and validate male-specific genomic markers for two economically significant aquaculture species: catla (Labeo catla syn. Catla catla) and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix). Using conserved male-specific genomic regions from closely related species—rohu (Labeo rohita) and bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis)—short sequence fragments were aligned to catla and silver carp genome assemblies to identify candidate male-specific markers. These markers were incorporated into DArTag panels and evaluated, according to read-count thresholds, in individuals of known visually-assessed or functional (i.e. reproductive) phenotypic sex (PSEX). Consistent with a XX/XY sex determination system, the sequences were expected to be present in males and absent in females. In catla, three markers predicted functional PSEX with 94.7 % accuracy. Notably 10 out of 123 genotyped catla dams were marker-assigned a genotypic sex (GSEX) of male, likely due to the presence of marker sequences in non-sex-determining genomic regions. For silver carp, 11 markers demonstrated a very high accuracy of 99.7 % in predicting visually-assigned PSEX. The markers and methods identified in this study represent promising tools for efficient and accurate sex determination in catla and silver carp, though further validation across different populations is recommended to ensure their broader applicability. The identified markers showed strong potential for practical application in aquaculture, particularly for the quantification of sexual dimorphism in immature fish and identification of sex-reversed individuals, in addition to their use in genetic improvement programs.
- The success of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) as an aquaculture species is partly the result of continuous selective breeding leading to high performing strains. These elite strains have been derived from breeding populations of diverse origins and crosses with other Oreochromis species. Owing to the complex and unique evolutionary histories of each strain, existing reference genomes of wild populations are unsuitable to implement genomic selection for beneficial traits such as growth or environmental resilience in aquaculture programmes. Here we generated a high-quality genome assembly and annotation of the WorldFish Genetically Improved Abbassa Nile tilapia (GIANT) elite strain using a combination of PacBio HiFi, and Omni-C Illumina sequencing. As a male Abbassa Nile tilapia was used for the generation of the genome assembly, we reconstructed both X and Y haplotypes, identifying both amhY and amhΔy on LG23 indicating that Abbassa likely shares the same sex determination system as GIFT, and thereby differs from the existing reference genome, whose sex determination loci are located on LG1.
- Nigeria’s aquaculture sector, vital for food security and rural livelihoods, is increasingly threatened by the unchecked spread of water hyacinth. This study applied a mixed-methods approach, combining 22 key informant interviews (KIIs), field observations, informal interviews, and a survey of 454 fish farmers to assess its impacts and farmers’ willingness to support control measures. Results show widespread recognition of negative effects, including reduced fish catch, poor water quality, damaged infrastructure, with strong community demand for intervention. On average, households are willing to contribute ₦2492 (USD 1.51) per month for 20 years to finance control measures. Econometric analysis indicates that willingness to pay (WTP) is shaped by the interaction of income and education, as well as gender and regional differences, rather than income alone. While education moderates income to increase WTP, the education–income interaction negatively affects participation. Notably, these contrasting effects on participation (negative) and WTP (positive) can be understood through the lens of collective action theory. These findings emphasize the need to integrate community perceptions with economic valuation to design inclusive and regionally tailored control strategies, strengthening resilience in Nigeria’s aquaculture sector.
- Cambodia’s ricefield ponds are small water bodies within or near rice fields that provide multiple benefits beyond water storage. They serve as fish refuges during dry spells, support pest control, and create opportunities to integrate fish, rice, vegetables, and livestock into one climate-smart farming system. Research in Takeo and Prey Veng has shown that improved pond management can boost fish production by 67%, enhance biodiversity, and provide two crop cycles, leading to greater income and resilience for farming households. However, challenges remain, including water shortages in the dry season, limited feed, pesticide use, and gaps in farmer knowledge, which can be addressed through better pond design, integrated pest management, low-cost supplementary feed, and farmer-to-farmer learning. Demonstrations under the CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes Initiative show that integrated ricefield pond systems can generate up to four times more value than rice alone, while reducing chemical inputs and strengthening ecosystems. This “One Family, One Pond” model promotes sustainable food production, natural resource use, and adaptation to climate change. Recognized in Cambodia’s national climate commitments (NDC 3.0), the approach offers benefits at household, community, and landscape levels by improving food security, conserving biodiversity, reducing costs, and building resilience. More than just rice or fish, ricefield ponds represent a holistic pathway for nearly a million Cambodian households toward resilient and sustainable livelihoods.
- 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.
- This paper offers new insights into gender norms, roles, participation, relations, and benefits derived by women and men engaged in the aquaculture sector in Ogun and Delta States in Nigeria. Data were collected using mixed methods, including structured surveys of 410 farmers, 175 market actors, and 53 input suppliers, 116 semi-structured key informant interviews, and 11 focus group discussions (FGDs). Overall results of the study revealed the linkages within the aquaculture value chain, which was highly gendered, with men dominating all the three main stages of the value chain as indicated by Duncan's index of dissimilarity of 17.35%. Results also revealed a gender difference in the value of assets, ownership, and wage rate among men and women participants in paid labor in the input supply and fish trading segments. Men tended to realize more profits than women, indicating an imbalance in the distribution of benefits by gender along the aquaculture value chain. Results revealed that the participation of women in decision-making was relatively high, attributable to their involvement in aquaculture value chain activities. The findings highlight the need for governments, development agencies, and non-governmental organizations to address gender disparities in policies designed to improve the imbalance in the distribution of benefits between women and men.
- Efforts to promote women’s participation, benefits, and empowerment in aquaculture entrepreneurship face persistent challenges rooted in patriarchal norms, policy frameworks, and local contexts. This article investigates how women’s entrepreneurship, supported by targeted programs, can help address these entrenched barriers. To do so, we employ the multi-level perspective (MLP) framework, which examines women’s entrepreneurial “niches” in relation to the dominant “regime” of local policies, public action, and gender norms. Our central aim is to understand how supporting women’s entrepreneurship can drive systemic change within aquaculture. Using a governance framework, we analyze strategies applied in two pilot interventions in Bangladesh, seeking to identify the limitations of current governance approaches and to propose strategies for establishing a more gender-equitable aquaculture regime. Our analysis reveals that existing strategic frameworks often fail to capture the agentic actions women take prior to program implementation and do not sufficiently address the influence of social and gender norms. Based on our findings, we recommend integrating gender transformative approaches and agentic strategies into governance frameworks, with the goal of challenging the prevailing regime and fostering greater gender equality in aquaculture. This approach recognizes women’s proactive roles and the importance of reshaping governance to support systemic gender equity.
- This study presents a literature-based review of Malaysia’s fishery and aquaculture sectors, examining their historical development, production trends, contributions, and challenges. Unlike existing studies that focus primarily on production trends or environmental concerns, this paper provides a policy-oriented perspective, linking production challenges to governance, economic constraints, and gaps in small-scale aquaculture and private-sector involvement. The study show that in 2022, Malaysia’s total fishery production reached 1.89 million metric tons, with aquaculture contributing 30%. While capture fisheries have stagnated due to overfishing and environmental pressures, aquaculture has expanded, playing a crucial role in post-Covid-19 recovery. However, sustainability remains a challenge due to climate change, water pollution, rising production costs, and regulatory barriers. To address these issues, the study recommends promoting sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices, enhancing research and development (R&D), streamlining regulatory frameworks, improving disease management, and expanding economic support and market access. These measures are essential to strengthening Malaysia’s aquaculture sector and ensuring long-term food security and economic resilience.
- Introduction: Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) are among the most widely cultivated freshwater finfish species worldwide. The industry increasingly relies on tilapia strains selected for improved growth and other traits, particularly the Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) strain. Despite the industry’s reliance on tilapia, knowledge of microbiome dynamics in reared tilapia remains limited. Understanding normal successional patterns in the microbiome of farmed tilapia is essential for identifying the characteristics that constitute a healthy microbial community. Methods: In this study, we assessed the microbiomes of tank and pond-reared GIFT tilapia by analyzing 568 samples, including water, gut, skin, and gill microbiomes of tilapia, from tank systems housing the source GIFT populations in Malaysia. We compared them to those reared in earthen ponds on another farm in Malaysia. Results: A total of 2,307 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified, encompassing a broad taxonomic diversity of 39 phyla, 86 classes, 180 orders, 299 families, 501 genera, and 399 species. Our findings elucidated distinct microbial community structures between rearing environments and across fish tissues, shedding light on intricate host-microbe interactions shaped by environmental conditions and management practices. The gut microbiome of tank-reared tilapia was dominated by Fusobacteriota (71.14%), in contrast to pond-reared fish (22%). At the same time, other taxa, such as Bacteroidota, Firmicutes_A, and Cyanobacteria, also varied markedly between environments and sampling periods. Skin and gill samples exhibited notable variability in the relative abundances of Fusobacteriota and Deinococcota between the two rearing sites. Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) highlighted the distinct clustering of samples by rearing environment, particularly within gut microbiomes. Biomarkers such as Cyanobiaceae (pond water) and Sphingomonadaceae (tank water) underscored the impact of rearing conditions on microbial composition. Discussion: These results establish valuable baseline information on the types of bacteria associated with healthy, genetically defined (GIFT) tilapia strains. This foundational information will help identify specific microbial taxa associated with beneficial or detrimental effects on tilapia health and productivity across varying rearing conditions. Such insights can guide the development of practical microbiome monitoring strategies, such as early-warning tools for farm health, and inform targeted interventions to improve aquaculture performance.
- This Results Framework (RF) is based on the updated WorldFish (WF)’s Theory of Change (ToC) version in May 2023. The RF is built around a conceptual framework that focuses on determining the extent to which there is control over research results and contribution to development impacts. This document covers the details at all the above-mentioned levels as well as identifying roles and responsibilities and the ways of tracking the different outputs and outcomes. The high-level indicators were endorsed in 2023, during the annual retreat, taking reference of CGIAR indicators. This document also helps to identify (a) how the framework is operationalised and, (b) the key MEL activities and timelines to ensure the improvement of the program quality and efficiency of WF. For the full result framework table please refer to Annex 1, which provides more details of how each indicator will be reported, ways of segregation and aggregation, and frequency of data collection.
- Baseline characterization of aquaculture systems and livelihood in Nigeria objectives are to identify the prevalence and performance of different farming systems, as well as opportunities for interventions across the value chain that could enhance the performance and diversification of aquaculture in these areas. The study covered 524 farmers and 66 hatchery operators in two states, Delta and Ogun, using digital surveys.
- Global demand for seafood continues to rise, positioning aquaculture as a critical pathway for improving food security, nutrition, and rural livelihoods. In Kenya, the aquaculture sector remains constrained by structural challenges, with fish feed accounting for 60%–70% of production costs and limiting sectoral growth, particularly for smallholder farmers. This review critically analyzes Kenya's fish feed sector through an integrated PESTEL- SWOT framework, drawing on a scoping review of academic literature, policy reports, and sector development studies. The paper highlights key macro- level drivers, including fragmented policy implementation, dependency on imported ingredients, and climate- related risks, and connects these with internal industry dynamics such as innovation gaps and regional disparities in aquafeed accessibility. It presents a conceptual model illustrating how external and internal factors interact to shape aquafeed sector outcomes, positioning Kenya's experience within a broader Sub- Saharan Africa aquaculture context. The review identifies missed opportunities in scaling insect- and microalgae- based feed innovations, constrained by regulatory, technical, and market barriers. The discussion offers actionable recommendations for researchers, policymakers, donors, investors, and industry stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of integrated policy reforms, investment in local aquafeed technology development, and regional collaboration to strengthen feed supply resilience and address production bottlenecks.
- In the BMGF project WorldFish will support the sustainable growth of this extremely important aquatic food system to become a safe source of food for a growing population, providing important nutritional benefits to both women of reproductive age and young children. WorldFish will partner with NGOs, the private sector and government to drive systemic change within the aquaculture sector to support sustainable private sector development, using a market systems and consumer-led approach.
- In 2024, significant strides were made in advancing aquatic food systems that are climate-resilient, inclusive, and nutrition-sensitive. Through targeted innovation, scientific research, and strategic policy engagement, efforts supported communities in building resilience to climate-related shocks. The application of digital technologies, sustainable aquaculture practices, and co-management approaches contributed to improved livelihoods, while inclusive value chains and emerging technologies enhanced opportunities for women and youth. Nutrition-focused interventions further demonstrated the critical role of small fish and fish-derived products in addressing micronutrient deficiencies. Collectively, these developments highlight the growing importance of aquatic foods in global strategies for food security, public health, and climate adaptation.