Aquaculture
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12348/2
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- Integrated Rice Fish Systems (IRFS) offer a viable substitute for rice monoculture. They efficiently use the rice field ecosystem’s inherent productivity and available resources to provide the farming community with better economic and nutritional gains. IRFS adoption remains poor in Eastern India, despite favorable geographic conditions, natural resource availability, traditional knowledge, necessity for economic growth, and preference of rural communities for a rice and fish-based diet. To investigate whether agroecology (AE) could accelerate an IRFS-based transition towards food and nutritional security (FNS), this review of 194 scientific articles on IRFS from 2004 to 2024 documented the AE traits of IRFS and their relevance to addressing FNS. The current IRFS of Eastern India were assessed, first through a rapid review process to identify their qualitative traits consistent with AE. Next, we evaluated IRFS’ impact on FNS. In total, IRFS has shown 52 traits relevant to AE principles and that address FNS. Among 13 AE principles, seven have been considered primary impact creators of FNS. Impact may be accelerated with strategies such as crop diversification, mixed crop-livestock systems, and farmer-to-farmer networks. Fish play a significant role in IRFS by preserving ecological and socioeconomic equilibrium, supporting livelihoods, income, and community engagement. In Eastern India, an analysis of five distinct IRFS types identified qualitative features that could support a maximum of 10 relevant AE principles, but for which pertinent empirical evidence was lacking. Although IRFS could potentially boost smallholder income, FNS, and overall productivity, Eastern India would need to address seven significant challenges, including initial investment costs, vulnerability to natural disasters, hilly terrain, loss of indigenous fish varieties, environmental impacts of inputs, land-use change, limited technical knowledge and financial constrains among the farming communities. AE frameworks can support scaling up IRFS adoption and diffusion through a holistic approach to performance evaluation and creating appropriate strategies and guidelines.
- This document provides an overview of WorldFish's contributions to aquatic food systems in Cambodia, focusing on sustainable development, food security, rural livelihoods, and environmental resilience. Since 2006, WorldFish has worked to integrate fish into rice-based agricultural systems, establishing over 160 Community Fish Refuges (CFRs) that have restored wild fish populations, improved rural diets, and enhanced ecosystem health. These efforts have benefited 80,000–127,000 households and sustainably managed over 200,000 hectares of rice–fish landscapes. The document highlights Cambodia's challenges, including rural poverty, food insecurity, climate risks, and water security issues. It emphasizes the importance of integrated, climate-smart approaches such as rice–fish systems, homestead aquaculture, and wetland conservation to address these challenges. WorldFish has also contributed to policy development, including the National Aquaculture Strategy and Action Plan for Cambodia 2021–2030, and capacity building for government agencies, local communities, and women.
- This study summarizes a market assessment conducted in Kenya by Asia-Africa BlueTech Superhighway (AABS), led by WorldFish and supported by the UK’s COAST program under the Blue Planet Fund (BPF). The assessment is part of the AABS work package, which aims to scale Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) between 2023–2027 to support climate adaptation, food security, and livelihoods in Kenya, Bangladesh, and Nigeria. IMTA is a system integrating species like fish, shellfish, and seaweed to boost aquaculture sustainability and environmental resilience. The study focused on producers (shrimp, finfish, shellfish, seaweed) and consumers across five key coastal counties of Kenya: Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River, and Lamu.
- This baseline study evaluates the socioeconomic, livelihood and environmental conditions of coastal and marine aquaculture in Bangladesh. The study focuses on finfish, shellfish and seaweed farming, highlighting the potential and challenges of integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) as a sustainable solution. The findings aim to inform interventions that promote productivity, environmental sustainability and the well-being of farmers.
- Small-scale fisheries and aquaculture (SSFA) sustain nearly half a billion people worldwide but face major challenges, including post-harvest food loss. This guidebook provides a practical, adaptable resource to help practitioners understand and reduce loss across diverse contexts. Designed for researchers, agencies, civil society, and value-chain actors, it combines tools for data collection, systems change, and community engagement. A central focus is building strong relationships and mobilising local agencies to create effective, lasting solutions.
- The TAAT II Fish Compact Fact Sheet provides a concise overview of the project’s objectives, technologies, and impacts for partners and stakeholders:” The initiative promotes fast-growing, climate-resilient fish species, low-cost quality feed, and climate-smart processing technologies. It builds capacity among farmers, youth, women, and value chain actors while strengthening aquabusiness development and innovation platforms. Expected outcomes include 80% farmer access to improved fish seed, a 20% rise in production, and a 20–30% reduction in fish imports, contributing to improved nutrition, job creation, and sustainable aquaculture growth across Africa. The TAAT II Fish Compact, led by WorldFish and supported by the African Development Bank, aims to enhance aquaculture productivity and value chain development in 11 African countries.
- Dried fish is an essential sector with high micronutrient content and livelihood support to the coastal communities, but with limited evidence of productivity analysis in the sector globally. The present study analyses input use efficiency using three non-parametric measures- radial, non-radial, and two-stage double bootstrap data envelopment analysis (DEA). It also examines the effect of producers’ concern for product quality and safety (CPQS) index on efficiency. The study uses cross-sectional data of 266 small-scale dried fish producers in the coastal belts of Odisha. The analysis highlights that dried fish producers produce 43–55% below the production frontier, indicating higher input spending relative to the realized value of finished products. The CPQS index is positively and significantly associated with efficiency score, implying that Producers’ concerns for quality and safety are essential for input-use efficiency. Education and prior training exposure correlate significantly with technical efficiency, suggesting that educated and trained producers use inputs more judiciously and avoid loss and waste. Storage ability and direct selling of produce to consumers, as additional indicators of quality products, also correlate with technical efficiency, pointing out that inefficient producers often ignore quality and hygiene. The results underscore the need for interventions. Training and awareness programs about resource use and maintaining quality and hygiene can help producers increase net income, reduce production costs, and ensure a sustainable source of micronutrient-rich food.
- This study investigated the effects of integrating biofloc with microalgae on growth performance and immune gene expression in red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.). The experiment consisted of four treatments: C (Biofloc), T1 (Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis sp.; 1:1), T2 (Biofloc + Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis sp.; 1:1), T3 (Biofloc + Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis sp.; 2:1) in 500 L plastic tanks for 60 days. T2 and T3 exhibited the lowest ammonia and nitrite levels, respectively. T3 exhibited the highest chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b levels, while T2 showed the highest carotenoid content. T2 showed the highest weight gain (142 ± 0.7 g) and SGR (1.61 ± 0.02) and the lowest FCR (1.79 ± 0.009). T2 exhibited the highest gene expression levels in the intestine, with 7.8-fold upregulation of the cathepsin L (ctsl) gene, 3-fold upregulation of toll-like receptor 7 (tlr7), 6.7-fold upregulation of interleukin-1 b (il-1b), 4.7-fold upregulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (tnf-a), and 2.8-fold upregulation of metallothionein (mt). In the head kidney, the mt upregulation was highest in T3 (7.2-fold), while tnf-a and tlr7 upregulations were highest in T2 (5.9-fold and 5-fold, respectively). In the liver, the gene expressions were highest in T3, with 6.4-fold upregulation of mt, 5-fold upregulation of ctsl, 2.7-fold upregulation of tlr7, 3-fold upregulation of il-1b, and 5.4-fold upregulation of tnf-a. These results suggest a synergistic effect of algae and bacteria on immune and antioxidative capacity in red tilapia.
- The global significance of mycotoxins in aquaculture is evident. However, regional vulnerabilities, effects, and inconsistent regulations on mycotoxin contamination remain underexplored. This study integrates a scientometric analysis of research on mycotoxins in aquafeed, published from 1992 to 2023 in Web of Science, with a conventional review of their occurrence in aquafeed and feed ingredients. Bibliometric tools, VOSviewer, and biblioshiny, were used to analyze global research trends, collaborations, and themes. We found a total of 181 publications, authored by 938 researchers from 49 countries, with Brazil leading (25 publications). The Toxins journal accounted for the most publications (23). Aflatoxins, particularly aflatoxin B1, were the most reported mycotoxins, alongside fumonisins, deoxynivalenol, and zearalenone. Mycotoxin occurrence was highest in tropical regions, particularly in East African countries (aflatoxins, fumonisins, deoxynivalenol, acetyldeoxynivalenol, ochratoxin A, roquefortine C, alternariol, T-2 toxin, zearalenone, and zivalenol), and the Southeast Asian countries (aflatoxins, fumonisins, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, and ochratoxin A), where climatic conditions exacerbate fungal growth and mycotoxin production. The findings highlight the global regulations on mycotoxins, the risks associated with the different mycotoxins, and their effects on the health of fish and humans. Our findings emphasize the need for stringent monitoring and regulation of mycotoxins in aquafeeds. Future research should focus on developing effective mitigation strategies and understanding the regional variations in mycotoxin prevalence to safeguard aquaculture productivity and consumer health.
- Integrated Ricefield Pond Systems bring together fish, rice farming, and livestock production within a shared landscape. This approach enhances resource efficiency, diversifies income, and strengthens resilience to climate change. By recycling nutrients and optimizing land and water use, farmers can improve productivity and food security while maintaining ecological balance. The system supports sustainable livelihoods by linking different farming components, contributing to both environmental and economic sustainability in rural communities. Training material like poster on ricefield systems are important because they provide farmers with clear, visual, and practical guidance that is easy to understand and remember. Posters can simplify complex concepts, demonstrate improved practices step-by-step, and serve as a quick reference tool in the field. They also help standardize key messages, ensuring consistent knowledge transfer across communities, and can be widely shared during trainings, meetings, or displayed in villages. By making information more accessible, posters strengthen farmer learning, encourage adoption of improved practices, and support the scaling of ricefield innovations.
- The presentation was presented at the International Workshop on Aquaculture Medicine & Aquatic Animal Health Management in Asia Pacific (AQUAMAP 2025). It discusses opportunities and challenges in enhancing biosecurity across aquaculture operations in the Global South, with a focus on Bangladesh. It outlines the drivers of disease emergence, such as live animal trade, poor regulation, and inadequate pathogen data. The work introduces a Participatory Biosecurity Gap Assessment (PBGA) and training module for finfish farms developed by WorldFish, the Department of Fisheries, FAO, BFRI, and CEFAS. Pilot assessments in Mymensingh identified twelve key pathogen pathways and potential biosecurity improvements. The study emphasizes equity, recognizing the need for inclusive, practical biosecurity processes that avoid excluding smallholder farmers, and promotes building resilience through education, diagnostics, vaccination, and better management practices.
- The presentation showcases WorldFish’s ongoing and planned initiatives on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), antimicrobial use (AMU), and residue monitoring in aquaculture under the One Health framework. It highlights extensive fieldwork in Bangladesh, including enumerator training, AMU/AMR surveys across tilapia-dominant systems, and the development of a comprehensive aquamedicine photobook cataloging over 300 brands, including critically important antibiotics. It also features results from antimicrobial residue testing of tilapia muscle samples using U-HPLC, revealing detectable residues of sulfamethoxazole and amoxicillin above permissible levels. Future plans include expanding surveillance to other aquaculture hubs and species, environmental residue testing, and developing rapid detection methods. The presentation underscores the need for cross-sectoral coordination, evidence-based surveillance tools, and stronger regulatory frameworks to mitigate AMR risks in aquatic food systems.
- The presentation provides a comprehensive overview of antimicrobial use in global aquaculture and its role in the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. It outlines patterns of antibiotic application, common pathogens such as Aeromonas, Vibrio, and Streptococcus, and historical examples of resistance spread through plasmids and gene transfer. Highlighting case studies from Asia, Africa, and Europe, it discusses unregulated antibiotic usage, limited vaccine access, and poor AMU monitoring in low- and middle-income countries. The presentation further describes WorldFish-led initiatives in Bangladesh, including AMU/AMR surveys, aquamedicine photobook development, wet-market sampling, and capacity-building workshops, emphasizing the need for harmonized surveillance, strengthened biosecurity, and policy-driven stewardship to mitigate AMR risks in aquaculture.
- This policy brief discusses the challenges SMEs face in leveraging trade opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It also discusses measures that can help SMEs access trade benefits under the AfCFTA and contribute to the SADC’s health and nutrition agenda through improved access to safe and nutritious aquatic foods.
- The presentation highlights WorldFish’s integrated One Health initiatives in Bangladesh aimed at strengthening disease prevention, food safety, and AMR mitigation in aquaculture. It outlines collaborations with government and research partners to enhance biosecurity, antimicrobial use surveillance, and capacity-building across five upazilas in Mymensingh. Activities include AMU/AMR monitoring in tilapia farms, agrovet surveys, and antibiotic residue testing in aquaculture environments. Training programs on bacterial isolation, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and molecular identification have built technical expertise among government and academic institutions. The presentation also addresses challenges such as unregulated antibiotic use, environmental pollution, and climate stress, while promoting solutions like digital tools, rapid diagnostics, biosecurity practices, and ecosystem-based aquaculture models for a more sustainable and resilient blue economy.
- The leaflet provides practical guidance for fish farmers and veterinary drug sellers on the responsible use of antibiotics in aquaculture. It explains what antibiotics are, outlines the risks of misuse such as treatment failure and AMR, and gives clear do’s and don’ts for both farmers and drug sellers. The key message emphasizes consulting professionals before using medicines, maintaining biosecurity, observing withdrawal periods, and avoiding unapproved or expired drugs. The leaflet concludes that biosecurity and good farm management are the most effective ways to prevent disease, and that prescription-based medicine sales protect both health and business.
- Selective breeding is a potent method for developing strains with enhanced traits. This study compared the growth performance and stress responses of the genetically improved Abbassa Nile tilapia strain (G9; GIANT-G9) with a local commercial strain over 12 weeks, followed by exposure to stressors including high ammonia (10 mg TAN/L), elevated temperature (37 °C), and both for three days. The GIANT-G9 showed superior growth, including greater weight gain, final weight, length gain, specific growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio, as well as a lower feed conversion ratio and condition factor compared to the commercial strain. The expression of growth hormone in the brain of the GIANT‐G9 increased significantly after 6 weeks, although it slightly decreased after 12 weeks. Growth hormone receptor 1 expression also increased significantly after 6 weeks. Muscle insulin-like growth factors (igf1 and igf2) levels up-regulated significantly only after 12 weeks in the GIANT‐G9. Under stress, serum enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)) were significantly higher in the GIANT‐G9, while the commercial strain had lower levels. No significant changes were observed in liver ALP activity among stressed strains. Under stress, the GIANT‐G9 exhibited marked upregulation of splenic Toll-like receptors (tlr2, tlr9, tlr21), myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (myd88), nuclear factor kappa B (nf-κB), interleukin (il) 1β, and il6. Notably, il6 expression was higher than il1β in the spleen, with the opposite pattern in the head kidney. In response to immune stimulation, globulin levels significantly increased in the GIANT‐G9 but with similar values to the stressed commercial strain. Myostatin expression increased in the spleen of the stressed GIANT‐G9. The commercial strain exhibited the best liver catalase and superoxide dismutase activities under stress, while the GIANT‐G9 showed increased liver glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity after exposure to ammonia and temperature stress. Serum lysozyme activity increased in the stressed commercial strain and under temperature stress in the GIANT‐G9 but decreased under other stress conditions. Overall, the stressed commercial strain demonstrated higher survivability than the stressed GIANT‐G9. The study revealed significant interactions between strains and stress factors. The GIANT‐G9 exhibited higher growth rates but lower antioxidant and immune capacities compared to the commercial strain at the juvenile stage of life and production cycle.
- This brief highlights the vision, objectives, outcomes and strategy for WP2 of the AABS project - Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture: Adapting and implementing Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture tailored to local contexts in Asia and Africa.
- 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.