Latest news

Thailand's aquaculture industry is one of the country's great success stories, but climate pressure, disease risk, tougher export markets, and cheaper competitors are spurring the sector to innovate and adapt. On 13 July 2026, stakeholders from government, research, industry, and the export and standards communities gathered at the Department of Fisheries in Bangkok to review and validate a draft National Innovation and Investment Plan for aquaculture, developed under a regional FAO Technical Cooperation Programme implemented by NACA that is also assisting India and the Philippines.

At its heart is a bold vision: for Thailand to become a global leader in innovative aquaculture by 2030, competing on quality, innovation, and value rather than volume, anchored by three connected ideas spanning innovation, premium branding, and the next generation of aquaculture talent.

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Dr. Joebert D. Toledo, who led the SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department (AQD) for six years, passed away on 19 July 2026.

Dr Toledo represented AQD, a NACA Regional Lead Centre, at several of NACA's Governing Council and Technical Advisory Committee meetings. More recently, he participated in NACA's High Level Meeting on Aquaculture Transformation in the Asia-Pacific.

Dr Toledo studied fisheries at the University of the Philippines Diliman and took his master's and doctorate in marine fish seed production at Hiroshima University on scholarship. He joined AQD as a research assistant, rose through the ranks, and served three consecutive terms as Chief from April 2006 to April 2012, followed by a short period as Executive Adviser in the Office of the Chief. In 2009 the Professional Regulation Commission named him Outstanding Professional of the Year for Fisheries Technologist.

After a long and successful career, Dr Toledo retired in 2024. On behalf of the network, the NACA Secretariat wishes to express our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

An overview of the International Artemia Aquaculture Consortium, its mission, structure, and collaborative approach to advancing Artemia aquaculture. 

The Consortium brings together researchers, industry partners, and other stakeholders to promote knowledge exchange, support innovation, and address shared challenges.

The video offers a concise introduction to the Consortium's purpose, research priorities, and commitment to strengthening sustainable Artemia aquaculture through international cooperation.

In this issue:

• Sun-drying marine fish at Junput-Biramput, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India
• From coast to pond: Integrating seaweed aquaculture with brackishwater farming systems
• Tiny guardians of hill streams: Exploring the ornamental loaches of the Western Ghats
• Securing the future of the melon barb: Science-based aquaculture for conservation
• Quietly transforming catfish aquaculture: ICAR-CIFA's seed production journey in India
• ICAR-CIFA promoting Kalong-Kapili for opening new avenues to strengthen aquaculture in Northeast region of India
• NACA Newsletter

In Assam and across north-eastern India, the NGO Kalong-Kapili is helping rural families turn unused ponds, wetlands and beels into a source of food and income. Working with ICAR-CIFA, the organisation began in 2007 at Bagibari village and now runs a Field Laboratory and an Aquaculture Field School that train farmers in scientific fish farming, disease management, climate-resilient practices and integrated farming. This article describes how the model has spread to tribal clusters in Borbeel, Lohit and Lower Siang, benefiting hundreds of families through fish farming combined with horticulture, piggery and kitchen gardens.

It also covers Kalong-Kapili's work to empower women through self-help groups, its production of fish seed, and CIFA's outreach scheme reaching forest-dependent communities in West Karbi Anglong. Together these efforts show how aquaculture extension can reduce poverty and malnutrition while building lasting skills in remote regions.