Nature-based Aquaculture for Entrepreneurs and Innovators

20 August 2025 | Mariska Bottema and Rebecca McMillan | 1373 views | Aquatic plants, Better management practices, Environment and Sustainability, Gender, Health and Biosecurity, Innovation, Livelihoods, gender and social issues

Mariska Bottema (WorldFish) and Rebecca McMillan (IDRC) discuss the concept of nature-based aquaculture, why it matters for innovation and entrepreneurship, and how it can support ecosystems, communities, and profitability.

Topics include:

  • Defining nature-based aquaculture and its connection to nature-based solutions
  • Criteria such as climate resilience, ecosystem health, reduced antimicrobial use, and inclusivity
  • Global examples: mangrove–shrimp integration, women-led seaweed farming, integrated multi-trophic systems, and rice–fish farming
  • Supportive technologies including IoT, renewable energy, and life cycle assessment
  • Opportunities for entrepreneurs: resilient farms, reduced risks, lower costs, premium markets, funding, and partnerships

Presented at AquaInnovate, an immersive networking and coaching event for aquaculture entrepreneurs and startups, held in Bangkok from 12–19 May 2025. For more information, visit:

https://aquahub.asia/aquainnovate

Creative Commons Attribution.

Related

AQUAINNOVATE showcases regional aquaculture innovation and nature-based solutions

A networking and coaching event for aquaculture entrepreneurs and startups was held in Bangkok from 12-19 May. AQUAINNOVATE brought together promising startups to pitch their ideas, network, and participate in expert coaching circles.

Convened by NACA and FutureFish with funding support from Canada's International Development Research Centre, the programme included sessions on business fundamentals, investing for impact, nature and community based business innovations, and interactions with experts from the the National Innovation Agency, Center of Excellence for Shrimp Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, and Mahidol University.

Watch the entrepreneur pitch presentations now!