In this issue:

• Some practices and techniques in cost-effective small and medium-scale aquaculture in West Bengal
• Food and feeding habits of some peninsular carps
• Inland saline aquaculture: Prospects and challenges
• A success story of freshwater prawn farming as an alternative livelihood for self-help and user groups in Mayurbanja District, Odisha, India
• NACA Newsletter

Carps are a vital component of global freshwater fish production, particularly in India, where both Indian major carps and indigenous species contribute to aquaculture. This study reviews the food and feeding habits of select peninsular carps, highlighting their potential for aquaculture diversification and biodiversity conservation. Indigenous species such as Hypselobarbus pulchellus, Barbodes carnaticus, Labeo fimbriatus, Labeo kontius, and Tor khudree demonstrate adaptability to natural productivity, reducing reliance on artificial feeds. Gut content analyses reveal dietary patterns ranging from herbivory to omnivory, with species consuming vascular plants, algae, molluscs, and insects. Feeding behavior varies across life stages, with juveniles relying on zooplankton and diatoms, while adults shift to macrophytes and benthic organisms. Integrating these species into polyculture systems could enhance aquaculture efficiency and support conservation efforts for threatened endemic fish.

Small and medium-scale aquaculture in West Bengal has evolved to incorporate cost-effective, sustainable practices that reduce input costs while maintaining productivity. This article explores various low-cost aquaculture techniques used by rural fish farmers, emphasising farm-made feed formulations, pond fertilisation methods, and integrated farming systems. Farmers utilise non-conventional feed additives to enhance fish health and growth while reducing reliance on expensive commercial products. Fermented feed supplements and probiotic formulations have been successfully implemented to improve water quality and plankton production. Integrated fish farming, incorporating compost manure, vermicomposting, and polyculture with species like giant freshwater prawn, has increased productivity and economic returns.

With the implementation of the new aquatic animal disease reporting in the Asia Pacific region from January 2021 NACA is publishing reported aquatic animal diseases submitted by countries in the Asia-Pacific region. This report covers the second quarter of 2024 and the original and updated reports can be accessed from the QAAD page.

The 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) will be held from 12-15 February 2025 in New Delhi, India. Submission of abstracts has been extended until 5 November, and early bird registration closes on 10 November, so get in quick!

The forum is a scientific meeting organised by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS) once every three years to understand the global trends and address issues and challenges faced by the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The main purpose of this Forum is to provide an international platform for eminent scientists, young researchers, and other stakeholders across the globe to share their research experiences and innovative ideas. By facilitating the exchange of diverse range of knowledge and expertise, the Forum with the Theme ‘Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific’ aims to address key issues towards developing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.