In this issue:

Concept of seed production of Heteropneustes fossilis in farmers' fields in West Bengal, India; Fishing gear and practices in flood waters of Assam; Fisherwomen empowerment: Shedding light on the invisible gender; Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems: A solution of sustainability.

Women's engagement in fisheries can be viewed from social, political and technical perspectives, all of which show that the role of women is often underestimated. In the fisheries sector participation by women may only become visible after the landing of the catch. The inadequate recognition of women's contributions hampers development, slowing progress in reduction of poverty and food insecurity. This article examines the diversity of women's involvement in fisheries and aquaculture and highlights opportunities to increase the participation of women.

In this issue:

29th Governing Council Meeting held in Malé, Maldives; Proceedings of the Emergency Regional Consultation for Prevention and Management of Tilapia Lake Virus in the Asia-Pacific; NACA signs MOU on cooperation with the Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation; Aquaculture in China: Success Stories and Modern Trends; Quarterly Aquatic Animal Disease Report; Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries 2018; International Training Course on the Biology and Pathology of Penaeid Shrimp; ASEAN-India Research Training Fellowships and more.

The 7th Global Symposium jointly organised by Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries Section of the Asian Fisheries Society and Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) will be held at AIT, Bangkok during 18-20 October 2018. GAF conferences endeavour to explore the expanding horizons of gender dimensions in aquaculture and fisheries, while highlighting the need for expanding gender inclusiveness and equity. Renowned researchers from around the world will present papers on various topics related to gender issues in aquaculture and fisheries policy and practice.

The 7th Global Conference on Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries (GAF7) will be held from 18-20 October 2018, at the Asian Institute of Technology, Pathum Thani, Thailand. The GAF7 website and a conference brochure are now available. Submission of abstracts has been extended to 15 May.

The practice of collecting penaeid shrimp seed and prawn seed from inundated agricultural fields adjacent to the Rupnarayan River has become a supplementary source of income for local communities. During the wet season each year, the river floods the extended open tract of unsown paddy fields. This article describes the traditional fishing practices, gear and livelihoods associated with capture and grow out of shrimp and prawn seed in this region of West Bengal, India.

In this issue:

First training course on culture-based fisheries held in Nha Trang, Vietnam; GAF7: Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries; 3rd International Symposium on Aquaculture and Fisheries Education, India; International Fishing Industry Safety and Health Conference, Canada; WHO: Stop using antibiotics in healthy animals to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance; Register for the 8th International Symposium on Aquatic Animal Health; Quarterly Aquatic Animal Disease Report, July-September 2017; Biology and Management of Invasive Apple Snails; Antimicrobial use in the aquaculture sector.

A presentation on mainstreaming gender issues in culture-based fisheries development.

An art book containing the winners of the Youth and Fish Drawing Competition, which was held during the 6th Global Symposium on Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries (GAF), 4-7 August 2016, Bangkok, Thailand. Ten senior and seven junior high schools participated, with two students (male and female) from each school. The competition ended after three hours of drawing and painting. This was the first activity involving youth in raising awareness of gender to be conducted at a GAF event.

The first ever Regional Training Course on Culture-based Fisheries in Inland Waters was held at Nha Trang University from 30 October to 8 November. The objective of the course was to provide participants with the skills to assist local communities to plan and manage culture-based fisheries. These practices are an example of a relatively simple and low cost technology that can deliver nutritional and economic benefits to rural communities, which often have few livelihood options.