In this issue:

• Integrating fish farming with ducks and poultry in Meghalaya
• Small indigenous fish species: A source of nutritional security
• A short note on two new instances of aquaculture species and system diversification in Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India
• Adding knowledge to the seed production process of giant featherback in captivity
• Local knowledge and practices in Asian seabass nursery to grow-out culture in Andhra Pradesh
• NACA Newsletter

Asian seabass has emerged as a promising alternative to shrimp farming in coastal Andhra Pradesh. This article documents the complete production cycle practiced by farmers in Krishna, Eluru and West Godavari districts, from wild egg collection to market-ready fish.

The production process spans 14-16 months across multiple phases: two nursery stages transform eggs into fingerlings, a pre-grow-out phase develops juveniles to 100-200 g, and a final grow-out period produces fish weighing 3-4 kg. Farmers rely heavily on live feed, primarily small shrimp and tilapia, with feed conversion ratios around 6:1.

While the species offers advantages such as fast growth and salinity tolerance, farmers face challenges including fluctuating export prices, rising feed costs and disease outbreaks. The lack of species-specific therapeutics further complicates disease management. Most harvested seabass currently reaches export markets through Kolkata and Chennai, though opportunities exist for domestic value-added products.

In Purba Medinipur, India's leading fisheries district, two farmers are exploring new directions in aquaculture. Sri Buddhadeb Maity has established commercial farming of the prized murrel (Channa striatus), achieving growth rates of 250-300g within two months. His neighbour, Sri Uttam Manna, has taken an unconventional approach: cultivating freshwater aquarium fish in brackishwater ponds near the Bay of Bengal.

Manna's method challenges established practice. He has observed fewer disease problems than those typically encountered in freshwater aquarium fish operations, potentially due to the salt content in his ponds helping to control pathogens. Both farmers have developed profitable enterprises whilst sharing their methods with neighbouring producers, encouraging diversification across the region.

The third High-Level Meeting on Aquaculture Transformation assessed progress towards 2030 transformation goals and identified priority actions for the Asia-Pacific region. The meeting report, covering discussions held 1-2 July 2025 in Shanghai, documents findings from representatives of NACA member  governments, FAO and regional organisations.

Participants identified multiple barriers to sustainable intensification: farmer scepticism about unfamiliar technologies, limited access to expertise, and misaligned incentives that prioritise profit over environmental responsibility. Investment remains concentrated at higher levels rather than reaching small-scale producers. The discussions emphasised collaborative approaches, knowledge-based farming systems, and the need to document aquaculture's positive social impacts.

NACA and FAO will continue supporting National Innovation and Investment Plans in India, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Future work includes establishing an Aquaculture Innovation and Investment Hub and developing monitoring systems to track transformation progress across the region.

A free webinar "Farming resilience: Unlocking the Artemia opportunity" will be held on 30 October from 8:00-11:00 EST (13:00-16:00 UTC). This webinar will present the results of an in-depth analysis of Artemia production, conservation and investment opportunities by the World Bank Group, with expert input from members of the International Artemia Aquaculture Consortium.

Artemia (brine shrimp) is a critical live feed in aquaculture, particularly in hatcheries for shrimp, fish, and ornamental species. Its production and sustainable management are increasingly important as aquaculture expands globally. Global Artemia markets face increasing demand, while new innovations in farming, processing, and conservation offer opportunities for inclusive investment, resilience, and biodiversity protection.

This event will bring together global experts, policymakers, private sector representatives, and development partners to discuss the state of Artemia production and conservation, market opportunities, regulatory frameworks, and pathways for sustainable and viable investment.

Bangkok, 21-22 October 2025 - Thailand convened a two-day workshop at the Department of Fisheries to shape a National Innovation and Investment Plan (NIIP) for aquaculture. The meeting formed part of FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme project TCP/RAS/4004, implemented with NACA, which is supporting India, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam to prepare NIIPs and link them into a shared Aquaculture Transformation Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning System (ATMS) for Asia and the Pacific.

Small indigenous fish species (SIS) are common in South and Southeast Asian inland waters and are often eaten whole. This article reviews evidence that SIS provide bioavailable vitamin A, iron, zinc, calcium and B12, alongside protein and long-chain omega-3s. It examines practical options for including SIS in carp ponds and rice-fish systems, drawing on recent field programmes, and identifies constraints, especially the seasonal, unreliable supply of seed from capture fisheries. The article considers which species are realistic candidates for hatchery production and what husbandry is required. The aim is to give producers, extension staff and policymakers a clear view of when SIS integration adds value, and what investments are needed to pilot and scale it responsibly.

How can small farms boost fish yields, cut feed bills and earn from more than one crop at a time? In Meghalaya’s Ri Bhoi district, one farmer shows the way with an integrated fish-duck-poultry system across four linked ponds. Ducks and poultry “pay their rent” by fertilising the water, which powers natural food webs for carp and rohu; simple gravity flow spreads nutrients and improves aeration. Over an eight-month cycle, the farm sells fish, ducks, poultry, eggs and even dyke crops like banana and turmeric - while keeping inputs low and water quality stable. This practical case study explains the layout, stocking plan and daily management behind the results, and why integrated aquaculture is a smart, climate-resilient option for small holders.

Pathum Thani, 5-6 October - NACA participated in the 3rd AQUADAPT Peer-Learning Event at the Asian Institute of Technology Conference Center. Partners reviewed progress on nature-based solutions (NbS) in aquaculture, shared experience and set priorities for the year ahead. The two-day programme combined project presentations, a world-café on climate resilience, and working sessions designed to turn research insights into practice.

The AquaHub project of NACA and FutureFish led a working session on “Knowledge brokering: Private sector engagement and nature-based and inclusive business models,” convening researchers and practitioners to sharpen strategies for scaling NbS through market actors across the value chain, from small-scale farmers and associations to SMEs and larger enterprises. Discussion centred on pragmatic engagement models that can connect research outcomes to investable, inclusive business opportunities.

In this issue:

• From office to field: The role of women in Saudi Arabia’s small-scale aquaculture and fisheries sector
• Farming of orange mud crab in the Indian Sundarbans: Opportunities and challenges
• Seed production of giant freshwater prawn in brackishwater ponds in Purba Medinipur, West Bengal
• AI and IoT (AIoT): The New Wave in Fish Farming
• NACA Newsletter

Saudi Arabia’s coastal communities are opening new pathways for women in aquaculture and fisheries. Under the REEF programme led by MEWA, recent pilots have shifted participation from office-based roles toward hands-on production and processing. Seaweed farming trials of Gracilaria multipartita in Jeddah and the Farasan Islands show why: accessible tasks, modest equipment needs, and suitability for community-run operations. In parallel, a women-led seafood processing initiative in the Farasan Islands has provided training, essential tools, and branding skills, improving hygiene and product quality and motivating participants to form cooperatives; a tuna-canning exercise highlighted the potential for higher value capture.

Orange mud crab (Scylla olivacea) has emerged as the main mud crab for aquaculture in the Sundarbans, supplying India’s live-crab export trade. This article explains why: faster maturation at smaller sizes, strong demand for gravid females, and practical fattening systems using HDPE boxes or seasonal pond units with tied claws. It summarises how farmers source crabs, feed with trash fish, grade by size and reproductive status, and move product through local traders to export hubs.

Cweed Aquasolutions, a spin-off from Universiti Malaya, works with coastal communities to develop seaweed cultivation through integrated multi-trophic aquaculture. The initiative repurposes abandoned shrimp ponds in Peninsular Malaysia, providing training and technical support for farmers to start seaweed farming. Cweed Aquasolutions also buys back harvested product, creating a sustainable livelihood model that links community development with nature-based aquaculture solutions. This pitch was presented Adibi M. Nor, CTO of Cweed Aquaculture Solutions.

LEAPS is a climate-smart aquaculture initiative in Java that combines shrimp farming with mangrove restoration to strengthen coastal community resilience. Implemented under the AQUADAPT program with funding from Global Affairs Canada and IDRC, the project promotes inclusive, nature-based approaches for small-scale shrimp aquaculture. By integrating real-time IoT water quality monitoring, wastewater treatment and gender-responsive practices, LEAPS reduces greenhouse gas emissions while restoring mangroves and supporting communities. The project also informs evidence-based policy, helping scale sustainable aquaculture solutions across the region. Aligning shrimp farming with ecosystem restoration, LEAPS supports both livelihoods and climate adaptation. This pitch was presented by Rocky Pairunan and Burhanuddin Zein.

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; and opportunities for entrepreneurs: resilient farms, reduced risks, lower costs, premium markets, funding, and partnerships.

The 3rd High‑Level Meeting on Aquaculture Transformation in Asia and the Pacific, held 1–2 July in Shanghai, brought together governments, industry leaders and development partners to drive innovation, investment and sustainability in the region’s aquaculture sector. Discussions focused on scaling low‑cost fish production, making technology adoption easier for small farmers, improving access to finance, and strengthening regional cooperation. The meeting set clear priorities for accelerating transformation by 2030, with resources and key presentations now available online. Videos of the presentations are available for viewing on YouTube.

This presentation by Eduardo Leaño, Director General of NACA, provides a background and introduction to the 3rd High-Level Meeting on Aquaculture Transformation in the Asia-Pacific Region (HLM-3).

The region accounts for around 90% of global aquaculture production but faces mounting challenges including resource scarcity, environmental pressures, climate change, and shifting global dynamics. Addressing these requires a strategic shift driven by innovation, investment, and stronger partnerships to build more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable aquatic food systems.

HLM-3 builds on the outcomes of previous high-level meetings and the Aquaculture Transformation White Paper, with a focus on national innovation and investment plans, regional collaboration, and implementation efforts to achieve transformation by 2030.

This video presents a summary of key insights and forward-looking actions from the closing session of the 3rd High-Level Meeting on Aquaculture Transformation in the Asia-Pacific Region. It highlights the critical role of low-cost fish for food security, the need for intuitive technologies suited to smallholders, and the barriers posed by regulation and financing gaps. Key themes include the importance of genetic improvement, knowledge-based farming, improved access to expertise, and alignment of incentives for sustainable and profitable aquaculture. The session emphasises inclusive investment strategies, farmer integration into financial systems, and the need for regional coordination and collaboration to drive transformation through 2030.

In this issue:

• From risk to resilience: Innovative crop insurance solutions for securing shrimp aquaculture in India
• Efforts to rejuvenate primary fisher cooperative societies in South 24 Parganas District, West Bengal
• Captive production of Gangetic mystus (Mystus cavasius): A guide for farmers
• Shrimp farm biosecurity in Saudi Arabia: A journey from past practices to future vision
• Wolffia globosa (duckweed) in aquafeeds for profitability and eco-friendly sustainable aquaculture
• NACA Newsletter

This article examines recent initiatives to rejuvenate primary Fisher Cooperative Societies (FCSs) in South 24 Parganas District, West Bengal, highlighting their critical role in advancing sustainable fisheries, rural livelihoods, and social protection. It outlines the structural, administrative, and policy frameworks that support FCS operations, particularly the government’s lease-based allocation of large freshwater bodies to cooperatives. The article also reviews the election procedures conducted under the West Bengal Cooperative Societies Act to reconstitute governance in 43 active societies, ensuring compliance and eligibility for state support.

Through detailed case data and programme reports, the article documents the outcomes of targeted schemes such as input distribution for sewage-fed and large-scale fish culture, equipment provisioning, pension benefits, and capacity-building training. It emphasises the cooperative model's effectiveness in managing natural resources, strengthening community self-governance, and enhancing productivity. With a focus on practical reforms and institutional accountability, the South 24 Parganas experience offers insights into scaling cooperative-led fisheries development in similar socio-ecological contexts.