The mandate of NACA is addressed through three interlinked thematic work programmes that support sustainable aquaculture and aquatic resource management, policy development and inter-governmental cooperation in the region. These are:

• Environment and Sustainability.
• Health and Biosecurity.
• Genetics and Biodiversity.
• Food Security, Safety and Certification.
• Emerging Global and Regional Issues.

Three additional cross-cutting programmes facilitate and support implementation of the thematic work programmes:

• Education and Training.
• Information and Networking.
• Governance and Policy.

Implementation

The work plan is implemented through the development of collaborative projects and activities by partners in the network, addressing issues of common or regional interest.
Individual projects draw heavily on the personnel and facilities of participating centres. Projects are essentially implemented by the centres with the Secretariat acting as a coordinating body. NACA also works in close cooperation with FAO, international donor agencies and other regional and international organisations in implementing the work plan.