NACA implements collaborative development assistance projects, addressing issues of common or regional interest. Individual projects draw heavily on the personnel and facilities of participating centres in member states. Projects are essentially implemented by the centres with the Secretariat acting as a coordinating body.

NACA supports technical exchange, capacity building, institutional strengthening and policies for sustainable aquaculture development and aquatic resource management. Network partners include research centres, member governments, farmer associations, development agencies and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Projects currently or recently implemented by the network are listed below.