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Sri Lanka is home to more than 12,000 reservoirs, one of the highest densities of freshwater bodies globally. Originally constructed for irrigation, domestic water supply and later hydropower generation, these reservoirs have increasingly been used to support culture-based fisheries.

Culture-based fisheries have significantly enhanced inland fish production and emerged as a vital source of low-cost animal protein and household income for rural communities. By 2017, production from culture-based fisheries reached approximately 83,000 tonnes annually, contributing meaningfully to national food security and rural livelihoods. However, the absence of a solid foundation of science-based knowledge and evidence-based practice has limited its capacity for sustainable expansion and innovation.

This publication presents information from an end-of-project workshop held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in February 2025. The papers were drawn from an ACIAR-supported research project, Improved productivity, efficiency and sustainability of the culture-based fishery for finfish and giant freshwater prawn in Sri Lankan reservoirs.

Thailand's aquaculture industry is one of the country's great success stories, but climate pressure, disease risk, tougher export markets, and cheaper competitors are spurring the sector to innovate and adapt. On 13 July 2026, stakeholders from government, research, industry, and the export and standards communities gathered at the Department of Fisheries in Bangkok to review and validate a draft National Innovation and Investment Plan for aquaculture, developed under a regional FAO Technical Cooperation Programme implemented by NACA that is also assisting India and the Philippines.

At its heart is a bold vision: for Thailand to become a global leader in innovative aquaculture by 2030, competing on quality, innovation, and value rather than volume, anchored by three connected ideas spanning innovation, premium branding, and the next generation of aquaculture talent.

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Dr. Joebert D. Toledo, who led the SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department (AQD) for six years, passed away on 19 July 2026.

Dr Toledo represented AQD, a NACA Regional Lead Centre, at several of NACA's Governing Council and Technical Advisory Committee meetings. More recently, he participated in NACA's High Level Meeting on Aquaculture Transformation in the Asia-Pacific.

Dr Toledo studied fisheries at the University of the Philippines Diliman and took his master's and doctorate in marine fish seed production at Hiroshima University on scholarship. He joined AQD as a research assistant, rose through the ranks, and served three consecutive terms as Chief from April 2006 to April 2012, followed by a short period as Executive Adviser in the Office of the Chief. In 2009 the Professional Regulation Commission named him Outstanding Professional of the Year for Fisheries Technologist.

After a long and successful career, Dr Toledo retired in 2024. On behalf of the network, the NACA Secretariat wishes to express our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

An overview of the International Artemia Aquaculture Consortium, its mission, structure, and collaborative approach to advancing Artemia aquaculture. 

The Consortium brings together researchers, industry partners, and other stakeholders to promote knowledge exchange, support innovation, and address shared challenges.

The video offers a concise introduction to the Consortium's purpose, research priorities, and commitment to strengthening sustainable Artemia aquaculture through international cooperation.

In this issue:

• Sun-drying marine fish at Junput-Biramput, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India
• From coast to pond: Integrating seaweed aquaculture with brackishwater farming systems
• Tiny guardians of hill streams: Exploring the ornamental loaches of the Western Ghats
• Securing the future of the melon barb: Science-based aquaculture for conservation
• Quietly transforming catfish aquaculture: ICAR-CIFA's seed production journey in India
• ICAR-CIFA promoting Kalong-Kapili for opening new avenues to strengthen aquaculture in Northeast region of India
• NACA Newsletter