During investigation of an abnormal mortality event, fish tissues (or biopsies) for histopathology analysis are collected for disease diagnosis. Histology consists in the preparation of thin, stained tissue sections for microscopic examination to study their structure and function. Histopathology is the study of disease and disease processes by looking at the change in the anatomy or anomalies from cells, tissues and organs as seen through a microscope. WorldFish and partners developed this quick fish-sampling guide for histology. Standard biopsy specimens for histological examination consists of fixed sections of brain, gill, heart, intestine, kidney, liver and spleen. Other tissues may be collected in the presence of external lesions/ulcers (e.g., eye, skin, muscle). A free online training course on histology sampling is also available via Learn.ink.

In this issue:

• Second High-Level Meeting on Aquaculture Transformation in Asia and the Pacific Region.
• Reported aquatic animal diseases in the Asia-Pacific region during the second quarter of 2023.
• Expert Workshop on Aquaculture Effluent Management.
• Larvi 2024: First announcement and call for papers.
• Tuskfish CMS 2.0.7 released.

In 2023, FAO and NACA initiated a consultation process on aquaculture effluent management in Asia and the Pacific in collaboration with NACA member governments. Experts across the region gathered information to assess the state of governance, advancements in technology and innovation in aquaculture effluent management. The consultative process culminated in an expert workshop, convened from 14 to 15 November, funded by FAO, to share views and national experiences on aquaculture effluent management.

In this issue:

• How welfare assessments of farmed white leg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) can benefit the whole industry
• Thai Fish Project: A path towards a sustainable aquaculture
• Nationally-recognised ornamental fish breeder Kripan Sarkar - a man to remember
• Tilapia parvovirus disease: An emerging threat for the tilapia aquaculture industry
• Naihati fish seed market as state-of-the-art for sustainable support services to fish growers, buyers and traders
• NACA Newsletter

A second High Level Meeting on Aquaculture Transformation: A Call for Collective Action was held in Bangkok from 8-9 November 2023 to further facilitate regional collaboration towards the Blue Transformation vision. The purpose of the meeting was to review progress made after the First HLM and discuss specific actions and mechanisms needed to enhance regional cooperation and progress transformation at scale by 2030. The meeting discussed and reviewed a draft Action Guide for Aquaculture Transformation for Asia and the Pacific Region. A proposal to develop an Asia-Pacific Aquaculture Innovation and Investment Hub as a regional mechanism providing policy advice, monitoring, resource mobilisation, partnership and capacity building functions as a regional platform driving aquaculture transformation was also considered.