This synthesis report consolidates over half a year’s worth of technical research, market analysis, and country level value chain assessments to present a comprehensive investment overview of the brine shrimp - Artemia - aquabusiness. Developed as part of the World Bank’s PROBLUE initiative on sustainable aquaculture and blue economy development, the report draws together the findings of six assessments, covering Artemia production systems, governance frameworks, markets and trade, emerging use cases, inventories of innovators, and in-depth country value chain studies.
The purpose of this synthesis report is to:
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.
]]>FAO's State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026 provides data and insights on the current challenges and opportunities shaping the global seafood sector. This edition focuses on the FAO’s "Blue Transformation" strategy, outlining how field projects and policy initiatives contribute to global food security, poverty alleviation, and economic growth.
The report has three main sections:
The publication serves as a factual resource for policymakers, researchers, industry actors, and consumers tracking the development of sustainable aquatic food systems. You can explore the data that SOFIA 2026 is based on in our Aquaculture Statistics Dashboard.
]]>This technical manual provides practical guidance on the hatchery production of the flathead grey mullet, Mugil cephalus, a high-value, low-trophic marine species with strong potential for sustainable aquaculture development. It compiles current knowledge and tested methodologies covering the entire production cycle, from broodstock management and captive reproduction to larval rearing, fry production and grow-out.
The manual presents the biological and developmental characteristics of the species, together with practical recommendations for hatchery site selection, design and operational management. It also describes live feed production, including microalgae, rotifers and Artemia, as well as health management and disease prevention in hatchery systems.
Based on experimental research validated at laboratory and pilot scales, the techniques described are suitable for application in commercial hatcheries and adaptable to both small- and large-scale operations. By supporting reliable seed production and improved culture practices, this publication contributes to the sustainable expansion of aquaculture in line with the FAO Blue Transformation Roadmap and the principles of the Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture.
]]>This document contains the proceedings of the technical workshop entitled “Status, technological innovations, and industry development needs of mud crab (Scylla spp.) aquaculture” held from 27 to 30 November 2023, in Singapore. It provides a summary of the workshop, highlighting key opportunities and challenges in the development of mud crab aquaculture, along with a series of follow-up actions and recommendations to support growth in the sector. It also includes a brief global overview of the status of mud crab aquaculture development as well as reviews detailing the development status in major producing countries. Additionally, the document features technical reports on advancements in hatchery-produced seedstock, farming systems for both soft-shell and hard-shell crabs, value chains, marketing, and topics related to management, conservation, transportation, and the future quality and handling standards of the industry.
]]>With its ability to sink carbon, sustain marine biodiversity, employ women, and unlock value chains, seaweed farming demonstrates how development, climate, and nature work together to generate value and uplift communities. Seaweed farming can help build a world free of poverty on a livable planet and has enormous growth potential. This report has identified ten global seaweed markets with the potential to grow by an additional USD 11.8 billion by 2030. Yet, much of the seaweed sector’s value remains untapped - it has clear growth potential beyond its current markets. Today, most farmed seaweed is used for direct human consumption, as fresh feed in aquaculture, or as hydrocolloids. However, seaweed-farmed products may be able to displace fossil fuels in sectors such as fabrics and plastics; can provide ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration and nitrogen cycling; and can generate socioeconomic benefits in fragile coastal communities.
]]>This manual covers everything from grass carp's natural distribution and reproductive behaviours to its biology and anatomy. This manual also explores diseases that can affect grass carp and emphasises the crucial connection between animal welfare and stress in fish. With a detailed discussion on cultivation systems, this manual includes pond structures and fish farming techniques in both polyculture and monoculture. It provides practical insights into important aspects such as water quality monitoring, feeding, nutrition, health checks and behaviour assessments at every stage of grass carp farming – from broodstock management to pre-slaughter and slaughter processes. The emphasis is on responsible harvesting techniques, transportation considerations and humane slaughter methods. This manual offers a comprehensive guide for both novice and experienced fish farmers, and enthusiasts interested in cultivating grass carp sustainably and ensuring optimal animal welfare.
]]>The 2024 edition of The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture provides updated global production statistics for fisheries and aquaculture, and an outlook on future trends up to 2032 based on projections. It also highlights key policy issues, scientific and technical insights, challenges, opportunities and innovations shaping the present and future of the sector. This issue features Blue Transformation in action, illustrated by activities and initiatives, led by FAO in collaboration with Members, partners and key stakeholders, to integrate aquatic foods into global food security and sustainability, enhance policy advocacy, scientific research and capacity building, disseminate sustainable practices and technological innovations, and support community involvement.
]]>The purpose of this manual is to give the reader a foundation of practical knowledge regarding all aspects of Pacific oyster cultivation. It is targeted at new entrants to the market wishing to establish a farm, and existing operators who wish to develop their farms and explore new cultivation techniques. The methodologies described can be applied to both low-tech, low budget, small-scale farming operations and to high-tech, big budget, industrial-scale aquaculture production enterprises. This guide focuses on the functional expertise and technical equipment required to construct and manage an operational farm in the diverse environmental and physical locations in which they can be situated, from the initial stages of finding and selecting a suitable site, to the conclusion of the first production cycle and harvesting the crop.
]]>This FAO publication on brine shrimp is a manual for all those who are using Artemia or have an interest in this organism, whether as a source of live food in the hatchery, as a model organism in research, or for other purpose. It is intended for those who wish to update their knowledge on its biology, production or its use, but also for those who want to learn about Artemia for the first time. This manual presents in a concise form essential information on Artemia biology and the most important natural cyst resources that find their way to the aquaculture market. It also provides detailed information on general principles and practical procedures to produce Artemia in ponds and in tank systems. Finally, the manual offers a compilation of state-of-the-art guidelines and methodologies related to the use of this crucial live food organism in aquaculture.
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