Food Security, Safety and Certification https://enaca.org/rss/?tag=16 Food safety is a key concern for international trade in fish products. The constantly changing regulatory environment and safety requirements of importing countries pose a special challenge to small-scale aquaculture producers. The programme assists members to assure the safety and quality of aquaculture products through the adoption of science-based better management practices. Policy issues concerning aquaculture certification and activities in market access are also addressed. The programme focuses on assisting small-scale farmers to adapt to the changing trade and safety environment. Cluster-based management approaches and formation of farmer societies are promoted as practical mechanisms for implementation of better management practices. Key activities Evaluation of commodity-specific better management practices for meeting domestic and international food safety standards. Facilitating establishment of national residue testing and monitoring programmes and sharing of information amongst member countries. Improving access to markets by small-scale farmers. Improving market development for low-cost aquaculture commodities. Address biosecurity and associated human health issues regarding the consumption of fish and processed products. Development of farmer groups and cluster-based certification concepts and methodologies. [email protected] [email protected] Copyright all rights reserved Aquaculture Asia Magazine, October-December 2025 https://enaca.org/?id=1468

In this issue:

  • Integrating fish farming with ducks and poultry in Meghalaya
  • Small indigenous fish species: A source of nutritional security
  • A short note on two new instances of aquaculture species and system diversification in Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India
  • Adding knowledge to the seed production process of giant featherback in captivity
  • Local knowledge and practices in Asian seabass nursery to grow-out culture in Andhra Pradesh
  • NACA Newsletter
]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:42:08 +0000 https://enaca.org/?id=1468 Report of the 3rd High-Level Meeting on Aquaculture Transformation in Asia and the Pacific Region https://enaca.org/?id=1461

The third High-Level Meeting on Aquaculture Transformation assessed progress towards 2030 transformation goals and identified priority actions for the Asia-Pacific region. The meeting report, covering discussions held 1-2 July 2025 in Shanghai, documents findings from representatives of NACA member  governments, FAO and regional organisations.

Participants identified multiple barriers to sustainable intensification: farmer scepticism about unfamiliar technologies, limited access to expertise, and misaligned incentives that prioritise profit over environmental responsibility. Investment remains concentrated at higher levels rather than reaching small-scale producers. The discussions emphasised collaborative approaches, knowledge-based farming systems, and the need to document aquaculture's positive social impacts.

NACA and FAO will continue supporting National Innovation and Investment Plans in India, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Future work includes establishing an Aquaculture Innovation and Investment Hub and developing monitoring systems to track transformation progress across the region.

]]> Sun, 09 Nov 2025 01:22:58 +0000 https://enaca.org/?id=1461 Nature-based Seafood Markets & Creative Partnerships — Panel at The Food School, Bangkok https://enaca.org/?id=1425 A discussion on how creative partnerships build markets for nature-based seafood from farm to fork. Topics include rigorous sustainability and certification, smallholder capacity building, traceability and water-quality sensing, decarbonising supply chains, short supply chains and consumer trust, plus species literacy and whole-fish utilisation in Thai cuisine. Panelists:

  • Special Guest Chef Black (Blackitch Artisan Kitchen).
  • Panu Boonsong, Thai Union Group.
  • Duangchai Paungkaew, Aquaculture Stewardship Council.
  • Gun Jinnawat, Vice-President, Boonsawang Farm.
]]> Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:55:31 +0000 https://enaca.org/?id=1425 Transforming Aquaculture in Asia and the Pacific – 3rd High-Level Meeting in Shanghai https://enaca.org/?id=1414

The 3rd High‑Level Meeting on Aquaculture Transformation in Asia and the Pacific, held 1–2 July in Shanghai, brought together governments, industry leaders and development partners to drive innovation, investment and sustainability in the region’s aquaculture sector. Discussions focused on scaling low‑cost fish production, making technology adoption easier for small farmers, improving access to finance, and strengthening regional cooperation. The meeting set clear priorities for accelerating transformation by 2030, with resources and key presentations now available online. Videos of the presentations are available for viewing on YouTube.

]]> Fri, 01 Aug 2025 07:08:42 +0000 https://enaca.org/?id=1414 Background & objectives of the 3rd High Level Meeting on Aquaculture transformation in Asia-Pacific https://enaca.org/?id=1424

This presentation by Eduardo Leaño, Director General of NACA, provides a background and introduction to the 3rd High-Level Meeting on Aquaculture Transformation in the Asia-Pacific Region (HLM-3).

The region accounts for around 90% of global aquaculture production but faces mounting challenges including resource scarcity, environmental pressures, climate change, and shifting global dynamics. Addressing these requires a strategic shift driven by innovation, investment, and stronger partnerships to build more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable aquatic food systems.

HLM-3 builds on the outcomes of previous high-level meetings and the Aquaculture Transformation White Paper, with a focus on national innovation and investment plans, regional collaboration, and implementation efforts to achieve transformation by 2030.

]]> Fri, 01 Aug 2025 08:05:14 +0000 https://enaca.org/?id=1424 Summary of HLM-3 and next steps https://enaca.org/?id=1415

This video presents a summary of key insights and forward-looking actions from the closing session of the 3rd High-Level Meeting on Aquaculture Transformation in the Asia-Pacific Region. It highlights the critical role of low-cost fish for food security, the need for intuitive technologies suited to smallholders, and the barriers posed by regulation and financing gaps. Key themes include the importance of genetic improvement, knowledge-based farming, improved access to expertise, and alignment of incentives for sustainable and profitable aquaculture. The session emphasises inclusive investment strategies, farmer integration into financial systems, and the need for regional coordination and collaboration to drive transformation through 2030.

]]> Fri, 01 Aug 2025 07:23:23 +0000 https://enaca.org/?id=1415 Aquaculture Asia Magazine, January-March 2025 https://enaca.org/?id=1393

In this issue:

  • Promoting farmed shrimp consumption in India’s domestic market: A step towards sustainability
  • Leveraging indigenous minor carp for sustainable aquaculture in Northeast India
  • Shaping the future of Indian aquaculture: A path to captive catfish seed success
  • Sustainable freshwater snail farming: Advancing nutrition security and rural livelihoods in Northeast India
  • Promotion and protection of small fish species through farming: An initiative in Tripura
  • NACA Newsletter
]]> Mon, 24 Mar 2025 14:26:19 +0000 https://enaca.org/?id=1393 Promotion and protection of small fish species through farming: An initiative in Tripura https://enaca.org/?id=1389

Small indigenous fish species (SIS) are a rich source of essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making them a vital component of rural diets. Despite their nutritional significance, SIS are often undervalued and excluded from aquaculture in favor of larger commercial species.

This study highlights an initiative by ICAR-CIFA in Tripura to promote and protect small fish species through sustainable farming practices. Training programs were conducted to educate local farmers on breeding, feeding, and rearing techniques tailored to SIS. Live food production was emphasised to improve larval survival rates, and mixed-species culture strategies were developed to enhance production efficiency. The initiative demonstrated that small fish farming is a viable livelihood option, particularly in backyard water bodies, providing food security, income generation, and biodiversity conservation.

]]> Sun, 16 Mar 2025 03:45:09 +0000 https://enaca.org/?id=1389 Sustainable freshwater snail farming: advancing nutrition security and rural livelihoods in Northeast India https://enaca.org/?id=1388

Northeast India faces significant nutrition security challenges, particularly in rural and tribal areas, where high stunting and anemia rates persist despite high per capita caloric intake. This article explores sustainable freshwater snail farming as a viable solution to address these nutritional deficiencies while enhancing rural livelihoods.

Freshwater snails, such as Pila globosa, Bellamya bengalensis, and Brotia costula, offer high protein content and essential minerals, particularly calcium and iron. Their nutritional value surpasses many plant-based protein sources and compares well with traditional livestock products. The study outlines three practical snail farming systems suited to different farming conditions. Economic analysis reveals that a small-scale backyard system can generate up to 1,800 kg of snails annually, yielding a 272% return on investment within five months. With proper training, infrastructure, and market linkages, freshwater snail farming can play a useful role in improving food security, economic resilience, and rural development in Northeast India.

]]> Sat, 15 Mar 2025 03:37:10 +0000 https://enaca.org/?id=1388 14th Asian fisheries and Aquaculture Forum: Early bird closes 10 November https://enaca.org/?id=1366

The 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) will be held from 12-15 February 2025 in New Delhi, India. Submission of abstracts has been extended until 5 November, and early bird registration closes on 10 November, so get in quick!

The forum is a scientific meeting organised by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS) once every three years to understand the global trends and address issues and challenges faced by the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The main purpose of this Forum is to provide an international platform for eminent scientists, young researchers, and other stakeholders across the globe to share their research experiences and innovative ideas. By facilitating the exchange of diverse range of knowledge and expertise, the Forum with the Theme ‘Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific’ aims to address key issues towards developing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.

]]> Tue, 15 Oct 2024 05:34:50 +0000 https://enaca.org/?id=1366