In this issue:
Silver biddy (Gerres oyena), known locally as badah, supports commercial fisheries across the Indo-West Pacific, but wild stocks in the Arabian Gulf are declining. Staff at the Aquaculture and Marine Studies Center on Abu Al Abyad Island, Abu Dhabi, have now spawned and reared the species in captivity. The team conditioned wild-caught brood stock on a supplemented diet, then induced spawning with hormone injections in April 2025. Over six weeks, the fish produced 2.9 million fertilised eggs, with a hatching rate of 76.9%. Larvae were raised on green water, rotifers, Artemia and artificial feed, producing 423,000 fry at a survival rate of about 19%. In the nursery, juveniles reached 1.8 g after 100 days with 80% survival.
This article describes each step, from brood stock care to nursery management, and outlines the further research needed to support hatchery production and stock enhancement of this species in the region.
]]>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.
]]>In this issue:
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.
]]>Circular nutrition in aquaculture focuses on reducing waste and closing nutrient loops by transforming fish byproducts into sustainable aquafeed. Simon Das from the Tropical Aquafeed Innovations Lab at James Cook University presents how this model can cut reliance on wild-caught forage fish while supporting cost-effective, nutritionally balanced diets. The lab’s work includes developing weaning protocols for pellet-ready fingerlings, training farmers in advanced feeding practices and economics, and promoting gender and youth inclusion. Circular nutrition highlights how rethinking resource use can make aquaculture both more efficient and more sustainable.
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