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.
]]>The project conducted a preliminary survey of the effectiveness of various types of nature-based solution (NbS) in use in the Philippines that contribute to climate change resilience by enabling off-grid farm operations and reducing reliance on costly fossil fuels, renewable materials and improved designs that enhance efficiency. Aquaculture enterprises were assessed for this project based on the NbS they utilised and the potential benefits they offer in mitigating climate change impacts and enhancing production systems.
Based on BFAR Regional Field Office Submissions, 50 aquaculture innovations nationwide have been identified to date. The list will be extended and screened as further regions report, in cooperation with the BFAR National Research Centers.
]]>This report summarises the proceedings of the 23rd meeting of the Regional Advisory Group on Aquatic Animal Health, held 14-15 November 2024 by video conference. The role of the group is to review trends in disease and emerging threats in the region, identify developments in global disease issues and standards, to evaluate the Quarterly Aquatic Animal Disease Reporting Program and to provide guidance on regional strategies to improve aquatic animal health management.
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