A free webinar "Farming resilience: Unlocking the Artemia opportunity" will be held on 30 October from 8:00-11:00 EST (13:00-16:00 UTC). This webinar will present the results of an in-depth analysis of Artemia production, conservation and investment opportunities by the World Bank Group, with expert input from members of the International Artemia Aquaculture Consortium.
Artemia (brine shrimp) is a critical live feed in aquaculture, particularly in hatcheries for shrimp, fish, and ornamental species. Its production and sustainable management are increasingly important as aquaculture expands globally. Global Artemia markets face increasing demand, while new innovations in farming, processing, and conservation offer opportunities for inclusive investment, resilience, and biodiversity protection.
This event will bring together global experts, policymakers, private sector representatives, and development partners to discuss the state of Artemia production and conservation, market opportunities, regulatory frameworks, and pathways for sustainable and viable investment.
]]>How can small farms boost fish yields, cut feed bills and earn from more than one crop at a time? In Meghalaya’s Ri Bhoi district, one farmer shows the way with an integrated fish-duck-poultry system across four linked ponds. Ducks and poultry “pay their rent” by fertilising the water, which powers natural food webs for carp and rohu; simple gravity flow spreads nutrients and improves aeration. Over an eight-month cycle, the farm sells fish, ducks, poultry, eggs and even dyke crops like banana and turmeric - while keeping inputs low and water quality stable. This practical case study explains the layout, stocking plan and daily management behind the results, and why integrated aquaculture is a smart, climate-resilient option for small holders.
]]>Green Controller by ICM Electronics is a smart water quality monitoring system for aquaculture, powered by high-precision titanium sensors. It tracks dissolved oxygen, salinity, and pH in real time, with full control through a mobile app and instant anomaly alerts. The system enables automated aeration based on live data, reducing energy use, lowering aerator run time, and improving feed conversion efficiency for more sustainable aquaculture operations. This pitch was presented Sukmit Teekhasenee of ICM Electronics.
]]>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.
]]>DeepBlue Aquaculture, the world’s largest soft-shell crab operation, is pioneering the use of phytogenics to improve mud crab growth performance. Soft-shell crab farming is traditionally labor-intensive and low-yield, making it difficult to scale. Their proprietary plant-based additive, PhytoEcR, boosts mud crab growth and moulting rate—delivering up to 20% higher weight gain after 45–60 days, with a 40% increase in moulting rate and 35% faster moulting compared to control groups. PhytoEcR is now moving into commercial-scale testing, aligning with global trends in phytogenic feed solutions to enhance productivity and sustainability. This pitch was presented by Andrew Ng of Deep Blue aquaculture.
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The increasing demand for cost-effective and sustainable aquafeeds has prompted interest in alternative protein sources to replace fishmeal. Wolffia globosa (duckweed), is a fast-growing, rootless duckweed with high protein content and favorable nutrient composition, offers significant potential as a feed ingredient in aquaculture. Studies conducted at the College of Fisheries, Central Agricultural University in Tripura, India, demonstrated the feasibility of using Wolffia as a primary feed for rohu fry, yielding promising growth and health outcomes comparable to those achieved with conventional formulated feeds.
Beyond its nutritional value, Wolffia contributes to environmental sustainability through phytoremediation, improving water quality in aquaculture systems, and reducing the reliance on fishmeal and chemical fertilisers. Challenges remain, particularly due to anti-nutritional factors common in plant-based feeds, but these can be mitigated through thermal and enzymatic treatments. With proper processing, Wolffia globosa emerges as a viable, eco-friendly protein source for aquaculture, supporting both profitability and environmental stewardship.
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Carps are a vital component of global freshwater fish production, particularly in India, where both Indian major carps and indigenous species contribute to aquaculture. This study reviews the food and feeding habits of select peninsular carps, highlighting their potential for aquaculture diversification and biodiversity conservation. Indigenous species such as Hypselobarbus pulchellus, Barbodes carnaticus, Labeo fimbriatus, Labeo kontius, and Tor khudree demonstrate adaptability to natural productivity, reducing reliance on artificial feeds. Gut content analyses reveal dietary patterns ranging from herbivory to omnivory, with species consuming vascular plants, algae, molluscs, and insects. Feeding behavior varies across life stages, with juveniles relying on zooplankton and diatoms, while adults shift to macrophytes and benthic organisms. Integrating these species into polyculture systems could enhance aquaculture efficiency and support conservation efforts for threatened endemic fish.
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