Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU) invites applications for its 2026 International Summer School of Food Science and Engineering, running 1-15 July 2026.
Hosted by SHOU's College of Food Science and Technology, the programme covers high-value aquatic product processing, green manufacturing, cold-chain logistics, and food safety. The College has achieved key technical breakthroughs in fish utilisation, aquatic packaging, and low-carbon cold chains.
Participants will attend lectures, site visits, cultural activities, discussions, and practical training - combining theory and practice to build international perspectives and innovation skills for the global food industry.
Tuition, accommodation, insurance, and cultural activities are covered. Participants meet their own travel and visa costs. The application deadline is 1 June 2026.
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This disease card provides an overview of Translucent Post-larvae Disease (TPD), a highly infectious and lethal disease known (thus far) to infect Penaeus vannamei, P. chinensis and P. japonicus mainly in post-larvae of four to seven days age (PL2~PL7). TPD can cause morbidity of up to 60% in 24 hours after clinical signs and up to 90-100% mortality in severe cases on the second to third day.
This card details the causative agent (a Vibrio spp. carrying the Vibrio high virulent protein VHP-1 and VHVP-2), host range, geographical distribution, epidemiology, prevention and control measures, histopathology, molecular diagnostics, expert contact and references.
]]>NACA participated in two major FAO-led aquaculture events held back-to-back in Fuzhou, China, from 17–20 March 2026, bringing together global leaders to advance sustainable aquaculture. The FAO Roundtable on the Global Sustainable Aquaculture Advancement Partnership (GSAAP) focused on strengthening collaboration and aligning technical support with country needs, while the First FAO–China Fisheries Association Joint International Conference explored practical solutions to key sector challenges, including feed sustainability, seed systems, aquatic animal health and innovation.
Together, the events highlighted the urgency of coordinated action as aquaculture continues to expand under increasing environmental and resource pressures. Discussions emphasized moving beyond pilot initiatives towards scalable, partnership-driven solutions. NACA’s participation reinforced its role in regional cooperation and knowledge exchange, contributing to global efforts to build more resilient, inclusive and sustainable aquaculture systems.
]]>Medicinal leeches represent a niche but valuable aquaculture opportunity in China. A commercial farm in Anhui Province produces 36 tonnes annually of Whitmania pigra, a predatory leech species used in traditional medicine and pharmaceutical products. The dried leeches command prices around US$100 per kilogram. Unlike blood-feeding leeches, this species feeds naturally on aquatic snails throughout its life cycle, simplifying feed management. The farm rears leeches in large above-ground tanks holding up to 10,000 individuals each, with adults reaching 50 g in weight. The operation produces its own seed, with each adult producing around 90 eggs across three cocoons. This brief farm report provides insight into the production system for this unusual but commercially viable aquaculture species.
]]>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.
]]>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.
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The third Asia-Pacific Laboratory Proficiency Testing Program for Aquatic Animal Diseases has been launched, with a regional workshop in Bangkok bringing together 50 people from 13 countries and territories across the region. The program, supported by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, builds on more than a decade of collaboration to strengthen diagnostic capacity, safeguard aquaculture livelihoods, and support safe trade and food security.
]]>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.
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