CRAWLING BATTLES: Anthropogenic Threats to the Crustaceans of Sasmuan Pampanga Coastal Wetlands, Philippines VOLUME 57, NUMBER 1 THE MAGAZINE OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY MARCH 2026 W RLD AQUACULTURE
WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • MARCH 2026 1 WORLD AQUACULTURE MAGAZINE WORLD AQUACULTURE magazine is published by the World Aquaculture Society. The home office address is: World Aquaculture Society, PO Box 397, Sorrento LA 70778-0397 USA. P and F: +1-225-347-5408; Email: JudyA@was.org World Aquaculture Society Home Page: www.was.org WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY OFFICERS, 2025-26 Wendy Sealey, President David Cline, Immediate Past President Foluke Areola, President-Elect Matt Parker, Treasurer Angela Caporelli, Secretary DIRECTORS Shivaun Leonard Yahira Piedrahita Catriona Macleod Brian Small Kathleen Hartman Russell Grice Benter Anyango, Student Director CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVES Khalid Salie, African Imad Saoud, Asian Pacific Han-kyu Lim, Korean Luis Andrés Gonzalez-Agraz, Latin America and Caribbean Adriane Michaelis, USAS HOME OFFICE STAFF Judy Edwards Andrasko, Director, JudyA@was.org Killian A. Haydel, Assistant Director, killianh@was.org WORLD AQUACULTURE EDITORIAL STAFF C. Greg Lutz, Editor-in-Chief Cecilia C. Nichols, Editorial Assistant Linda Noble, Layout Editor WAS CONFERENCES AND SALES John Cooksey, Executive Director of Conferences and Sales World Aquaculture Conference Management P.O. Box 2302, Valley Center, CA 92082 P: +1-760-751-5005; F: +1-760-751-5003 Email: worldaqua@was.org MANUSCRIPTS AND CORRESPONDENCE Submit manuscripts as Microsoft Word files to C. Greg Lutz at glutz@agcenter.lsu.edu. Letters to the Editor or other comments should be sent to the Editor-in-Chief at glutz@agcenter.lsu.edu. WORLD AQUACULTURE (ISSN 1041-5602), is published quarterly by the World Aquaculture Society, 6203 Jonathan Alaric Avenue, Gonzales, LA 70737 USA. Individual subscriptions are a benefit of membership in the World Aquaculture Society. Annual membership dues: Students, $45; Individuals, $90; Corporations, $295; Sustaining, $155 (individuals or non-profits); Lifetime (individuals) $1,400. ©2026, The World Aquaculture Society. W RLD AQUACULTURE VOL. 57 NO. 1 MARCH 2026 7 United States Aquaculture Society (USAS) Student Subunit 2025 Annual Report Summary Julianne Grenn, Abdulmalik Oladipupo, and Adriane Michaelis 10 WAS African Chapter (WAS-AC) Welcomes Dr. Khalid Salie as its New President as Other New Members are Appointed to its Executive Board of Directors 16 The Journal of the World Aquaculture Society Editor’s Choice Awards 56(6) 17 WAS Photo Archive to be Established 18 Crawling Battles: Anthropogenic Threats to the Crustaceans of Sasmuan Pampanga Coastal Wetlands, Philippines Karl Patrick D. Taguberi, Hannah Nicole C. Gasmen and Janice A. Ragaza 26 Captive Breeding: A Strategic Approach for the Recovery of the Endangered Catfish Horabagrus nigricollaris, Endemic to the Western Ghats, India Abhilash. C.P, Charan Ravi, Saikrishnan KR, Sarath Varghese, T.T Ajith Kumar and V. S. Basheer 30 Why Zebrafish Is a Model Organism in Research: A Deep Dive Vatsalya Bhatt and Maharshi Limbola 35 Fenced and Feral: Farming and Spread of Flowerhorn (Amphilophus spp.) in Lake Sampaloc, Philippines Hannah Nicole C. Gasmen and Janice A. Ragaza 42 Why India’s Shrimp Success is Also Its Weakness Amina S, Naveen Nivas S, Dinesh Kaippilly and Geeji MT 46 First Record of Induced Spawning, Larval Rearing and Juveniles’ Development of the Blackspot Snapper, Lutjanus Ehrenbergii (Family: Lutjanidae) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Balamurgan Vadivel, John Antony, Omer M. Yousif, Krishnakumar Menon, Muhammad S. Irshan, Balamugunthan T. Arunasalam and Jeremiah Buendia 50 Cost-Efficient Fish Feed Formulation: Insights from Linear Programming Applications in Bangladesh FMS Abdal and Uttam Deb 52 Macrobrachium lar (Monkey River prawn): A Potential Candidate Species for Aquaculture in Andaman Islands Chittaranjan Raul, R. Kiruba Sankar, J. Praveenraj and Udipta Roy 55 Calling Fish Welfare Experts for a Cross-Disciplinary Study: Aquaria, Aquaculture, Exotic Fish Breeding and Aquatic Laboratories 56 The Integration of Fish Farming into Crop Irrigation Systems Across Six Southern US States Ramon M. Kourie 63 Greening Aquaculture: Sustainable Practices for a Resource-Limited Future (From a Perspective Consistent with Global Trends) Yomna Elshamy 66 Genomic Selection for Improved Fatty Acid Composition in Red Snapper: A Pathway Toward Sustainable, High-Quality Aquaculture Kathiresan Purushothaman and Shubha Vij 69 De-Risking Aquaculture: Why Ventures Fail and How to Build Resilient Success Lorenzo M. Juárez, Juan-Pablo Lazo, Antonio Garza de Yta, Trond Bjorndal, Carlos Wurmann and Humberto Villarreal 72 Singapore Aquaculture: From Coastal Farming to Building Capability and Long-Term Resilience in a City-State Mark Richards, Sharley Goi, Jun Hui Jiang, Rui Goncalves and Melvin Chow COVER: The Sasmuan Pampanga Coastal Wetlands have been a biodiversity hotspot in the Philippines, but human activities threaten resident aquatic species — especially crustaceans. See story, page 18. (CONTENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 2)
2 MARCH 2026 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG Contents (continued) 2 President’s Column 3 Editor’s Note 4 Latin American and Caribbean Chapter Report 7 USAS Chapter Report 8 Asian Pacific Chapter Report 10 African Chapter Report 14 Korean Chapter Report 80 Conference Calendar 81 Future Conferences and Expositions 82 Membership Application President’s Column babies, new cars, and the ever-present fishing trip pictures. In Las Vegas, one such personal connection took center stage for me when I, as the current WAS President, was honored to recognize my research collaborator and dear friend, Dr. Michael Schwarz, as the 2025 WAS Fellow Award recipient. Beyond these personal moments, Aquaculture America also provided an important setting for our Society’s leadership work. The same spirit of collaboration that filled the conference rooms carried into the WAS Midyear Board Meeting held in conjunction with the event. I was honored to preside over this meeting, which continued to better define our governance and operations. Substantial progress was made in updating our Policy, Rules, and Regulations and in finalizing our strategic plan. And, I was truly inspired by the Board’s engagement and strong commitment to new initiatives that can maintain membership value and ensure the continued success of WAS in shaping the future of aquaculture. As the lights of the Strip and Aquaculture America fade behind us, we turn our attention toward Singapore and the opportunities that await us June 2–6. I invite you to reflect on the meaningful connections you’ve made at WAS meetings and to recognize how these relationships and shared experiences shape our collective work. The future of aquaculture is built not only in our research and innovations, but in the moments of collaboration and community we create together. Thank you for your ongoing dedication to the World Aquaculture Society. I am grateful to be part of this collective journey and look forward to continuing to serve you in the months ahead. — Wendy Sealey, President PS: Any resemblance of Dr. Schwarz to the “fictional” crazy uncle described above is purely coincidental. What Happened in Vegas… Shaping Aquaculture’s Future Through Connection The marketing phrase “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” has been used for the last 20 years or so to encourage visitors to come to Las Vegas and enjoy the city without fear of their activities being shared outside of the city. But for the global aquaculture community, what happened in Las Vegas when the U.S. Aquaculture Society held Aquaculture America there February 16–19, 2026, definitely shouldn’t stay in Las Vegas. What do I mean, you might ask? As members of the World Aquaculture Society, we know that conferences are far more than a venue for presenting research papers. They are catalysts. They are where early-stage ideas evolve into collaborative projects, where students meet mentors, where new technologies find practical applications, and where old assumptions are challenged. Las Vegas was an appropriate backdrop for this process. Producing more seafood with fewer resources, adapting to environmental fluctuations, developing new feeds, advancing genetics, and expanding sustainable production systems all require creativity and risk-taking. That is why what happened at Aquaculture America in Las Vegas matters. The presentations we attended, the discussions in hallways, the questions asked after a talk, and even the chance encounters over coffee sparked solutions that can shape the future of aquaculture far beyond the conference venue. On a more personal note, I am reminded that World Aquaculture Society meetings can often feel less like I’m shaping aquaculture and more like I’m attending a family reunion—where my weird uncle always laughs too loud, stands too close, and steals all the shrimp appetizers at the President’s Reception. World Aquaculture Society meetings are where conversations shift seamlessly from introductions of new colleagues and research projects to personal life updates about kids’ college choices, new I invite you to reflect on the meaningful connections you’ve made at WAS meetings and to recognize how these relationships and shared experiences shape our collective work. The future of aquaculture is built not only in our research and innovations, but in the moments of collaboration and community we create together.
WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • MARCH 2026 3 Editor’s Note In all the places I’ve been to over the course of my career, I’ve noted a few commonalities among aquaculture producers. One in particular stands out: when things go wrong they tend to blame the seed (fry, fingerlings, spat, PL’s) or the feed. I’d like to focus on the feed issues facing the industry today. As aquaculture continues to advance in a global economy, more and more production is fueled by manufactured feeds. The FAO estimates that as of 2022 species provided with feed during the production cycle accounted for roughly 73% of global aquaculture harvests. And, for many fed species, feed costs represent 40% to 60% of operating costs. Understandably, producers tend to focus on the cost of their feed, but there are a number of factors involved in that price that feed manufacturers have little influence over. A handful of “traditional” feed ingredients make up the bulk of most aquafeeds and their short-term prices can be somewhat volatile from year to year or month to month. A glance at global commodity markets can provide some context here. The price of soybeans has gone down roughly 13% over the past 12 months (due to certain trade barriers we are all familiar with). Soybean meal is also down for the same period by some 27% but soybean oil is up 15%. And while wheat is down almost 10%, corn (maize) and fishmeal have seen little change. Keep in mind that as global stocks of these commodities are utilized and replenished, current production costs will be reflected in turn. For many aquafeed diets with significant plant ingredient contents, increases of 35% and 25% over the past 12 months for triple superphosphate and urea, respectively, should be cause for concern. Fortunately, diesel prices have dropped by roughly 6% over the past 12 months. Global logistics and transport issues in ongoing trade wars and armed conflicts are yet another factor influencing feed ingredient prices, but they are beyond the scope of this discussion. While “traditional” ingredients have significant influence over aquafeed costs, it’s the little things that also add up. Amino acids, vitamins and trace elements are all globally traded commodities, and according to some estimates micronutrients in aquafeeds were valued at $1,780,000,000 (US) in 2025. While L-Lysine and L-Threonine may range from $1.25 to $8.00 (US) per kg and DL-Methionine may be as inexpensive as $0.34 per kg, chelated minerals like zinc and selenium can cost as much as $110 per kg. Production of these ingredients is often dominated by only one or several countries, increasing the potential for significant market volatility in the context of trade wars. As most of us know, a shift toward more plant-based diets is taking place for many aquatic species. As climate change accelerates, this may raise the risk of mycotoxin exposure if proper precautions cannot be put in place. While many terrestrial animals are capable of dealing with some exposure to these toxins, most aquatic species are not. Climate change is also projected to reduce supplies of many of the plant-based ingredients in question. And, policy decisions in a number of countries to increase their availability in the short term may further accelerate climate change as pressures increase to ignore concerns over deforestation and loss of topsoil. So, the next time you’re upset about feed prices just remember – there’s plenty of blame to go around. — C. Greg Lutz, Editor-in-Chief It’s the little things… As most of us know, a shift toward more plant-based diets is taking place for many aquatic species. As climate change accelerates, this may raise the risk of mycotoxin exposure if proper precautions cannot be put in place. While many terrestrial animals are capable of dealing with some exposure to these toxins, most aquatic species are not. Climate change is also projected to reduce supplies of many of the plant-based ingredients in question. And, policy decisions in a number of countries to increase their availability in the short term may further accelerate climate change as pressures increase to ignore concerns over deforestation and loss of topsoil. Photo by Mehmet Ali Şekeroğlu
4 MARCH 2026 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG Latin American and Caribbean Chapter CHAPTER REPORTS Aquaculture in Latin America and the Caribbean is at a pivotal moment. Our region is not only a strategic supplier of aquatic protein to the world, but also a hub of innovation, adaptation, and productive resilience. From highly technological intensive systems to small- and medium-scale models with profound social impact, regional production diversity is one of our greatest strengths. However, the challenges are equally complex: climate variability, pressure on water resources, new sustainability demands, traceability, and increasingly informed markets. Faced with this scenario, future growth will depend not only on increased volume, but also on our ability to produce better: with greater biological efficiency, a smaller environmental footprint, and greater technological integration. From the Latin American and Caribbean Chapter of the World Aquaculture Society, we firmly believe that regional leadership must be built on three fundamental pillars: applied science, strategic collaboration, and accessible innovation. We need to strengthen the bridges between academia, industry, regulatory authorities, and technology providers. Knowledge transfer must be dynamic, practical, and geared toward real, productive results. In this context, regional meeting spaces take on extraordinary importance. Therefore, we invite the entire aquaculture community to participate in LACQUA 2026, which will be held in El Salvador from October 27 to 30, 2026. This event will be much more than a technical congress; it will be a strategic platform for the exchange of experiences, scientific updates, the presentation of technological innovations, and the building of alliances that promote the sustainable development of the sector throughout the region. LACQUA 2026 represents an opportunity to hear from international experts, learn about Latin American success stories, discuss health and environmental challenges, and explore new solutions in nutrition, genetics, digitalization, and production system management. But above all, it will be a space to discuss the future we want to build for our aquaculture. Latin America and the Caribbean have the talent, resources, and experience to establish themselves as a global leader in sustainable aquaculture production. The next step is to strengthen our regional integration and raise the technical level of our decision-making. I invite you to actively participate in this conversation from October 27 to 30 in El Salvador. The future of regional aquaculture is not defined in isolation; it is built collectively, by sharing knowledge, innovation, and strategic vision. See you in El Salvador. — Luis Andrés Gonzalez-Agraz, President SOME BENEFITS OF BEING A MEMBER OF THE LACC • Access to World Aquaculture Magazine in both English and Spanish • Access to members-only section on the internet, including back issues of our publications • Discounts on registration fees for WAS and LACC conferences • Opportunities to join LACC committees of your interest • Student support services, awards, and opportunities • Global networking and professional contacts • Leadership opportunities as a Director or officer For more information: https://www.was.org/LACC/en/portal.aspx
WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • MARCH 2026 5 Para mas informacion: Carolina Amezquita Email carolina@was.org www.was.org October 27-30, 2026 Latin American and Caribbean Aquaculture Congress 2026 Hotel Real Intercontinental San Salvador San Salvador, El Salvador Organized by LATIN AMERICAN & CARIBBEAN CHAPTER Premier Sponsors Supported by Local Organizeer LACQUA26 Letter ad CMYK.indd 1 3/5/26 10:54
6 MARCH 2026 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG WAS Premier Sponsors Honolulu, Hawaii February 21-24, 2027 For More Information: Event Information: www.was.org Conference & Registration: worldaqua@was.org Tradeshow: mario@marevent.com AA27 Hawaii WAS ad CMYK.indd 1 2/5/26 11:21
WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • MARCH 2026 7 U.S. Aquaculture Society CHAPTER REPORTS Celebrating Excellence: 2026 Award Winners. One of my favorite traditions is recognizing the incredible contributions of our members. This year, we were proud to honor leaders across every career stage: • Distinguished Lifetime Achievement: Dan Benetti, Rex Dunham, LaDon Swann and Paul Zajicek • Distinguished Service: Ken Riley • Douglas Drennan II Industry Leadership: Amy Riedel-Stone • Distinguished Early Career: Imani Black and Halley Froehlich You’ll be able to read full profiles of these impressive aquaculture leaders in the next issue of WAS Magazine, along with many students who deserve applause. This year, 24 students received over $19,000 in awards to support travel, registration, and research recognition. We owe a debt of gratitude to our generous sponsors This February, over 1,500 attendees converged in Las Vegas, Nevada for Aquaculture America 2026, the annual conference sponsored by the U.S. Aquaculture Society (USAS), the National Aquaculture Association, and the Aquaculture Suppliers Association. This year’s theme, “All in on Aquaculture” captured the spirit of our society and highlighted my favorite aspect of the USAS. For me, this meeting was a milestone as I officially stepped into the role of USAS President, but my first Aquaculture America was more than a few years ago. At the time, I was returning to school and pivoting from restoration ecology to anthropology. I wasn’t sure how an anthropologist would fit at such a meeting, but I found a welcoming home in the USAS. Our society is unique because it bridges the gap between sectors and is inclusive of folks working in the aquaculture space from all angles. The USAS offers a space to share knowledge and join forces to support the growth of American aquaculture. USAS Student Subunits play an integral role in furthering the missions and reach of USAS and WAS. Subunits allow graduate, undergraduate, and even high school students to engage with different types of aquaculture at local scales and create social, educational, professional, and outreach opportunities for student members (Grenn and Walsh, 2024; Grenn et al., 2024; Grenn et al., 2025). Each year, subunits are asked to submit an annual report outlining their accomplishments to remain in good standing as an official USAS Student Subunit. Seven subunits completed the requirement for reporting year 2025 and are considered active. Active subunits are eligible to apply for the annual Student Subunit Project Grant ($1,000 in available funds — competitive) and the Student Subunit Travel Support Award (covers one student early bird conference registration, currently a $295 value — one awarded per active subunit) to attend the annual USAS Aquaculture America or WAS Triennial conference. Annual reports are published on the USAS Student Subunit webpage and outline each subunit’s membership, activities, struggles or concerns, chapter changes, and treasurer’s report. Highlights from these reported metrics are presented here. FIGURE 1. Membership by active USAS Student Subunit chapter. United States Aquaculture Society (USAS) Student Subunit 2025 Annual Report Summary Julianne Grenn, Abdulmalik Oladipupo, and Adriane Michaelis (CONTINUED ON PAGE 82) (CONTINUED ON PAGE 8) Our society is unique because it bridges the gap between sectors and is inclusive of folks working in the aquaculture space from all angles. The USAS offers a space to share knowledge and join forces to support the growth of American aquaculture.
8 MARCH 2026 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG CHAPTER REPORTS Asian Pacific Chapter Hello everyone from Beirut. First I would like to thank you all for trusting me with leading the Asia Pacific Chapter. It is an honor and I hope I live up to your trust. It will be a short term because the China meeting was cancelled and thus I took up my responsibilities in Hyderabad in November. That was quite a successful meeting considering WAS only had five months to prepare instead of the normal two years. Many thanks to the two past presidents of APC, Dr. Salin Krishna and Dr. Bibha Kumari for their dedicated and hard work to make the meeting a success. Attendance was great and the trade show a resounding success. The new board of WAS/APC had their first meeting in December 2025 and has been meeting regularly since. It is a short term but we are trying to make it a productive term. We decided to help our student members by offering 24 students (12 men and 12 women) lodging for the WAS/APC conference in Singapore in June. The application process should be on the website of the chapter. Our student director, Dr. Fanny Yasumaru worked hard to find a suitable hotel and negotiate a good price. Additionally two of the board members, Dr. Denny Leonardo Utomo and Dr. Alastair Smart have been working on updating our webpage to bring it into the 21st century. The new web page should be much more accessible from smart phones and have a much better searchable database. This will take time and will be followed up by president elect Dr. Jie Huang who is now busy evaluating APC members to whom we intend to give awards in Singapore. I just came back from representing APC at the WAS board meeting in Las Vegas. Our mother society’s board is undergoing a major review of the society as a whole and in a couple of years we should be enjoying the fruits of our hard working Drs. Wendy Sealy (president) and Kathleen Hartman (head of the review committee). A lot of ideas about what services WAS should offer to our members and the aquaculture community in general were discussed. While all this is happening, aquaculture in Asia and the Pacific continues to grow and we continue to lead the world in production and innovation. While the rest of the world talks about using AI in aquaculture, developing protocols to farm new species, find sustainable methods to grow aquaculture, train future generations etc., we in the Asia Pacific region are doing all those things. My next goal is to increase our membership from underrepresented countries. There are several aquaculture powerhouses in the Asia Pacific region that are not well represented in our membership. I have spoken to some aquaculture stakeholders in these countries and they have legitimate concerns. The main complaint was that they did not see any tangible benefits from being members of WAS. I promise to address their concerns and try to start a process which will lead to a time where all stakeholders in the aquaculture community will find it beneficial to be members of WAS/APC. Again, I thank the members of WAS/APC for giving me their trust and I hope to live up to their expectations. — Imad Saoud, President who make this investment in the next generation possible. Stay tuned for the June issue to learn more about the impressive students and the sponsors who make these awards possible. Our 2026 USAS Leadership. The annual business meeting marked a transition of leadership. I am honored to build upon the high bar set by Past-President Mick Walsh and look forward to working closely with President-Elect Allen Pattillo. I would also like to welcome our new and returning board members: • Julianne Grenn (Incoming Vice President) • Kai Fox (Continuing Secretary-Treasurer) • Timothy Bruce and Anoushka Concepcion (Continuing Directors) • George Brooks and Andrea Tarnecki (Incoming Directors) • Abdul Oladipupo (Student Liaison) and Karen Alldridge (Student Liaison Apprentice) I want to extend a sincere thank you to Abigail Bockus (Past President), Melissa Good (Director), and Jordan Lynch (Director) as they rotate off the board. Their leadership has been USAS Chapter, cont. from page 7 vital, and I am thrilled they will remain active with USAS in various committee roles. Looking Ahead: Growth and Transparency. In the coming year, our focus remains on supporting the needs of our members and the industry at large. We are committed to transparency, ensuring our membership is informed and engaged with board decisions, as well as continuity, maintaining momentum through smooth leadership transitions. I’m especially looking forward to the progress of the Joint Professional Aquaculturist Certification. Stay Connected with Us. If you couldn’t make it to the business meeting in person, did you know you could have joined us via Zoom? We are looking for more ways to keep you “in the know.” Please find and follow the USAS on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X for the latest updates on USAS activities and industry news. We are here to serve you. If you have suggestions on how we can better connect with our membership, my (virtual) door is always open. Let’s go “all in” together. — Adriane Michaelis, President
WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • MARCH 2026 9 photos © Singapore Food Agency HIGH YIELD PRODUCTION June 2-5, 2026 Conference Sponsors Temasek Polytechnic, Nanyang Technological University AquaPolis, National University of Singapore, James Cook University, Republic Polytechnic Singapore Institute of Technology THROUGH NUTRITION, HEALTH, GENETICS AND RESOURCES Singapore EXPO Convention & Exhibition Centre Hosted by The Annual international Conference and Exposition Organized by World Aquaculture Society WAS Premier Sponsors Join WA Singapore 2026 now! with Special Rate Discounts offer for Asia-Pacific Countries * (*Only for the list of Asia-Pacific countries that qualify: Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, India, and PR China) For More Information: Conference Manager Email: worldaqua@was.org Web: www.was.org Tradeshow: mario@marevent.com WA26 wasmag ad CMYK.indd 1 3/5/26 11:07
10 MARCH 2026 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG CHAPTER REPORTS African Chapter This is my first column piece as the newly inaugurated President of the African Chapter! I want to start by thanking everyone, especially the WAS membership for placing their confidence and trust in me to serve as the 4th President of the African Chapter for the next two years. I fully accept this important role, a responsibility I do not take lightly, and I will strive to represent the interests of the African Chapter both at home and on the global stage. A wonderful year has passed, and as we embark on another, my heartfelt gratitude goes to everyone I have worked with and who has helped me reach this position. Special thanks go to the outgoing President, Dr. Foluke Areola, and her entire Board of Directors. The current success of the Chapter would not have been possible without her leadership, contributions, and notable hard work during her tenure. I also acknowledge the strong support from our Past Presidents, Dr. Sherif Sadek and Dr. John Walakira, as well as our exceptional Executive Director, Blessing Mapfumo, and former President of the WAS and now African Chapter Special Advisor, Dr. Kevan Main, who have all laid a solid foundation for us over the years. As many of you know, Africa is the last frontier for aquaculture development, and significant progress is being made continentally in many fronts. I assumed the Presidency at a time when Africa’s aquaculture sector is experiencing significant growth, with production nearly doubling from 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2010 to a peak of 2.6 million metric tonnes in 2024, valued at approximately US$4.7 billion (according to FAO). The average annual growth rate hovers around 8%. Although Africa currently contributes only 2% to global aquaculture output, several countries have made noteworthy advancements, demonstrating that the sector can become one of the fastest-growing food sectors in the foreseeable future. This progress is supported by conducive government policies and reforms, along with an increased public understanding and interest in aquaculture, which has in turn spurred private investment The WAS-AC will continue to serve as the collective voice for the African aquaculture community, with its membership spanning professionals, producers, researchers, policymakers, industry representatives, development partners, students, and various stakeholders. Our goal is to facilitate networking, resource sharing, and technical support, all aimed at enhancing the resilience of the aquaculture sector. Everyone, regardless of their background, has the power to make meaningful contributions to the transformation of (CONTINUED ON PAGE 12) Following a successful election period in 2025, Dr. Khalid Salie from South Africa now takes over as President of the WAS African Chapter for a period of two years, effective January 2026. Other newly elected Board Members include Dr. Francisca Delgado (as President-Elect); Dr. Victoria Tarus (as Regional Director: Eastern Africa); Prof. Daniel Adjei-Boateng (as Regional Director: Western Africa); Prof. Maryam El Bakali (as Regional Director: North Africa). Dr. Khalid Salie is the Head of the Aquaculture Unit, Department of Animal Sciences, at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. He was also the Founding WAS-AC Regional Director for Southern Africa 2018-2023 and an active Council Member of the Aquaculture Association of Southern Africa. An ardent WAS member since 1999, Dr. Salie is renowned to have steered the formation of the African Chapter since the very beginning, prior to 2018. Dr. Salie takes on a vibrant chapter with a rapidly growing membership and active programme base which has been greatly advanced by his predecessor, Dr. Foluke Areola (Nigeria) — who now moves to the WAS Global Board as President-Elect. Madame Foluke will stay in the WAS AC Board/ Excom position, being its Immediate Past President. Dr. Francisca Delgado, an Angolan aquaculture professional and former National Director at Angolan Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources is now the President-Elect of the Chapter. She has served in the WAS-AC Board of Directors in various capacities since 2018, recently as Chapter Secretary and also assumed positions of Regional Director for Central Africa (2018-2023). She is currently the Vice President of the African Women in Maritime (WIMAfrica) and coordinator of the nearly formed WAS-Portuguese Platform (PALOP/CPLP). Dr. Victoria Tarus, a Kenyan aquaculture professional and Deputy Director of Technical WAS African Chapter (WAS-AC) Welcomes Dr. Khalid Salie as its New President as Other New Members are Appointed to its Executive Board of Directors (CONTINUED ON PAGE 12) Top, Dr. Francisca Delgado. Bottom, Dr. Victoria Tarus.
WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • MARCH 2026 11 For More Information: www.was.org or contact worldaqua@was.org Exhibition & sponsors: mario@marevent.com Organized By Hosted By WAS Premier Sponsors The United Republic of Tanzania Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries (Zanzibar) Conference Sponsor Chapter Corporate Sponsor “Aquaculture Driving Blue Transformation” 5th Annual International Conference & Exposition of the African Chapter of the World Aquaculture Society WA26 Tanzania WAS ad CMYK.indd 1 3/5/26 10:08
12 MARCH 2026 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG Africa Chapter, cont. from page 10 African aquaculture. I am always glad that our service order on leadership in sustainable aquatic food systems has been awarded the Global Technical Recognition Award from the FAO in 2025. This achievement highlights WAS’ vital role in the global development of sustainable aquaculture and underscores the organization’s importance to the FAO’s work in this field since the 1970s, including in Africa. This year, we will host a variety of events and activities, including regional outreach in select African countries. More updates will follow in the next column. My legacy will focus primarily on fostering cross-chapter and cross-regional collaborations, particularly in Africa. I am excited to announce that, through Stellenbosch University, I will be leading the African Union Centre of Excellence for Training and Research in Aquaculture. The University also currently heads the WAS-AC Student Development Portfolio. As announced during the WAS-AC Business Meeting in January and various other platforms, the WAS-AC reaffirms its commitment to join the United Nations and the African Union in celebrating 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, where we will highlight the vital role of African women in aquaculture value chains. We plan to launch this through an online event in March 2026. Lastly, please remember to RENEW your membership to WAS and encourage others in your networks to join WAS and walk with us during this action-packed year. Be sure also to REGISTER for the upcoming World Aquaculture Tanzania event (WA26T), which will take place in conjunction with Aquaculture Africa 2026 (AFRAQ2026) from December 1-4, 2026, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. All information is available on the WAS website www.was. org, and I hope to see many of you there! — Khalid Salie, President Capacity Building at Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) has retained her position as Regional Director: Eastern Africa. Dr. Tarus has served within the WAS structures for a number of years including being a Director in the WAS Global Board. She was also instrumental in Steering the organisation of the World Aquaculture Safari 2025 Uganda. Being an Eastern African lead Director, she will be strongly involved in the organisation of World Aquaculture 2026 in Tanzania. This is Dr. Tarus’s re-election to a second term. Prof. Daniel Adjei-Boateng, from the Department of Fisheries and Watershed Management at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana is now the Regional Director: West Africa. A long serving, passionate member of the WAS and renowned aquaculture professional in Ghana and West Africa, Prof. AdjeiBoateng takes over one of the most vibrant regions of the WAS-AC, containing the largest membership base. He is presently the coordinator for the upcoming World Aquaculture Ghana 2027 as well as Programme Committee Member for World Aquaculture Tanzania 2026. Prof. Adjei-Boateng replaces Mr. Lanre Badmus (Nigeria) who has been the Regional Director since 2018. Prof. Maryam ElBakali, the Associate Professor of BiologyAquaculture at Abdelmalek Essaadi University in Morocco, now takes over as Regional Director: North Africa. With over a decade of experience in research and international collaborations amongst other educational roles, Prof. ElBakali is expected to bring a wealth of energy and professionalism to a region that is very active on aquaculture research. A President and Founder of RAISEAqua Foundation, Prof. ElBakali takes over the North African regional leadership from Dr. Nevine Shabana (Egypt) who held that position since 2018. She desires to motivate the bringing of an AFRAQ to Welcome, cont. from page 10 Morocco in few years to come. These newly elected leaders bring extensive experience in aquaculture across the regions of Africa — further strengthening the Chapter’s cross-regional approach to advancing the long-term sustainable aquaculture development in Africa. WAS-AC also extends its sincere appreciation to its long-serving Board Members, who will stay in the Executive Board’s emeritus positions. Dr. John Walakira (Uganda) will now be President-Emeritus; Dr. Nevine Shabana (Egypt) and Mr. Lanre Badmus (Nigeria) will both take positions of Regional Director Emeritus. The Board of Directors Structure for 2026 now stands as follows: Dr. Khalid Salie, President (South Africa) Excom, Dr. Francisca Delgado, President Elect/Secretary (Angola) Excom, Dr. Foluke Areola, Immediate Past President (Nigeria) Excom, Dr. Bernice Mclean, Treasurer (South Africa) Excom, Dr. Victoria Tarus, Regional Director (Eastern Africa), Kenya, Dr. Judith Makombu, Regional Director (Central Africa), Cameroon, Ms. Alushe Hitula, Regional Director (Southern Africa), Namibia, Dr. Daniel Adjei-Boateng, Regional Director (West Africa) Ghana, Prof. Maryam Elbakali, Regional Director (North Africa), Morocco, Dr. Kevan Main, WAS AC Strategic Advisor (USA) and Mr. Blessing Mapfumo, Executive Officer: Secretariat (Zimbabwe). Executive Board Members 2026, EMERITUS include Dr. John Walakira, President Emeritus (Uganda), Dr. Sherif Sadek, President Emeritus (Egypt), Dr. Nevine Shabana, Regional Director Emeritus (Egypt) and Mr. Lanre Badmus, Regional Director Emeritus (Nigeria). For more information visit africanchapter@was.org. Top, Prof. Daniel Adjei-Boateng. Bottom, Prof. Maryam ElBakali.
WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • MARCH 2026 13
14 MARCH 2026 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG We are guided by targeted research, skilled people, and close collaboration with the aquaculture industry. We make aquaculture progress With global expertise and a strong local presence, we work to improve fish health and welfare — supporting a more sustainable future for aquaculture. www.pharmaq.com CHAPTER REPORTS Korean Chapter MOF Releases the Third Fisheries and Fishing Villages Development Master Plan (2026 to 2030), Emphasizing High Value Aquaculture and Climate Risk Reduction South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) announced the Third Fisheries and Fishing Villages Development Master Plan (2026 to 2030). For aquaculture, MOF frames the plan as rebuilding competitiveness from the basics while reducing climate driven risks. The plan proposes relocating coastal mariculture sites farther offshore, identifying new farming areas in the cooler East Sea, and accelerating land based smart aquaculture centered on high value species. MOF further emphasizes smart aquaculture clusters to move from on-site demonstration toward equipment development, market access, and tailored growth support for businesses. On seed and juvenile supply, MOF highlights an end to end approach for strategic items such as flounder and gim, linking selective breeding and seed development with intermediate nursery stages, production, and distribution. (Source: MOF press release; Korea Policy Briefing, January 29, 2026.) Busan Begins Building Korea’s Smart Aquaculture Big Data Center with Generative AI Consulting and a Data Marketplace The City of Busan launched the Smart Aquaculture Big Data Center project to integrate smart aquaculture with big data and accelerate digital transformation. The project will run for 18 months, from December 2025 to June 2027, with a total budget of USD 7.4 million, consisting of USD 5.2 million in national funding and USD 2.2 million in municipal funding. The center will be located at Pukyong National University’s Yongdang Campus. A notable feature is the integration of generative AI to provide farm specific consulting and automation services. The center will also build functions for AI and aquaculture model development, a data marketplace service platform, workforce training, startup and employment support, and an integrated monitoring (CONTINUED ON PAGE 16)
WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • MARCH 2026 15 At Extru-Tech®, we deliver genetically superior tailored solutions that ensure the highest levels of performance, efficiency, and food safety. As an industry leader for over four decades, we provide a complete system solution designed to meet the ever-evolving demands of manufacturers in the petfood, food, and feed sectors. • Components engineered to work together seamlessly as a system • Consultation, research and design provided by our “1 Solution Group” • Post installation performance enhanced with EXPRO AI™ process analytics Take the first step in taking your production to the next level. Contact Extru-Tech today at 785-284-2153 or visit Extru-TechInc.com ASEPTIC PRE-CONDITIONERS | EXTRUDERS DRYERS | BATCH COATERS | VERTICAL COOLERS GENETICALLY SUPERIOR EXTRUSION SYSTEMS Sabetha, KS 66534 USA Phone: 785-284-2153 www.extru-techinc.com ET-399Q.indd 1 1/15/26 2:20 PM
16 MARCH 2026 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG • Bledsoe, J., Redman, N., Simmons, D., Tudor, C., Welker, T., Romano, N., & Overturf, K. (2025). Proteomic mechanisms underlying soybean meal-induced enteritis resistance in selected rainbow trout. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, 56(6). e70068. https://doi.org/10.1111/jwas.70068 This study evaluated molecular and physiological responses associated with feeding traditional fishmeal-based or high soybean meal plant-based diets to rainbow trout over a 7-month timeframe. Trout selectively bred to tolerate plant-based diets were compared to a commercial strain of rainbow trout. Results showed that the selected strain had superior growth, weight gain, and feed conversion when fed either the high-soybean meal or traditional fishmeal diet. Histological results confirmed susceptibility to soybean meal-induced enteritis (SBMIE) in the commercial trout strain, but enteritis was not observed in the selected strain. Proteomic analysis was used to identify Nlrp1, an inflammasome sensor in the plasma of fish susceptible to SBMIE. This appears to represent a key molecular biomarker for systemic inflammation. Further gene analysis showed heightened stress, DNA damage, and signaling of innate immune pathways in the intestine of the commercial trout strain in response to the plant-based diet. These inflammatory signatures, stress-related signaling pathways, and the Nlrp1 plasma marker were not present in the selected strain. Detection of the Nlrp1 biomarker adds to the repertoire of inflammatory biomarkers identified through plasma proteomics in salmonids. Overall, this study advances our understanding of the genetic and physiological basis of tolerance to plant-based diets and validates the application of selective breeding to solve specific challenges for aquaculture species. • Hudson, K. A., Watanabe, W. O., Dumas, C. F., Alam, M. S., Losordo, T. M., & Carroll, P. M. (2025). Evaluation of alternative stocking and harvesting models on production of black sea bass, Centropristis striata, in recirculating aquaculture systems: Potential effects of genetic selection. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society. 56(6), e70064. https://doi.org/10.1111/jwas.70064 This study evaluates different stocking and harvesting strategies for black sea bass (BSB) produced in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) while also modeling the potential growth benefits associated with genetic selection. The authors used a growth model based on pilot studies to compare several “production plans” for a hypothetical commercial facility and measured a range of parameters such as annual yield, harvest frequency, and tank space efficiency (TSE). The study found that a four-stage stocking model utilizing three tanks for the final growout stage was the most effective for the wild-type (F0) generation. They showed that selective breeding could further improve productivity, with estimated annual biomass yield increases of 11.8% for the F1 generation and an additional 9.2% for the F2 generation. Ultimately, the results of this study highlight that iterative testing of stocking schedules and genetic improvement is critical for optimizing the commercial viability and supply stability of BSB in land-based RAS aquaculture. The Journal of the World Aquaculture Society Editor’s Choice Awards 56(6) Korea Chapter, cont. from page 14 and operations system. (Source: Busan Metropolitan City press release, January 19, 2026.) NIFS Develops Abalone Juvenile Feed Using Underutilized Green Tide Seaweed, Cutting Feed Costs by 25.6 Percent The National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS) reported a patented manufacturing technology that uses green tide seaweed that can proliferate along Jeju’s coast in summer, as an ingredient in formulated feed for abalone juveniles. NIFS’s Feed Research Center found that the seaweed based ingredient could fully replace imported kelp powder. Based on production cost estimates, the formulation reduced feed cost by 25.6 percent. NIFS indicated that field trials were conducted with the Abalone Producers Association and that the formulation will be refined based on farm feedback before technology transfer to feed manufacturers. (Source: NIFS press release, December 2, 2025.) — Han-kyu Lim, President Reported by Jeongwhui Hong CALLING ALL READERS DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE TO WORLD AQUACULTURE? We’d love to see it! We welcome general features, articles and news covering a variety of aquaculture-related topics, preferably well-illustrated with photographs and line art. Published quarterly, the magazine keeps WAS members up to date with research results and reviews of aquaculture trends and topics. You do not need to be a member of the Society and there are no page charges. Guidelines for authors are available here. Submit manuscripts to C. Greg Lutz, Editor in Chief, at glutz@agcenter.lsu.edu or Cecilia Castellanos Nichols, ed.assistant@was.org when emailing your submission.
WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • MARCH 2026 17 WAS Photo Archive to be Established As our communication and publication efforts advance in the digital age, we welcome your contributions of high-quality photos depicting all aspects of aquaculture. Photo credits will be included whenever your contributions are used, so please email them to glutz@agcenter.lsu.edu or ed.assistant@was.org. INDIA GEARING UP: Bringing Back Black Tiger Shrimp Culture VOLUME 56, NUMBER 2 THE MAGAZINE OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY JUNE 2025 W RLD AQUACULTURE Tilapia Aquaculture in Saudi Arabia: A New Start and New Practices VOLUME 56, NUMBER 1 THE MAGAZINE OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY MARCH 2025 W RLD AQUACULTURE Sustainable Aquaculture Development in China – A Historical Perspective and Modern Practices VOLUME 55, NUMBER 4 THE MAGAZINE OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY DECEMBER 2024 W RLD AQUACULTURE VOLUME 55, NUMBER 3 THE MAGAZINE OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY SEPTEMBER 2024 W RLD AQUACULTURE THE AQUAFORT: a low-profile user-friendly approach to nearshore IMTA VOLUME 55, NUMBER 2 THE MAGAZINE OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY JUNE 2024 W RLD AQUACULTURE SUDDEN UNUSUAL MORTALITY SYNDROME IN EASTERN OYSTERS An Increasingly Significant Problem From Maryland to Texas, USA VOLUME 55, NUMBER 1 THE MAGAZINE OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY MARCH 2024 W RLD AQUACULTURE WHAT GETS MEASURED GETS MANAGED: Global Salmon Initiative and World Wildlife Fund Release Environmental, Social and Governance Feed Ingredient Risk Tool VOLUME 54, NUMBER 4 THE MAGAZINE OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY DECEMBER 2023 W RLD AQUACULTURE Tropical Seaweed Cultivation in Hawai’i VOLUME 54, NUMBER 3 THE MAGAZINE OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY SEPTEMBER 2023 W RLD AQUACULTURE wastewater fed Aquaculture in East Kolkata Wetland VOLUME 53, NUMBER 4 THE MAGAZINE OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY DECEMBER 2022 W RLD AQUACULTURE IHHNV IN PENAEID SHRIMP
18 MARCH 2026 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG initiated through legislative and executive actions. Republic Act No. 8550, amended by RA 10654, prohibits unregulated fishpond construction in protected areas, while Executive Order No. 533 (2006) enforces Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) to rehabilitate wetlands and control aquaculture pollution. However, despite these ongoing conservation initiatives, the SPCW remains at risk due to illegal fish farming, inadequate law enforcement, and ongoing pollution. This underscores an urgent need for stronger regulations, the adoption of eco-friendly aquaculture practices, and the implementation of community-driven conservation initiatives to ensure long-term ecological and economic viability. The local community also took bold steps in implementing the Municipal Fishery Ordinance of 2019, emphasizing boat registration, regulated fishing gear use, and the creation of Fish Sanctuary Zones like the 6.8-hectare reserve in Barangay Batang 2nd, where fisher-folk report higher catch volumes and better-quality seafood. But success is not just in enforcement, it is in inclusion. Sasmuan’s Coastal Resource Management (CRM) Plan 2023–2028 aligns directly with EO 533 and is developed through community consultation and collaborative governance. It outlines strategies not just for conservation, but for alternative livelihoods, such as ecoguiding, fish processing, and small-scale aquaculture ventures led by women’s cooperatives. What Sasmuan is crafting goes beyond mere compliance, as it is a story of coastal revitalization. It’s about how a town dependent on aquaculture can thrive under the very laws that demand its The Sasmuan Pampanga Coastal Wetlands (SPCW) (Figure 1), recognized as the 8th Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, is a biodiversity hotspot in the Philippines. The wetland supports a wide array of aquatic species and migratory birds, while providing essential ecosystem services such as coastal protection and carbon sequestration. The SPCW is also integral to the local economy, with over 85% of the population depending on fishing and aquaculture for their primary income [Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Local Government Unit (LGU) Sasmuan, 2015]. Despite its ecological and economic importance, the SPCW faces significant challenges stemming from human activities. Pollution from fishpond operations and improper waste disposal contribute to the degradation of water quality. Unsustainable practices have also led to the decline of vital mangrove ecosystems, further compromising the health of the wetlands. These disturbances threaten various aquatic species, including crustaceans, which serve as important ecological indicators and valuable resources for the local community. Furthermore, environmental degradation manifests through physiological alterations in these crustaceans, including disrupted metabolic processes, accumulation of pollutants in their bodies, and increased immune system stress (de la Cruz and Cordova, 2018). The Mount Pinatubo eruption of 1991 further worsened the ecological stress by causing severe siltation and reducing fish production, compounded by climate change-induced flooding and habitat degradation (DENR and LGU Sasmuan, 2015). Efforts to address these sustainability challenges have been Crawling Battles: Anthropogenic Threats to the Crustaceans of Sasmuan Pampanga Coastal Wetlands, Philippines Karl Patrick D. Taguberi, Hannah Nicole C. Gasmen and Janice A. Ragaza FIGURE 2. Fishermen operating within the protected boundaries of the Sasmuan Bangkung Malapad Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (SBMCHEA) Photo credit: K.P. Taguberi. FIGURE 1. Map of the Sasmuan Pampanga Coastal Wetlands. These wetlands support thriving crustacean populations, making the area vital for small-scale aquaculture and wild harvest of crabs and shrimps. Photo credit: RAMSAR and Wetlands International.
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