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Download 5 Oct 2026

Ornamental fish culture: A niche-sector pillar for advancing the sustainable development goals

Siamese fighting fish Betta splendens grown in recycled bottles.

Ornamental fish can sell for up to 100 times the price of food fish, yet farming them needs little land, money or labour. This makes the sector well suited to landless households, small-scale farmers and women in developing countries. In West Bengal, India, families breed species such as Betta splendens in reused glass bottles and raise exotic species in backyard cement cisterns. ICAR-CIFRI research programmes also help Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe women run their own farms

This article explores how ornamental fish culture supports the Sustainable Development Goals, from reducing poverty and promoting gender equality to protecting aquatic life. With around 95% of Indian ornamental fish exports still collected from the wild, captive breeding offers a way to ease pressure on wild stocks. The article also looks at water-saving technologies, certification, and the barriers small producers face, including poor market access, weak logistics and climate change.

Download 5 Oct 2026

PhD scholarships: Shanghai Ocean University PhD Programme 2027

PhD scholarships: Shanghai Ocean University PhD Programme 2027

Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU) is offering full scholarship PhD programmes in a wide range of marine sciences 2027. Disciplines include: Aquaculture, biology, fisheries resources, marine science, food science and engineering, fishery economics and management, and marine engineering and information.

Applications are due 1 February 2027. For details of the programmes, eligibility criteria, required documentation and application procedures, please download the prospectus linked within.

[This is a rare and excellent opportunity for young science students, don't miss out! I encourage you to apply - Ed.]

Collection 24 Sep 2026

Aquaculture Asia Magazine, July-September 2026

Aquaculture Asia Magazine, July-September 2026

In this issue:

  • From hormone to hatchling: A hands-on journey through carp breeding at hatchery
  • Aquaculture opportunities in lowlands of Brahmaputra valley, Assam
  • Aquaculture potential of Ophichthys cuchia in Northeast India: Current understanding and prospects
  • Successful spawning and rearing of silver biddy, Gerres oyena in Abu Al Abyad Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
  • The humane side of data: When numbers don't speak for themselves
  • Remembering distinguished scientists who contributed to growth and development in the Indian fisheries and aquaculture sectors
  • NACA Newsletter
Download 24 Sep 2026

Remembering distinguished scientists as contributors to growth and development in Indian fisheries and aquaculture sectors

Remembering distinguished scientists as contributors to growth and development in Indian fisheries and aquaculture sectors

Over the past century, a generation of Indian scientists, educators and administrators laid the foundations of the country's modern fisheries and aquaculture sectors. This tribute remembers 65 of them, all of whom have since passed away. Their work covered inland and marine fisheries, freshwater and brackishwater aquaculture, fish breeding and hatchery technology, fish health, genetics, nutrition, post-harvest technology and fisheries education. Many led national research institutes, universities and state fisheries departments, while others served with international organisations such as FAO. Their research and leadership helped increase fish production in India and expanded knowledge of fish biology and aquatic ecology. The article brings together, in a single table, the dates of birth and death of each person, along with their main fields of work and the institutions they served. It is offered as a source of inspiration for students and young researchers in fisheries science.

Download 24 Sep 2026

The humane side of data: When numbers don't speak for themselves

The humane side of data: When numbers don't speak for themselves

Small-scale fishing communities in Gujarat depend heavily on marine resources, yet many live with uncertain incomes, declining catches and months without earnings during the annual fishing ban. A socio-economic survey of fishing villages around Veraval Harbour found that many artisanal fishers miss out on available assistance because they do not know it exists or how to apply. Awareness of assistance schemes is low, and paperwork, online application systems and language barriers make access harder for families with limited education. Where cooperatives are active, communities are better organised and better informed.

Closing the awareness gap through local-language outreach and closer contact with extension services would help support reach those it is meant for. The survey also shows the responsibilities of field researchers: explaining their role and limits from the start, using the local language and sharing practical information on available support, so that research does not raise expectations it cannot meet.