The second half of 2025 has been hectic for the Society with two well attended and highly successful conferences, accolades received and formation of new branches. The Global Conference on Gender in Fisheries and Aquaculture with the theme “Transforming Aquaculture and Fisheries for Gender Justice” organised by the Gender in Fisheries and Aquaculture section (GAFS) of AFS in Bangkok has attracted a large number of participants – over 200 from 36 countries indicating the attention gender issues is are receiving not only in Asia, but globally.
Congratulations to the GAFS section and its organisers who have elevated the profile of the issue as evident from the fact that the section has received the “Technical Recognition for Advancing Gender Research in Sustainable Aquatic Food Systems” from FAO. Much credit goes to Dr Meryl J Williams, Founder Chair of the section, who has been aptly given the 2025 Inaugural Distinguished Service Award by the GAFS.
The second highly successful conference organised during the period – Diseases in Asian Aquaculture (DAA12) with the theme “Transformative innovations shaping the future of aquatic animal health management” in Chennai, India and India was attended by 470 scientists, farmers, industry and students from 22 countries, indicating the growing concern of diseases in aquaculture with intensification that is taking place.
Welcome to the 3rd Executive Committee of Gender in Fisheries and Aquaculture Section (GAFS). Pleasing to note that Nepal and Vietnam have indicated interest in becoming branches of AFS, in addition to the existing India and Taiwan branches. Another important conference – International Symposium on Cage Aquaculture in Asia (CAA12) will be held in Vietnam in July 2026.
Members are encouraged to share their research findings, outcomes of conferences held/details of planned conferences, training programs, etc. through this e-newsletter for wider dissemination to a large section of stakeholders in fisheries and aquaculture.
M.V. Gupta
Editor