Toward Systematic Breeding of Asian Sea Bass, Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790), in Malaysia: Status, Challenges and Prospects for Future Development

Asian sea bass, Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790), is one of the most farmed marine fish in Malaysia since the 1970 s and is predominantly cultured at present.Although it has been farmed for some time, there is no systematic breeding programme in place.Local hatcheries rely heavily on wild and imported broodstock.However, imported stocks do not guarantee improved quality and even increase the chances of introducing pathogens into the country.

14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) and AFS 15th General Assembly

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14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) and AFS 15th General Assembly
07 Apr, 2025

The Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (AFAF) is a scientific forum organized by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS) once every three years to understand the global trends and address issues and challenges faced by the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The main purpose of this Forum is to provide an international platform for eminent scientists, young researchers, and other stakeholders across the globe to share their research experiences and innovative ideas. By facilitating the exchange of diverse range of knowledge and expertise, the 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) with the Theme 'Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific' aims to address key issues towards developing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.

We successfully conducted the 14AFAF on 12-15 February 2025 in New Delhi, India, hosted at the facilities of the Indian Council of Agriculture Research. The organisation of this meeting was very impressive, and we congratulated the local organisers of the 14AFAF from the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR), the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India, and the Indian Branch of AFS. We also acknowledged the wonderful contribution of the 14AFAF convenor, Dr Jena, Deputy Director General of Fisheries in ICAR.

The topics of the 14AFAF covered a wide range of technical sessions and diverse themes such as Production systems in fisheries and aquaculture, Policy and management of these systems, Economics, Gender, and Livelihoods, all of which are central to developing sustainable production systems and are very important for ensuring sustainable global seafood production. The opening session was very impressive with addresses from distinguished dignitaries, an opening prayer, lighting of the lamp and singing of the Indian National Anthem. In addition to the impressive presentations and poster sessions, a wonderful cultural program was presented at the dinner for the 14AFAF, showcasing the singing, dancing, drama and creative skills of students in ICAR. It highlighted the diversity and richness of Indian culture and the wonderful abilities of the students in Agriculture outside their academic discipline.

Photos of 14AFAF

Opening ceremony

Day 1: Opening session with plenary speakers and noting the Publication of books

Opening address by The Hon'ble Union Minister (FAHD), Govt. of India, (Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh)

The 14th AFS President's plenary speech (Prof. Neil Loneragan)