WorldFish celebrates 50 years of advancing sustainable fisheries, aquaculture

GLOBAL – The year 2025 marks a significant milestone for WorldFish as it celebrates its golden anniversary. 

For 50 years, this international, non-profit research organisation has been at the forefront of strengthening livelihoods and enhancing food and nutrition security through sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.

WorldFish has unveiled a special 50th-anniversary logo to commemorate this occasion, symbolising its ongoing commitment to thriving ocean biodiversity and the vital role of diverse aquatic foods in sustaining global food security and livelihoods. 

Fish remains a crucial source of food, nutrition, and income for millions worldwide, with over 800 million people depending on fisheries and aquaculture for their survival. 

More than one billion poor individuals derive the majority of their animal protein from fish, which are rich in micronutrients and essential fatty acids.

However, the sector faces significant challenges, including climate change, water and land scarcity, and ecosystem decline. These threats put the most vulnerable populations—many of whom rely on fishing as a primary source of income—at great risk. 

Additionally, postharvest losses remain a pressing concern, with an estimated 27% to 39% of fish caught globally going to waste.

In response, WorldFish continues to focus on sustainable aquaculture, resilient small-scale fisheries, and enhancing fish’s contribution to the nutrition of impoverished communities. 

Through a multidisciplinary research approach, the organisation prioritises helping those who stand to benefit the most, including small-scale producers, women, and children.

With its headquarters in Penang, Malaysia, WorldFish operates regional offices in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Egypt, Myanmar, the Solomon Islands, and Zambia. Its research efforts span over 15 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, reinforcing its global reach and impact.

“2025 marks a critical milestone for WorldFish—50 years since our inception, 25 years since moving to Malaysia, and 40 years in the Solomon Islands. While we celebrate our history, our mission remains the same: deploying science to enhance sustainable and equitable aquatic food production while delivering vital nutrition to those who need it most,” said Dr. Essam Yassin Mohammed, Director General of WorldFish. 

WorldFish, ICBA partner for climate-resilient coastal food systems

Meanwhile, WorldFish has recently joined forces with the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) to strengthen climate-resilient coastal food systems. 

The two organisations recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to integrate ecosystem restoration, sustainable aquaculture, and innovative solutions to support vulnerable communities across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.

The partnership is rooted in a shared vision to tackle food insecurity and climate change. It emphasises co-creating solutions for coastal ecosystem restoration, advancing blue carbon initiatives, developing salinity-tolerant species, and implementing climate-smart fisheries and aquaculture systems. 

Additionally, capacity-building programs will empower communities and drive policy advancements.

“WorldFish is proud to partner with ICBA to deliver transformative solutions for sustainable aquatic food systems. Together, we aim to strengthen the resilience of millions who depend on coastal ecosystems for their livelihoods and drive meaningful change in the face of climate challenges,” said Dr Mohammed.

This collaboration aligns with global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and combat climate change, reinforcing WorldFish’s legacy of impact-driven research and action.

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