Harnessing Aquatic Food Systems

for Sustainable Development

Healthy People. Healthy Planet. Shared Prosperity.

ANNUAL REPORT 2022

1
Citation
This publication should be cited as: WorldFish. 2023. WorldFish 2022 Annual Report. Penang, Malaysia: WorldFish. Annual Report: 2023-30.

Creative Commons License

Content in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0), which permits non-commercial use, including
reproduction, adaptation and distribution of the publication provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright © 2023 WorldFish.

Photo credits
Front cover Balaram Mahalder, Shandy Santos, Chosa Mweemba; page 4: Saikat Mokumder; page 7: WorldFish Bangladesh; page 8: Chosa Mweemba; page 9: Kate Bevitt; page 10: Mary
Lundeba; page 11: Shahriar; page 12: Heba El Begawi; page 13: Sourabh Kumar Dubey; page 14: Yangon Seafood distribution; page 15: Delvene Boso; page 17: Aniss Khalid; page 18: Fani
Llauradó; page 18: Sean Lee Kuan Shern; page 19: Sabrina Chong; page 20: Sabrina Chong; page 20: Joctan Lopes; page 20: WorldFish Bangladesh; page 20: WorldFish Egypt; page 21: Tabitha
Mulilo; page 21: WorldFish HQ; page 21: Foto Agencies. All attributed are from WorldFish unless otherwise mentioned.

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Table of Contents
A Message from the WorldFish Director General and Board Chair 4

Our Value Proposition 6

Why Invest in Aquatic Foods 6

WorldFish at a Glance 7

7 Stories of Change 8

The GIFT that Keeps on Giving – from Timor-Leste to Nigeria 9

Trained “Aquapreneurs” Benefit Women and Communities in Zambia and Malawi 10

Climate-Adapted Livelihoods and Nutrition with Artemia in Bangladesh 11

Fostering Climate-Smart Aquaculture Innovations and Enterprises in Egypt 12

Scientific Innovation Opens Door for Mass Mola Breeding to Nourish India 13

Science-Driven Policy Change to Restore Healthy Fish Stocks in Myanmar 14

Institutionalizing Community Based Resource Management in Solomon Islands 15

Big Splashes in 2022 16

Scientific Excellence 18

Digital Innovations: Enabling Data-Driven Policies and Practices 20

Our Global Footprint 22

Partnerships: Enabling Sustainable, Scalable Impact 23

Finances 24

Our Donors 26

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 A Message
from the
WorldFish
Director
General and
Board Chair

4
A warm welcome to the 2022 WorldFish Annual Report! Board of
The year 2022 was a pivotal one for WorldFish—a year of
transformation and renewed vigor. In the face of mounting
Further, we worked with countries to develop and disseminate
digital innovations that enhance the productivity, profitability, Trustees
challenges, including climate crises, economic uncertainties, and sustainability of aquatic food systems. These innovations
and the continued exploitation of natural resources to meet are transforming how information is collected and utilized Baba Yusuf Abubakar*
the increasing demand for aquatic foods, WorldFish doubled to inform policy and improve human well-being and WorldFish Board Chair
up on its mission to create an inclusive world where safe, environmental sustainability. Nigeria
nutritious, and sustainable aquatic foods are accessible to all.
We invite you to dive into this gradual but steady Alyssa Jade MacDonald-Baertl*
In this report, we share seven stories of change, evidencing transformation of food, land, and water systems with aquatic WorldFish Board Vice Chair
shared prosperity can be attained for millions through foods at their core through stories of fishers, farmers, and Australia
sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. coastal communities curated in this report. Adnan bin Hussain
Malaysia
Collaboration lies at the heart of our work. Working with as We owe deep gratitude to our donors, partners, and the staff of
many as 425 diverse partnerships, we co-developed country- WorldFish without whom none of these achievements would Alice Ruhweza*
responsive solutions pivotal to driving sustainable and scalable have been possible. Uganda
impact. Together with multi-sectoral stakeholders, we have
implemented projects that empower communities, ensuring As we chart our course ahead, WorldFish is confident in the Cristina Rumbaitis del Rio
the equitable distribution of benefits and the protection of power of collaboration and scientific innovation. To this end, United States
vulnerable ecosystems. we venture into underpinning our efforts with South-South
Hilary Wild*
collaboration with countries leading the way to unlock their United Kingdom
We are delighted to share that in 2022, our projects in countries potential for sustainable, equitable aquatic food systems that
helped integrate aquatic foods as part of everyday diets benefit all – the people and the planet. Lindiwe Sibanda*
of close to 600,000 beneficiaries, about half of them being CGIAR System Board Chair
women and children. Some 460,000 households adopted We look forward to continued partnerships and new partners to Zimbabwe
improved fish breeds and/or fisheries management practices, join us in this new exciting direction to accelerate aquatic foods
increasing their resilience to climate change. research and implementation, critical to food and nutrition Neal Gutterson*
United States
security and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Patrick Caron*
France

Salah Mesalhy
Egypt

Shenggen Fan*
Baba Yusuf Abubakar Essam Yassin Mohammed China
Chair of the Board of Trustees Director General WorldFish
CGIAR Senior Director of Aquatic Food Systems *CGIAR System Board Members

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 Provides food, nutrition, Is an engine for
Our Value and livelihoods economic growth

Proposition 3.3 billion

People receiving their
micronutrients from
USD 424 billion
The value of aquatic food
production in 2020
aquatic foods globally

600 million 44 percent

People dependent on The portion of global catch
fisheries and aquaculture in economic value coming
Why Invest in for their livelihoods from small-scale fisheries

Aquatic Foods 90 percent 200 percent

The percentage of small- The increase in production
scale fishers living in low- and trade value since
Aquatic food middle-income countries international standards for
fisheries set in 1995

systems have a 1 in every 2 22 percent

large and distinct Workers being a
woman in fisheries and
An estimated increase in
aquaculture production

sphere of impact aquaculture sector by 2030 from 2020 levels

Lowers carbon footprint

For producing healthful nutrient-dense foods compared to land-produced crops and livestock
• 36 percent lower environmental impact from WorldFish’s selectively-bred
Abbassa Nile Tilapia
• Lower environmental stressors from small fish and bivalve aquaculture than chicken,
the most efficient major terrestrial animal-source food

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WorldFish
at a Glance
Who We Are
WorldFish is a leading international research
organization working to improve food
security, nutrition, and livelihoods through
aquatic food systems that are sustainable,
equitable, and inclusive. It collaborates with
international, regional, and national partners
to enable the delivery of transformative
innovations, tools, and practices to advance
aquatic food systems through its cutting-
edge research, evidence for policymaking,
and knowledge co-creation. Our Vision
With a global presence in 27 countries across
An inclusive world of healthy,
Asia, Africa, and the Pacific, and growing, well-nourished people and a
WorldFish has established itself as a global
leader in research and innovation in the realm
sustainable blue planet, now
of sustainable aquaculture and fisheries. and in the future.

Our Expertise
A diverse staff of multi- 427 4 out of 10 34 nationalities
disciplinary scientists and staff are women
talented professionals

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 7 Stories of
Change
A tour of impacts and
scaling opportunities in
aquatic food systems—
an outcome of WorldFish’s
partnerships with countries
and local institutions and
communities

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 1. The GIFT that Keeps on Giving – from Timor-Leste to Nigeria

When Timor-Leste launched its National Aquaculture

Development Strategy a decade ago, the average annual The government is committed
fish consumption was just 6 kg per person compared to to promote and support PPP
the global average of around 18 kg.
model hatcheries introduced
Today, the country is on track to improve diets, nutrition, by WorldFish, and to maintain
and health by doubling consumption to 15 kg by 2030, and expand these to other
thanks to the efforts of the Partnership for Aquaculture areas of the country.
Development in Timor-Leste, now in its second phase
(PADTL2 – 2020-23). Taur Matan Ruak
Honorable Prime Minister, Timor-Leste
A major driver of the initiative’s success has been the
introduction of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT),
developed by WorldFish, the production of monosex seed, GIFT and PADTL2 are not only helping to achieve Timor-
and high-quality feed, which increased the productivity Leste’s national goals but also providing a model approach
three-fold and reduced culture period by half from 11+ to for other Small Island Developing States.
6 months.
Funded by: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade,
In 2022, PADTL2 supported two new public-private New Zealand since 2014, with complementary funding
partnership (PPP) model GIFT hatcheries, building on the from the United States Agency for International
success of the first two introduced under the project. The Development since 2021
new facilities in Hera and Manufahi will add millions more
fish seeds to the country’s supply. Partners: Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Timor-Leste

Roberto Bau Maria is one of 133 fish farmers in the Balibo

cluster, Leohitu, who receives technical guidance from GIFT to boost Nigerian aquaculture
the PADTL2 project. Roberto started farming GIFT in 2017
and since 2019, he also started nursing of monosex fry to Almost half of Nigeria’s protein consumption
fingerling stage, resulting in the sale of 31,840 fingerlings, comes from aquatic foods, but it relies on imports for
earning USD 1449. In 2022, Roberto expanded his 45 percent of its supply, costing USD 1 billion a year.
enterprise and became a local service provider. In 2022, WorldFish successfully transferred 60,000
GIFT fry to a local company, Premium Aquaculture
“The PADTL2 project has given me great results. My Ltd. under an agreement to develop the breeding
family eats fish twice per week, which we weren’t doing population and kickstart a new domestic industry in
before. I’ve earned USD 6500 from selling fish, fingerlings, the country, spreading blue prosperity.
and feed. This is a good outcome compared to other
livelihood activities such as growing crops and raising Roberto Bau Maria, a fish farmer in Leohitu, grew his business
and brings home more fish to eat.
livestock,” he said.

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 2. Trained “Aquapreneurs” Benefit Women and Communities in Zambia and Malawi

Despite aquaculture’s important role in Malawi and I am pleased with the IBEMs project
Zambia, where around 20 percent of land is covered in led by WorldFish. There are clear
water, smallholder fish farmers face many challenges,
including a lack of access to training and quality inputs.
results of increased availability and
For example, they often use poor quality or old fish seed, accessibility of quality seed and
resulting in low production. feed, which I believe will improve
household nutrition. We will see to
To help overcome these barriers, WorldFish launched it that the lessons learnt here are
the Inclusive Business and Entrepreneurial Models (IBEM)
initiative to strengthen the value chain by supporting all
upscaled in other provinces.
actors – fish farmers, and their service and input providers.
Dr. Anna Songolo
The project, which ended in 2022, trained and mentored 73 Permanent Secretary, Ministry of
local agro-dealers and suppliers of inputs for fish farming Fisheries and Livestock, Zambia
or “aquapreneurs” on better management practices for
aquaculture. The project also supported them in setting up better management practices for aquaculture. By adopting
hatcheries to produce seed and upskilled them to become new technologies, farm household income increased 129
feed suppliers that could in turn provide training and inputs percent, while the local fish supply also improved.
to smallholder farmers in their communities, creating a
profitable value chain for farmers and entrepreneurs alike. As a result of the project, more than 25,000 people, more
than half of them women, now have access to healthy and
Mfune Mwendalubi, living in Zambia’s Mporokoso District, nutritious aquatic foods.
became a first-time fish feed seller as one of the 25 feed
aquapreneurs trained and mentored by the project. In Small businesses like Mfune’s are enabling local fish
the first season, she earned ZMW 17,790 (USD 1040) in farming communities to increase their profitability
revenue by selling feed co-financed by the IBEM project. with quality inputs, while being catalytic for attracting
She has since reinvested the money into growing her feed more investment. The trained aquapreneurs in Zambia
business. As the only fish feed retailer in the area, farmers leveraged an additional USD 223,910 for scaling their
now buy from Mfune’s shop instead of travelling more business—demonstrating a successful approach to
than 150 km away to the next district. gender-inclusive business models that can sustainably
increase incomes and improve food and nutrition security
With aquapreneurs in business, more than 73 percent of in countries like Malawi and Zambia.
farmers reported having access to quality fingerlings, up
from 14 percent before the project started. Funded by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale
Zusammenarbeit GmbH
Meanwhile, IBEM trained 3672 farmers—37 percent women— Mfune Mwendalubi, a first-time fish feed seller, now has a
on new approaches for using quality seed and feed, and Partners: Departments of Fisheries in Zambia and Malawi busy shop in Mporokoso district.

10
 The revenues from Artemia and aquaculture have
boosted Nurul Absar’s income as a farmer.

3. Climate-Adapted Livelihoods and Nutrition with Artemia in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is one of the most climate challenged nations farms, and fish, shrimp, and crab producers, increasing With further research and collaboration, the project can
in the world, with Cox’s Bazar along its coast particularly their incomes by as much as 400 percent. be scaled out from Cox’s Bazar to help farmers across the
vulnerable. The region produces 95 percent of the salt in country adapt to climate change.
Bangladesh but provides only minimal incomes to some Further, to introduce Artemia into local diets, the WorldFish
1.5 million people working in the industry. Fish farming team developed recipes to foster acceptance. For instance, Funded by: European Union
in the region also struggles with poor productivity. This Artemia kebabs are becoming popular in the area as an
leaves many unable to attain fruitful livelihoods and access alternative to meat kebabs. As a healthy option to support Partners: Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh;
to healthy food. To address these interlinked challenges, nutrition for women and children, an Artemia omelet was Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation;
WorldFish introduced Artemia or brine shrimp pond developed. These and other recipes were demonstrated Can Tho University; Ghent University; Shushilan;
culture through the Artemia4Bangladesh project. with tastings to more than 200 salt farming families. Mukti Cox’s Bazar; Coast Foundation

Artemia is one of the most widely used crustaceans in Nurul Absar, a farmer in the region, emphasized the
the world, often as live feed for farmed fish. Importantly, importance of Artemia for his family: “I had a very limited Seaweed farming provides for lost
it can thrive in highly saline water and contains essential scope of earning apart from salt production. Now, the incomes along the Naf River
nutrients, providing more than 50 percent protein, earnings received from Artemia, and aquaculture have
essential amino acids, and fatty acids needed for child increased the income of my family.” Due to a fishing ban along the Naf River, fishers are
development, so it also has potential as food for people. shifting to seaweed farming as a sustainable and
Artemia provides not only an alternative source of income profitable alternative with support from WorldFish.
The project helped set up around 150 farms introducing and nutrition for the community but a way to adapt to More than 100 young people have adopted the
Artemia and aquaculture technologies, and training 1,500 the impacts of climate change. As water salinity increases, practice to enhance their livelihoods since the
farmers on Artemia pond culture, homestead aquaculture the coastal community is affected by low agriculture and program’s start. Along with seaweed aquaculture
and vegetable gardening, and shrimp, tilapia, carp and aquaculture productivity. Artemia, being resilient to high technologies, scoping out and developing market
mola aquaculture. These interventions enabled farmers to salinity and temperatures, can ensure stable incomes for potential would be a key enabler for further gains.
supplement their incomes from salt production by selling farmers in the face of climate change.
Artemia to local shrimp hatcheries, nurseries, grow-out

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 4. Fostering Climate-Smart Aquaculture Innovations and Enterprises in Egypt

Africa is facing daunting challenges from climate change – Our partnership has resulted in a
from extreme heat to drought, water scarcity and more. With substantial return on investment for
the arid and water-poor regions comprising more than half
of the continent, innovative solutions can help better use
farmers, while contributing toward
limited and untapped aquatic resources – as is already being the development and strengthening of
done in Egypt, the largest producer of aquatic foods in Africa. aquaculture systems and institutions.
These results underscore the significance
To spur research and development in fish value chains, of partnerships and sharing of knowledge
WorldFish initiated an innovation hub at its Abbassa
research and training facility in Egypt in 2019 with the aim
within the aquaculture industry.
to mobilize cross-sectoral partnerships for developing
Mousa Wakileh
cutting-edge innovations toward inclusive, climate-smart
aquaculture for shared prosperity. Lead for Soy Excellence Centre of the
U.S. Soybean Export Council in Middle East
In 2022, as a collaborative space for all “blue economy” and North Africa, partnering on training
actors, the hub held 25 training workshops imparting programs on fish feed
skills on aquatic foods technologies and entrepreneurship
to more than 1100 participants from the private sector
Hassan Ali Abdelrahman, a farmer and business owner,
and national institutions from 14 African countries, such
participating in several training programs at the hub
as Eritrea, Ghana, and Kenya. The hub also facilitated
reflected: “WorldFish has equipped me to apply the
knowledge sharing with global experts from more than 28
best management practices in fish farming. Moreover,
countries worldwide. It conducted facility visits for hands-on
the [genetically improved tilapia] and effective feeding
training on innovative solutions, such as WorldFish’s in-pond
strategies facilitated a substantial increase in both
raceway system for advancing climate smart aquaculture
productivity and income for farmers and hatchery owners.”
technologies to maximize water use efficiency and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, and the Abbassa strain of
Expanding on the initiative’s activities could be
genetically improved tilapia for sustainable aquaculture.
transformative in helping countries in Africa adapt their food
systems to climate change while creating local employment
The training programs transferred best aquaculture
and incomes through aquaculture.
production and business practices to diverse stakeholders at
a local level. The increased knowledge and skills have led farm
Funded by: U.S. Soybean Export Council, Norwegian Agency
and hatchery owners and feed company operators, including
for Development Cooperation, International Fund for
women retailers, to increase their incomes by 27 percent. The
Agricultural Development, and Europe Aid
hub also facilitated collaboration between research centers,
the Egyptian government, and local universities to develop
Partners: Lakes & Fisheries Resources Protection and
a new national pathway for aquaculture to complement the Hassan Ali Abdelrahman, a fish farmer and trainee, applied
Development Agency, and Central Laboratory for
country’s National Climate Plan 2050. his learnings to increase his income and resilience.
Aquaculture (CLAR), Egypt

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 5. Scientific Innovation Opens Door for Mass Mola Breeding to Nourish India

Small indigenous species of fish such as mola are rich This success has motivated other Mission
in the micronutrients often missing from diets in low- Shakti self-help groups in the area to
income countries such as India, where 36 percent of take up fish farming in gram panchayat
children are stunted, and 57 percent of women are
tanks on a large-scale basis. The
anemic. But farming these species at scale to improve
nutrition has been technologically challenging—mola technical collaboration with WorldFish
are too delicate and small to handle. was very instrumental in the successful
implementation of this scheme.
At WorldFish, scientists achieved a significant milestone
in June 2022 by successfully inducing the breeding of Sujata R Karthikeyan
mola for the first time in India at its partner hatchery, Commissioner-cum- Secretary, Department of
Biswal Aquatech in Odisha, standardizing breeding
protocol for mola. The breakthrough involved designing
Mission Shakti, Government of Odisha
breeding tanks fed with a steady shower of oxygen-rich
The achievement was celebrated with a mola seed release program
water from an aeration tower to improve breeding and
in collaboration with the Odisha Directorate of Fisheries, which spread
larval survival.
awareness on the availability of mola seed from the partner hatchery
The innovation opened the door for mass mola and shared guidance on mola seed production and farming.
production with minimal risk of animal disease spread,
The mola model has since been replicated and scaled in Assam.
improving availability and access to nutrient-rich food in
rural communities in Odisha. Funded by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale
Zusammenarbeit GmbH
Between June and September 2022, the project’s fish
breeding team produced more than 7 million mola Partners: Fisheries & Animal Resources Development
hatchlings, which were either sold or distributed free Department and Department of Mission Shakti, Government of
of charge to farmers, who used them primarily for Odisha, India; Biswal Aquatech
household consumption and sale. Aiming to benefit
women in particular, the project collaborated with
the Odisha Government’s Mission Shakti initiative, Feeding the future with fish
distributing approximately 15,000 fry to women’s self-
help groups for stocking in publicly owned tanks. WorldFish, with support from USAID, has worked
with the Government of Odisha to include fish-
“Previously, mola was absent in our gram panchayat based meals in Odisha’s Supplementary Nutrition
tank. After the introduction of mola in our pond by Programme. The pilot implemented at 50 childcare
WorldFish and the Department of Fisheries, we are able centers reached 1200 children and, together with
to harvest and consume mola frequently,” said Gurubari technical support and training to increase fish
Khilar, a mother of two young children and a member of production, improved the nutrition of more than
Gurubari Khilar and her two small children are now able to
Maa Manasa Women Self-Help Group that received the 100,000 men, women, and children.
consume nutrient-dense mola on a regular basis.
mola fry from the hatchery.

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 6. Science-Driven Policy Change to Restore Healthy Fish Stocks in Myanmar

In Myanmar, the Hilsa shad is a critical fish for local

livelihoods, nutrition, and ecosystems. One farmer in the
These newly enacted policies to protect the aquatic habitats
of Hilsa will not only help revive ecosystems but will also
Toward Resilient,
country underlined the importance of aquatic foods for their
community: “Fish is very important to my family because
ensure sustainable livelihoods and nutrition for the millions
of fishers, related workers, and their families in Myanmar.
Inclusive, and Productive
it is not only our source of livelihood but also a source of Asian Mega-Deltas
vital nutrients that help us accomplish our daily tasks.” Funded by: The Darwin Initiative of the United Kingdom
WorldFish, through the CGIAR Research Initiative
However, Hilsa stocks in the region were discovered to be near Partners: Myanmar Department of Fisheries, on Asian Mega Deltas, has been working in
economic collapse from overfishing and habitat degradation. Zoology Department of Yangon University, the Networks Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Vietnam to advance
Activity Group, International Institute for Environment and collective knowledge for informing policies and
To reverse this loss of biodiversity, WorldFish and its Development interventions needed to build nutrition-sensitive
partners kicked off a series of research programs to better agri-food systems in the ecologically fragile region.
understand Hilsa in the region, the drivers of its decline,
and potential solutions. Researchers found the small-scale Making nutrition accessible for the vulnerable The team reviewed and analyzed existing datasets
Hilsa fishery sector could be worth between USD 790 with governments to determine the influence of
To improve and support nutrition in Myanmar in the changes in production practices and consumption
million and USD 1 billion per year, with more than 1.5 face of conflict and instability, WorldFish worked with
million fishers and market chain actors dependent on the patterns on micronutrient intakes based on
supply chain actors to produce and market dried fish gender, age, and socioeconomic status, compiling
fish for their livelihoods. They also discovered that more powder, a long shelf-life food using locally sourced
sustainable Hilsa management could help protect the the findings into two research publications.
nutrient-dense small fish. The project helped improve
Irrawaddy dolphin, a near-extinct species in the region. the nutrition of more than 2,000 people, especially Further, the methodologies developed for assessing
pregnant and lactating mothers and young children, nutrition-sensitive agrifood systems policies were
A set of policy briefs, informed by the evidence, were while also creating a new source of income.
presented to the government in Myanmar. One proposed applied in a review of nutrition policies in Bangladesh,
policy to help protect Hilsa stocks included no-take zones, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. A national
as ineffective enforcement often leads to overexploitation stakeholder consultation workshop was held in
of coastal resources. Industrial bottom trawling, a type Cambodia to successfully validate nutrition-sensitive
of fishing that drags large nets across the seafloor, also policies and interventions, with plans to facilitate similar
damages aquatic environments. Increased monitoring and consultation workshops in other focus countries.
surveillance can help check and restrain this practice.

As a result, a series of science-driven policies to protect INITIATIVE ON

Hilsa stocks were passed in critical regions of the country. Asian Mega-Deltas
Governments and local agencies implemented a closed
season aligned with the peak spawning period identified
by the research and designated 12 fish sanctuaries along
key fish migration routes to protect the juveniles.
WorldFish co-developed science-driven policies that are securing
sustainable livelihoods and nourishment for millions in Myanmar.
14
 7. Institutionalizing Community Based Resource Management in Solomon Islands

Thriving local food systems are the cornerstone of food To build institutional capacity, trainings were held for
security, culture, and heritage of Indigenous communities, community facilitators, which led to the co-development
and in small island states across the Pacific, these systems of 12 management plans. These plans, systematized by
are heavily dependent on aquatic foods. In Solomon WorldFish, set out agreed rules for the management of
Islands, fish accounts for 57 percent of animal-source coastal fisheries to support the sustainability of both the
protein consumption, providing vital nutrients as well as local economy and environment.
livelihoods for the islands’ fishers.
The new CBRM scaling strategy provides guidelines for all
Equipping and empowering fishers, processors, and all NGOs and non-profits in the region and directly supports
actors in the value chain to carefully manage the islands’ the goals of Solomon Islands National Fisheries Policy
natural resources is, therefore, critical to ensure the 2019–2029.
sustainability and climate resilience of fisheries.
The initiative by MFMR to scale out CBRM nationally
Since 2011, WorldFish has been collaborating with the vouches for the enhanced institutional and human
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) resource capacity of Solomon Islands over the years.
and the government of Malaita—the province with
the largest population and the third highest rate of The success of the model demonstrates integration of
poverty—to inculcate Community Based Resource interventions with the national strategy and inclusive
Management (CBRM) through research, training, and partnerships as key to institutionalizing good governance
outreach. Having honed this model over the years, and empowering Indigenous communities for the
WorldFish helped MFMR to launch a nationwide CBRM sustainable use of marine resources to secure their food,
scaling strategy in 2022, extending technical support nutrition, and livelihoods.
to communities throughout the archipelago.
Funded by: Australia Centre for International Agricultural
WorldFish has provided customized technical support Research
on CBRM to 76 communities in Malaita since 2021. This
included developing 16 information sets on key issues Partners: Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and
such as mangrove restoration and coral replanting, which Malaita Provincial Government, Solomon Islands
contribute to healthy ecosystems and support resilient
aquatic food systems. These were disseminated to
communities, schools, and health clinics with dedicated
sessions for women, empowering women, and young
people to have a greater role in CBRM decision-making.

WorldFish is working with the government to scale CBRM to

communities throughout the Solomon Islands.

15
 Improved nutrition
and food security Greenhouse gas emissions
Global public goods for reduced in food systems
sustainable aquatic food 590,234
systems produced people receiving 356,157 metric tons
adequate nutrition with of fish, seaweed, and other
46 aquatic foods integrated aquatic foods produced
innovations in aquatic in their diets in project countries with
food systems improved technologies and
~50 percent practices, enabling lower
greenhouse gas emissions
400 beneficiaries consuming

Big Splashes adequate aquatic foods in and greater water and

publications their daily diets who are nutrient use efficiency
published women and children

in 2022
Contributions and Capacity of value Improved livelihoods Environmental health
chain actors and resilience and biodiversity
Achievements in strengthened improved
Countries and Globally 313,584
196,936 small-scale farmers and >326,797
actors upskilled including fisher households that hectares
small-scale fishers, farmers, improved their incomes restored ecosystems
extension, suppliers, students, through sustainably increased through the wider
and community workers production of aquatic foods adoption of more
productive and
462,245 equitable management of
34 percent households that have natural resources
trainees who were women adopted improved fish
who applied their skills and breeds and/or fisheries
knowledge to improve their management practices,
household and community’s food increasing their resilience to
and nutrition security, and incomes climate change

16
 WorldFish @
Engaging Stakeholders and Shaping the Discourse COP27, Sharm
El-Sheikh
104,524 375,134 WorldFish brought scientific evidence
people who and proven innovations to COP27
follow WorldFish Unique visitors to the WorldFish to demonstrate the game-changing
website in 2022 potential of climate-resilient aquatic food
on social media systems in meeting the challenges facing
the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Together with partners and policymakers,
20,583
>1.5k news
WorldFish shared its insights and country
experiences from Asia, Africa, and the
followers on Pacific at more than 20 side events
Twitter hosted at the Food Systems, Oceans,
mentions across media outlets, such as Civil Society, and Resilience pavilions
The Guardian, The Telegraph, Thomson to engage and call to action diverse

22,280 Reuters Foundation News, and more stakeholder groups toward unlocking a
shared “blue prosperity.”
followers on
Facebook

61,661
>90 events
with some 15,000 online and in-person
followers on attendees, including conferences,
LinkedIn global and regional side events,
keynote speaking engagements, and
Fish4Thoughts

17
 Scientific Excellence WorldFish scientists
46 research
innovations
receive distinguished honor
400 publications
(73 percent open access) Research topics include genetics,
Most highly cited researcher for
three years in a row
gender equality, life below water, resilient agrifood systems,
coral reef governance, and reduced inequalities Dr. Eddie Allison, WorldFish Acting Director of Aquatic
Food Systems, was again named among the world’s top

66 peer-reviewed journal articles

(86 percent open access)
0.1 percent of researchers by Clarivate in their annual
list of Highly Cited Researchers, having received this
recognition in 2020 and 2021.

6 publications
with Altmetric Attention
Score above 1001 Red Sea seastar named after
1
An Altmetric score >100 signifies research output has received substantial attention and engagement online,
including posted discussions, mentions, and media coverage.
WorldFish scientist
Acanthaster benziei, a crown-of-thorns seastar native
to the Red Sea, was named after Dr. John Benzie,
WorldFish’s Acting Director of Aquatic Food Biosciences,
in recognition of his groundbreaking genetic studies on
crown-of-thorns seastars in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Providing refuges for fish for food security
To improve food security for low-income households
and promote sustainable fishing practices in Cambodia’s
Tonle Sap region, ‘community fish refuges’ were marked
within aquatic ecosystems as safe havens for fish to breed Acanthaster benziei
and grow. With training of communities, fish habitats
rebounded, and production increased by 71 percent.

18
A new
aquaculture
research center
inaugurated
in Penang
WorldFish inaugurated a
new aquaculture research
center at its headquarters
in Penang. The new state-
of-the-art facility doubles
the center’s capacity in
developing new strains
of Genetically Improved This provides much-needed additional
Farmed Tilapia (GIFT), more capacity to support the development
resilient to climate change. of new resilient GIFT strains and to rear
fish for dissemination to target markets.
Dr. John Benzie
Acting Director of Aquatic Food Biosciences
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Digital Innovations:
PeskAAS –a near-real-time digital data system

A monitoring system that processes and analyzes

Enabling Data-Driven
fisheries catch and effort data to provide high-resolution,
near-real-time production data from small-scale fisheries.
The PeskAAS data pipeline is open source and connects to
free or cheap software, making it scalable and adaptable

Policies and Practices to other countries and food systems. The Timor-Leste
government has adopted PeskAAS as the national fisheries
information system, enabling effective monitoring of small-
Feeding and nourishing 9.8 billion people by 2050 is a major global challenge, made even scale fisheries production to inform government policies.
more daunting by the effects of climate change on our food systems. Digital innovations
can fuel a revolution by empowering all actors in food systems—from policy-makers to Countries implemented in: Timor-Leste and Malaysia
farmers and sellers—with valuable data and insights for policy-making, faster and more
dynamic transactions along value chains, and a greater adaptive capacity among fishers
and fish farmers to market and climate shocks.
EpiHealth Survey Tool
Digital innovations can be truly transformative if they address systemic barriers to equal A digital survey tool for tracking on-farm aquaculture
access faced by low-income and marginalized groups and are especially mindful of systems performance and risk factors, including productivity,
small-scale actors in the value chain. profitability, input use and farm management practices,
fish epidemiology and environmental changes, using a
However, aquatic food systems are particularly challenged with pervasive data gaps that smartphone. It has helped identify risk factors and target
limit countries from reaping its many benefits at scale. context-specific interventions to improve performance and
reduce the incidence of infectious diseases. In Bangladesh,
WorldFish, in partnership with governments, businesses, and research institutions, has the growth performance of Genetically Improved Farmed
been developing and testing such digital tools and innovations for aquatic food systems, Tilapia (GIFT) was shown to be 27 to 36 percent faster than
which are at various stages of implementation, transforming our understanding of how non-GIFT strains and more profitable.
we can accelerate their positive and inclusive impact.
Countries implemented in: Bangladesh, Egypt, Malaysia
and Nigeria
FishBase
A comprehensive online database with detailed
information on over 32,000 fish species worldwide.
FishScores
Developed in the 1990s, it is one of the most cited
sources in the history of scientific research with A Bayesian environmental benchmarking framework
700,000 unique monthly users. Coupled with the for aquatic foods that enables farmers and scientists to
recently integrated Fish Nutrient Analysis Tool, easily evaluate their production systems and identify
fisheries managers and researchers are better environmental hotspots in their value chains. It enables
equipped with data and valuable insights to make stakeholders to make more informed decisions by
evidence-based decisions for improved human health considering the environmental implications of their choices.
and sustainable fisheries management practices.
Countries used in: Worldwide
Countries used in: Worldwide

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Interactive Digital Training
A web-based online learning curriculum for remote
Tackling systemic INITIATIVE ON

Aquatic Foods
extension workers to learn relevant digital resources and
tools on aquatic animal health, including fish syndromic
challenges in
surveillance and fish farm biosecurity, without the need to
install any software. aquatic food systems
WorldFish leads and contributes to the CGIAR Research Initiative on Aquatic Foods
Countries reached: A total of 317 trainees from 24
(AqFS), aiming to tackle systemic challenges to the sustainability and resilience of
countries, including Bangladesh, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya,
aquatic food systems, including data gaps that lead to the exclusion of the sector from
Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and Zambia
wider food and nutrition policies and programs, and limited research investment.

In 2022, AqFS contributed to the growing body of scientific research and innovations
Lab-in-a-Backpack relating to aquatic food systems through activities with 130 partners in 9 countries
and research collaborations in 26 countries. These achievements included:
Improves disease management practices by providing
accurate and rapid diagnosis of aquaculture pathogens
• Developing the next generation of
at the farm without laboratory support. It empowers local
communities to conduct on-the-spot assessments and
GIFT strains in Malaysia and India 38
peer-reviewed
monitoring while bridging the gap between scientific • Supporting Nigeria and India’s
knowledge and local decision-making processes. The goals to sustainably expand their
articles
accurate and rapid diagnosis of aquaculture pathogens aquaculture through GIFT
reduces farmer dependency on antibiotics that has global
health implications.
• Publishing research evidencing
Rohu Generation 3 fish strain
8 new innovations
growing 30% faster than existing
developed and
Countries implemented in: Australia, Bangladesh, already in use
Rohu breeds, informing aquaculture
Malaysia, Nigeria and Thailand in four countries
growth in Bangladesh
• Developing geospatial tools to

30 policy briefs,
identify aquaculture suitability in small
Climate Information Services reservoirs in Ghana
A web-based platform that integrates data from local • Informing 10 instances of technical briefs,
meteorological departments and water temperature from policy/regulatory framework and guidelines
reference ponds to help aquatic food producers predict change across Ghana, India,
and manage local climate risks. A decision framework is Nigeria, and Solomon Islands
generated from these data inputs to guide fish farmers in
responding to the forecasted climatic situation. It empowers
• Convening stakeholders at the 2022
FishBase and SeaLife Base Symposium 23 new
stakeholders with accurate data and improves decision-
to promote the use of digital platforms innovations
making, increasing the profitability and resilience to the under development
and data on aquatic food systems
impacts of climate change.

Countries implemented in: Bangladesh, India and Zambia WorldFish is a partner on 14 CGIAR Research Initiatives that aim to deliver
impact by transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis.

21
Our Global Footprint
WorldFish is implementing projects
in 27 countries across Asia, Africa,
and the Pacific region.

Egypt Myanmar
Laos

Mali

Eritrea Vietnam
Nigeria Bangladesh
Togo Cambodia
India
Cote d' Ivoire Ethiopia
Cameroon Uganda
MALAYSIA
Ghana
Kenya
Rwanda
Burundi
Indonesia
Democratic Republic Tanzania
of The Congo Timor-Leste
Malawi Solomon Islands
Zambia

WorldFish’s growing presence and partnerships in 2022

Zimbabwe • Opened a new office in New Delhi, India, with offices in
9 other countries and headquarters in Penang, Malaysia
Headquarters
• Signed 23 new agreements with universities, institutions,
Offices in other countries
trade associations, development organizations, and donors

22
Partnerships: Private Sector

Enabling Academic Institution

(university, college, etc.)
114

Sustainable, Non-Governmental
Organization
3

Scalable
6
Government
7
12

Impact Advanced Research

Institution
13
National Agricultural 425 PARTNERSHIPS
Research System
15
WorldFish nurtures Financing Institution
(including Foundation)
and builds on a diverse 15
113
International Development
mix of partnerships, Organization (including
Development Project)
leveraging multi-sectoral 21
stakeholder engagement Other

and knowledge exchange CGIAR Center/Program/Platform

23
to co-develop locally Farmer
relevant solutions— Regional and Sub-regional Organization
key to enabling 36
47
International Agricultural Research Center
sustainable, scalable
impact.
Total number of active partnerships: 425
Local partners comprising private sector, academic institutions, and NGOs: ~65 percent

23
Finances
Statement of Financial Position (USD ‘000) Statement of Operating Activities (USD ‘000)
As of Dec. 31, 2022 As of Dec. 31, 2021 For the years ended December 31

Assets 2022 2021

Cash and cash equivalents 12,254 15,211 Revenue

Accounts receivable 5726 4379 Grants 33,137 32,002

Other current assets 251 243 Other income 1016 789

Non-current assets 739 827 Total revenue 34,153 32,791

Total assets 18,970 20,660

Expenses

Liabilities Research 28,375 27,724

Accounts payable 8965 10,920 Administration, support and other 5734 5421

Accruals and provisions 1821 1534 Total expenses 34,109 33,145

Other current liabilities 196 198 Net deficit 44 (354)

Non-current liabilities 794 858

Total liabilities 11,776 13,510

Net assets 7194 7150

Total liabilities and net assets 18,970 20,660

24
 Funding by Country (thousands USD) WorldFish Top 10 funders
2% 2% United States Agency for International Development
3%
Bangladesh 4% CGIAR System Organization
4%
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Cambodia 5%
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale
6%
33% Zusammenarbeit
Egypt European Commission
Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation
Global 11%
Mississippi State University
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
India
International Center for Tropical Agriculture
30% University of Wollongong
Myanmar

Malawi

Nigeria Expenditure by Region 2022

Pacific Region
35%

Solomon Islands Southeast Asia

South Asia
Timor-Leste
Pacific

Zambia Central and West Asia and North Africa

2% Sub-Saharan Africa
0 2M 4M 6M 8M 10M 12M 14M 48%
3%

2022 2021 12%

25
Our Donors
We are deeply grateful to our donors for their support and partnership with WorldFish in together advancing sustainable development in countries
by investing in sustainable aquatic food systems.

Academic or Research Institute Government Institution

• Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources • Assam Rural Infrastructure & Agricultural Services Society
• Mississippi State University • Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
• Rajiv Gandhi Center for Aquaculture • Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
• Synergos Institute • Democratic Republic of-Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Timor-Leste
• University of Exeter • Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, South Africa
• University of Wollongong • Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
• European Commission
Foundation • Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, Odisha, India
• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation • Japan International Cooperation Agency
• Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies • Local Government Engineering Department, Bangladesh
• Minderoo Foundation • Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, India
• Oak Foundation • Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand
• Swiss Philanthropy Foundation • Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway
• Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation
• The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Malawi
International and Regional Organization
• United States Agency for International Development
• African Development Bank • West Africa Trade and Investment Hub, United States
• CGIAR System Organization
• Food and Agriculture Organization
Private sector
• International Center for Tropical Agriculture
• International Institute of Tropical Agriculture • De Heus Limited Liability Company
• International Potato Center • Skretting Egypt
• International Fund for Agricultural Development
• ISTITUTO OIKOS Onlus Others
• Livelihoods and Food Security Trust • Institute of Food Technologists
• Pacific Community
• Save the Children
• US Soybean Export Council
• World Bank
26
About WorldFish
WorldFish is a leading international research organization working to transform aquatic food systems to reduce hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. Collaborating with global, regional, and
national partners, WorldFish delivers scientific innovations, evidence to inform policy, and knowledge to enable equitable and sustainable impact for millions who depend on fish for their
livelihoods. As a member of CGIAR, WorldFish contributes to building a food- and nutrition-secure future and restoring natural resources. Headquartered in Penang, Malaysia, with country
offices across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, WorldFish strives to create resilient and inclusive food systems for shared prosperity.

For more information, please visit www.worldfishcenter.org.

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