The World Aquaculture India 2025 (WAI 2025) event, held from November 10-13 at the Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, has successfully concluded, firmly reinforcing India’s emergent role as a global leader in aquaculture innovation and sustainability. This landmark gathering, which saw over 3,600 participants from 63 countries—including 90 students—underscored the sector’s rapid growth and the crucial need for international collaboration to secure global food and livelihood security.
Scientific momentum and global collaboration
Organized by the World Aquaculture Society Asian Pacific Chapter (WAS-APC) with strong support from the Government of Telangana and a distinguished National Organizing Committee (including ICAR, NFDB, PVNRTVU, SAP, and MPEDA), WAI 2025 was a powerhouse of knowledge exchange. The scale of the scientific activity highlights the industry’s significant R&D momentum:
- Abstracts and Presentations: The event featured 438 abstracts, 298 oral presentations, 76 posters, and a total of 45 technical sessions.
- Key Sessions: Comprehensive three-day sessions covered vital topics that define the future of sustainable aquaculture: feed and nutrition, genetics, disease management, sustainability, market trends, and digital innovation.
- Specialized Focus: The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) organized a dedicated farmer-focused session that brought together farmers from across India, illustrating a commitment to grassroots development, while additional sessions were conducted by the Marine Product Export Development Authority (MPEDA).
The knowledge exchange and collaboration fostered during the event are expected to significantly strengthen aquaculture development across the Asia-Pacific region.
Inspiring keynotes and recognitions
The conference kicked off on November 11 with the ceremonial Lighting of the Lamp and welcome remarks, graced by key leaders from the organizing and supporting bodies. The keynote lineup featured global figures whose presentations set the strategic tone for the future of the industry:
- Dr. Modadugu Vijay Gupta, World Food Prize Laureate (2005), spoke on “Indian Aquaculture: Meeting Food and Livelihood Security”.
- Dr. Manuel Barange, Assistant Director General of the FAO, discussed “Trends and Projections in Global and Regional Aquaculture: A Blue Transformation”.
The event also honored excellence in research and development with the presentation of WAS Awards and WAS-APC Student Awards.
The Trade Show: Innovation on display
The international trade show ran parallel to the scientific sessions, serving as a dynamic platform for industry stakeholders.
- Exhibition Scale: The show featured 110 booths, showcasing a wide array of innovations, technologies, and services from leading companies in India and abroad.
- Networking and Technology: The exhibition halls provided a crucial space for networking, technology demonstrations, and partnership development.
The success of the event was made possible through the instrumental support of Premier Sponsors including Aker Qrill Company, Avanti, Blue Aqua, Devee Group, INVE Aquaculture, DSM, Syaqua, and Zeigler. Special appreciation was also extended to media partners whose coverage amplified the global visibility of WAI 2025.
Hyderabad: A Hub for aquaculture’s future
The choice of Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, proved ideal for hosting WAI 2025. Known as the “City of Pearls” and a major technology hub, Hyderabad is a vibrant city where tradition and modernity coexist. While celebrated for iconic landmarks like Charminar and Golconda Fort, the city is also making waves in the growing field of Aquaculture.
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Its proximity to major freshwater resources and a favorable climate have allowed Hyderabad to emerge as a key hub for freshwater fish farming, shrimp production, and other aquaculture ventures. The city’s strong foundation in marine fishery, marine equipment manufacturing, and marine transportation positions it perfectly as a center for discussing sustainable aquaculture solutions.
The event marked a significant return for the World Aquaculture community to India, following the successful Asian Pacific Aquaculture 2019, solidifying India’s status as a major player in the global blue economy.
Continuing the momentum: World Aquaculture 2026
Building on the tremendous success of WAI 2025, preparations are already underway for World Aquaculture 2026 (WA2026), which is scheduled to take place in Singapore. The upcoming event is committed to continuing the mission of advancing global aquaculture through science, innovation, policy dialogue, and industry collaboration.
The organizers remain committed to delivering future events that support learning, innovation, and progress for all in the aquaculture sector. The success in Hyderabad is a clear indicator that the global aquaculture community is united in its pursuit of a sustainable and innovative future.
Editor at the digital magazine AquaHoy. He holds a degree in Aquaculture Biology from the National University of Santa (UNS) and a Master’s degree in Science and Innovation Management from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, with postgraduate diplomas in Business Innovation and Innovation Management. He possesses extensive experience in the aquaculture and fisheries sector, having led the Fisheries Innovation Unit of the National Program for Innovation in Fisheries and Aquaculture (PNIPA). He has served as a senior consultant in technology watch, an innovation project formulator and advisor, and a lecturer at UNS. He is a member of the Peruvian College of Biologists and was recognized by the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) in 2016 for his contribution to aquaculture.
