UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has announced a groundbreaking £12 million funding scheme aimed at developing sustainable and resilient aquaculture systems in south-east Asia.
Tackling aquaculture challenges
This ambitious programme will support interdisciplinary research projects that tackle the pressing challenges faced by the aquaculture industry, including:
- climate change
- disease management
- food security
The projects will be implemented across several south-east Asian countries, including:
- Vietnam
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
- Thailand
- the Philippines
These regions are pivotal in global aquaculture production, making them ideal locations for innovative research and development.
International partnerships
The initiative is funded through the UK government’s International Science Partnership Fund Official Development Assistance budget and delivered by:
- the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
- the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
It involves collaboration between UK-based researchers and international partners, including:
- local governments
- non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- community stakeholders in the target countries
Key projects include:
- the AquaSoS project led by the University of Stirling
- the WAVES Consortium led by the University of Southampton
- the GLOBALSEAWEED-PROTECT project led by the UK’s Natural History Museum
Investing in sustainable aquaculture
Dr Amanda Collis, Executive Director, Research Strategy and Programmes at BBSRC, said:
I’m delighted that BBSRC and NERC have been able to invest in four sustainable aquaculture projects, building partnerships between researchers in the UK and Southeast Asia through the investment of £12 million of the UK Government’s Official Development Assistance budget.
Our shared intention is to deliver a more productive, healthy, resilient and sustainable food system and this interdisciplinary programme on aquaculture systems take us a step closer to realising this ambition.
Innovative collaboration
The initiative is part of a broader effort to address global sustainability challenges in low and middle-income countries through innovative research and international collaboration.
The primary goal of the research is to enhance the sustainability, resilience and productivity of aquaculture systems in south-east Asia.
By addressing critical issues such as climate change, disease outbreaks and environmental degradation, these projects aim to improve food and nutrition security, support local economies and promote environmental sustainability.
The initiative also seeks to empower local communities and support gender equity in science and research.
Key projects and their impact
AquaSoS project
Overview
Led by the University of Stirling, the AquaSoS project is developing a digital tool to protect ecosystems and promote sustainable aquaculture.
The project focuses on areas like Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, combining data from satellites, sensors and labs to address challenges such as pollution, climate change and diseases.
Impact
This project will provide policymakers, scientists and industry leaders with the tools needed to balance environmental protection with food production.
It also supports the SE Asia Women in Science Research Network, promoting career development and collaboration among women scientists.
WAVES Consortium
Overview
The WAVES Consortium aims to improve mollusc farming, a vital industry for producing high-quality, low-carbon seafood.
The project focuses on Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia, addressing challenges like climate change, diseases and food safety.
Impact
By mapping current farming practices, developing predictive tools and supporting hatcheries, WAVES will help mollusc farming communities adapt to climate risks and ensure a reliable supply of high-quality seed.
This effort will strengthen food security and improve livelihoods in the region.
GLOBALSEAWEED-PROTECT project
Overview
This project supports the seaweed industry in south-east Asia, which is crucial for livelihoods and provides key ingredients for various products.
The project takes a ‘One Health’ approach to improve crop resilience, introduce biosecurity measures and restore wild seaweed habitats.
Impact
By collaborating with farmers, governments and NGOs, the project aims to create disease-resistant crops, protect the environment and empower local communities.
The initiative supports global sustainability goals, such as reducing poverty and promoting climate action.
Low-cost tools for small-scale farmers
Overview
This project focuses on developing low-cost tools to monitor water quality and detect diseases early, specifically targeting small-scale shrimp farmers in Vietnam and Thailand.
Impact
By involving local communities, the project aims to make sustainable, easy-to-use systems accessible to low-income farmers.
This will help predict environmental and health challenges, allowing farmers to respond quickly and reduce losses.
Significant step forward
These projects represent a significant step forward in addressing the complex challenges facing aquaculture in south-east Asia.
By fostering international collaboration and leveraging cutting-edge research, UKRI’s initiative promises to deliver sustainable solutions that benefit both local communities and the global environment.
For more information, visit the UKRI funding opportunity page: Sustainable and Resilient Aquaculture Systems in Southeast Asia.
Top image: Credit: Earlham Institute
