Turning Research into Results

for People and Planet

ANNUAL REPORT 2024

Welcome from the Director General and Board Chair

2024 was a year of rising pressure. Climate extremes disrupted lives and food systems. Economic instability made it harder for communities and governments to respond. These challenges tested us, but they also made clear where change is both possible and necessary.

In 2024 we focused on what works. We strengthened ecosystem management, advanced practical innovations and worked closely with our partners to deliver results on the ground.

Our three impact areas, Nutrition and Public Health, Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion, and Climate and Environmental Sustainability, are deeply interconnected. Progress in one often drives gains in the others. From nutrition breakthroughs in Bangladesh to inclusive aquaculture in Nigeria, this report shows that aquatic foods are central to global development and to achieving healthy people, healthy planet, and shared prosperity.

In the year ahead, we begin a new chapter through the CGIAR Research Portfolio 2025 - 2030. Our focus will continue to be on scaling proven approaches, strengthening national partnerships and ensuring that aquatic food systems are part of the global solutions for climate, food and equity.

To our donors, supporters and staff who made this work possible, thank you. We look forward to continuing the journey together.

Alyssa

Alyssa Jade McDonald-Baertl
Chair of the Board of Trustees

Essam

Essam Yassin Mohammed
Director General WorldFish

Impact in Numbers (2020 - 2024)

The achievements are part of a much larger transformation. Over the past five years, WorldFish research and innovation have reached millions. These efforts have improved diets, restored ecosystems, and expanded economic opportunities across Asia, Africa and the Pacific.

1,192,414

people, including women and children, nourished with aquatic foods.

1,405,249  

women and marginalised people accessed better resources, markets and decision-making.

2,970,164

hectares of ecosystems restored.

1,553,721

households increased their income through sustainable aquatic food production.

1,447,642

metric tonnes of aquatic foods produced with reduced emissions and better resource use.

Scientific Excellence in 2024

564

publications.
This includes journal articles, reports and knowledge products. across genetics.

66

peer-reviewed journal articles
were published open access.

108

innovations
in use or under development.

This visit to Timor-Leste is part of South-South collaboration and knowledge exchange. The goal is to share lessons, stories and knowledge about digital transformation [for SSF monitoring].

Marcos da Cruz

Minister for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Timor-Leste

Climate and Environmental Sustainability

Toward a Sustainable Aquatic Foods Future: We Made Strides in Both Policy and Production

As climate shocks grow more frequent and intense, the people who depend on aquatic food systems are feeling the greatest impacts. Rising ocean salinity and temperatures are reducing fish stocks and productivity, along with overfishing. In the problem also lies the solution. Aquatic food systems have the potential to both mitigate climate change and adapt our food systems to it.  

WorldFish is empowering communities with proven tools, digital innovations and nature-based solutions to improve livelihoods, diversify diets and restore biodiversity.

In Bangladesh, where smallholder fish farmers face repeated climate extremes from cyclones to saltwater intrusion, WorldFish research published in 2024 found aquaculture losses exceeding 140 million US dollars between 2011 and 2020. 

To help de-risk aquatic food systems, we introduced digital climate information and advisory services. These tools are now shaping national policy, helping farmers and fishers anticipate shocks and adapt practices to protect their livelihoods, food security and ecosystems

De-Risking Aquatic Food Systems

De-Risking Aquatic Food Systems
In Bangladesh digital climate services are helping fishers and farmers manage risk make informed decisions and protect their livelihoods in the face of extreme weather

This focus on community-driven innovation extends to all regions where WorldFish works. In Cambodia, improved rice-field pond systems raised rice yields by 57% and fish yields by 67% in flood-prone areas.

Climate-Smart Rice Field Ponds in Cambodia Boosting yields and resilience

Climate-Smart Rice Field Ponds in Cambodia Boosting yields and resilience
Simple changes to pond and field design are helping smallholders adapt to floods improve food security and increase incomes across rural Cambodia.

In Egypt, a solar-powered aquaponics greenhouse produced leafy vegetables and genetically improved tilapia in a closed-loop, off-grid system.

Solar Powered Aquaponics in Egypt

Solar Powered Aquaponics in Egypt – Circular, off-grid food systems in action
A new off-grid aquaponics system in Egypt is testing how solar energy and circular resource use can support food production in water-scarce environments

An Asia Africa BlueTech Superhighway (AABS) South-South knowledge exchange brought together farmers and researchers from Kenya and Bangladesh to learn from each other. Participants explored integrated aquaculture systems, toured hatcheries and research stations and shared practical insights on restoring ecosystems while supporting livelihoods.

blueTech Superhighway Connects Africa and Asia

BlueTech Superhighway Connects Africa and Asia
Farmers and researchers from Kenya and Bangladesh shared practical lessons on hatcheries integrated systems and ecosystem restoration during a South-South learning exchange.

In 2024, we also elevated climate and environmental challenges and solutions on the global stage. At the UNFCCC COP29 in Azerbaijan, WorldFish co-hosted a high-level session calling for investment in aquatic food systems as climate solutions. Through the Blue Foods in National Climate Strategies project, we shared new policy guidance to help governments include aquatic foods in their national climate plans. AABS convened senior officials from Bangladesh and Mozambique who announced plans to restore mangroves, expand climate-resilient aquaculture and promote circular economies.

Making the case for aquatic foods as climate solutions

Making the case for aquatic foods as climate solutions
At UNFCCC COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, WorldFish amplified the needs of aquatic food producers and called for greater investment in climate-resilient aquatic food systems. Leaders backed new policy tools designed to help countries strengthen their national climate responses.

In 2025, we will continue to prioritize inclusive, community-led action for climate-resilient and sustainable aquatic food systems. Through the new CGIAR Research Portfolio 2025-2030, we are scaling WorldFish innovations in climate information services, locally led adaptation, nature-based and integrated aquaculture, and climate-responsive policies across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. From creative capacity strengthening for small-scale fish farmers in Zambia to people-centered fisheries management in the coastal waters of Timor Leste, our research and partnerships are helping aquatic food producers to navigate the future in times of rapid change

Before joining the Community Savings Group, I had never been introduced to saving. The regular meetings and discussions motivated me to save monthly.

Altaz Begum

ECOFISH II, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

Social and Economic Inclusion

Aquatic Foods as Catalyst for Change

Aquatic food systems are a foundation for jobs income and opportunity for all particularly for women and youth. In 2024 WorldFish worked with communities to strengthen these systems through inclusive value chains new technologies and support for dignified work across fisheries and aquaculture.

In Nigeria we partnered with local groups as part of the Asia Africa BlueTech Superhighway project to pilot integrated multitrophic aquaculture combining fish shellfish and seaweed in a single system. This nature-positive approach recycles nutrients improves water quality and reduces costs. Early signs of uptake from women’s groups and coastal communities point to its promise as a more resilient way to farm.

Expanding Opportunities for Women in Coastal Aquaculture in Nigeria


Expanding Opportunities for Women in Coastal Aquaculture in Nigeria

Over 45,000 farmers are now using climate-smart aquaculture practices Women like Cecilia Zulu are turning ponds into platforms for food income and independence

In Bangladesh the ECOFISH II project promoted alternative livelihoods and offered soft loans through community savings groups. These initiatives were part of a wider fisheries co-management model that placed local communities at the centre of decision-making to manage coastal resources. Women’s income groups and business literacy sessions helped shift power dynamics improve nutrition and build economic resilience.

Women Lead Change in Coastal Bangladesh

Women Lead Change in Coastal Bangladesh
Savings groups and small businesses are helping women take control of their livelihoods
From home enterprises to regional gatherings these women are transforming local economies

In Zambia we worked with national institutions to explore how aquatic foods can be part of social assistance programs. These initiatives aim to connect food security with economic opportunity for the most vulnerable.

Scaling Climate-Smart Aquaculture in Zambia

Scaling Climate-Smart Aquaculture in Zambia
Over 45,000 farmers are now using climate-smart aquaculture practices Women like Cecilia Zulu are turning ponds into platforms for food income and independence

In Kenya’s Lake Victoria region we introduced solar dryers freezers and fish smoking kilns to reduce post-harvest loss and empower women-led groups. These tools are helping preserve fish safely earn income and support families year-round.

Women Leading Post-Harvest Innovation in Kenya

Women Leading Post-Harvest Innovation in Kenya
Farmers and researchers from Kenya and Bangladesh shared practical lessons on hatcheries integrated systems and ecosystem restoration during a South-South learning exchange.

WorldFish also invested in the next generation of researchers. Through the Development and Scaling of Sustainable Feeds for Resilient Aquatic Food Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa (FASA) project we awarded PhD scholarships to young scientists from Nigeria and Zambia to develop affordable sustainable aquafeeds using local ingredients. Their work aims to reduce production costs improve nutrition and strengthen research capacity in African aquaculture.

Youth Driving Innovation in Aquafeeds

Youth Driving Innovation in Aquafeeds
Young researchers from Nigeria and Zambia are leading breakthroughs in sustainable feed Through PhDs at SLU they are building knowledge networks for the future of African aquaculture.

Small children can’t eat fish because of the bones. And until a child’s head is shaved, mothers aren’t allowed to eat non-veg food.

Pushpa Devi

member of a women-led fish-producing group, explaining cultural barriers to fish consumption in Bihar, India.

Nutrition and Public Health

From Fish to Fork We Are Connecting the Dots

Aquatic foods offer a powerful, affordable solution to “hidden hunger”, the lack of essential vitamins and minerals that continues to affect millions, especially women and children around the world.

In 2024, WorldFish supported communities to integrate fish into local diets, proving that small species can deliver big gains in health and nutrition.

A 2024 WorldFish study of 379 smallholder fish farmers in Sagaing and Shan found that two years of support through the MYSAP Inland Project led to greater fish consumption, improved dietary diversity, and increased pond income. Results highlight the importance of time, continuity, and coordinated support systems in nutrition-sensitive aquaculture.

Sustained Interventions Boost Aquaculture and Nutrition in Myanmar

Sustained Interventions Boost Aquaculture and Nutrition in Myanmar
Two years of support made the difference for smallholder fish farmers in Sagaing and Shan.A 2024 WorldFish study showed that best management practices and nutrition training together led to better yields higher incomes and improved dietary diversity.

In Bihar, India where cultural beliefs and affordability limit fish consumption, WorldFish and partners supported women-led fish-producing groups across more than 100 villages. The initiative combined improved pond practices with nutrition education and fish powder recipes. Results included a 10% rise in household fish intake and 142 women gaining new income as fish vendors.

Enhancing Nutrition through Fish Consumption in Bihar India

Enhancing Nutrition through Fish Consumption in Bihar India
Women-led fish groups helped increase both supply and demand for nutrient-rich fish
Nutrition sessions and new recipes helped shift child feeding practices in 100 villages.

In Bangladesh we focused on dried marine fish powder an underused and affordable source of nutrition. Through ECOFISH II and in partnership with local institutions we analyzed seven pelagic species and found that just 10 grams of fish powder can meet daily needs for protein calcium selenium and vitamin B12 in children under two and contribute to iron and zinc intake for pregnant and lactating women. These fish are widely consumed and easy to preserve yet remain overlooked in formal nutrition programmes.

Combating Malnutrition with Small Pelagic Marine Fish in Bangladesh


Combating Malnutrition with Small Pelagic Marine Fish in Bangladesh

Just 10 grams of dried fish powder meets key nutrient needs for young children and pregnant women
Research from ECOFISH II highlights a low-cost solution ready to scale.

Throughout 2024 WorldFish worked to ensure these findings reached policymakers and partners. We contributed to dialogues with CGIAR, FAO and national governments to make the case for aquatic foods as central, not peripheral to public health strategies.

The Bihar model is now informing other state-level efforts in India. In Bangladesh the fish powder analysis is feeding into food composition tables and dietary guidelines. In Myanmar evidence from MYSAP is helping shape conversations on delivering sustained support to rural producers in fragile contexts.

Turning Research into Policy

In 2024, WorldFish supported national governments to deliver tangible gains for people, planet and policy. From declared marine protected areas to new legal frameworks and nutrition programs, these country-led achievements reflect how WorldFish research and partnerships are translating into systems-level change.

India

India

Policy efforts in Assam advanced the integration of small fish powder into child nutrition programmes. Building on earlier pilots, local authorities submitted a 10.3 million INR proposal to scale up delivery across five districts, embedding sustainable aquatic foods into institutional meal plans.

India

Cambodia

A new district-level governance model for integrated water, fisheries and environmental management was piloted in partnership with IWMI and IFReDI. The initiative supported the creation of a gender-responsive management plan for Boeng Ream Community Fish Refuge and operationalised a national decentralisation policy.

India

Zambia

WorldFish contributed to the development of Zambia’s National Framework for Climate Services. Working with the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, this effort will improve how climate data informs farming and fisheries decisions, helping reduce vulnerability across the sector.

India

Timor-Leste

WorldFish deepened partnerships with government and private sector actors to scale aquaculture. New agreements with hatcheries, nurseries and service providers are strengthening national systems for seed, feed and extension, directly supporting 2030 production and nutrition targets.

Impact that Scales

2024 Top Stories

These four impact highlights demonstrate WorldFish research translated into real-world gains in 2024. From influencing national policy to improving rural incomes, each result shows how targeted investments can unlock scalable, systems-level change for climate resilience, food security and inclusive growth.

Saving Bangladesh’s Most Iconic Fish
Saving Bangladesh’s Most Iconic Fish

Once near collapse, the hilsa fishery is now rebounding. Through our ECOFISH II project, WorldFish supported co-managed sanctuaries, seasonal bans, and alternative livelihoods. Incomes rose by 86%, and a 2024 evaluation found a 32.8% return on investment.

Read story
Scaling Innovation on Lake Victoria
Scaling Innovation on Lake Victoria

In western Kenya, women-led enterprises are cutting post-harvest loss with solar dryers, smoking kilns and solar-powered freezers introduced by WorldFish. Demand has surged, and the success is now shaping regional efforts to expand these technologies across Lake Victoria and beyond.

Watch story
Reviving Rice-Field Fisheries in Cambodia
Reviving Rice-Field Fisheries in Cambodia

In Cambodia’s Mekong Delta, WorldFish helped farmers improve rice field ponds through the CGIAR Asian Mega Deltas Initiative. The result was 57% more rice, 67% more fish and two harvests a year even in dry conditions. These gains are now shaping national efforts to scale climate resilient aquaculture across the country.

Read story
Transforming Salt Farms in Cox’s Bazar
Transforming Salt Farms in Cox’s Bazar

In southern Bangladesh, WorldFish introduced an integrated system of salt, aquaculture and Artemia through the Artemia4Bangladesh project. Some farmers earned over BDT 400,000 per hectare from homestead aquaculture. Savings doubled and women’s participation increased. The model proved Artemia could be produced locally at scale, driving economic and ecological resilience in saline-prone areas.

Watch story

 

Big Splashes

33,329

More people, including women and children, are eating a greater variety of aquatic foods and getting the nutrients they need for a healthy diet.

495,812

More women and people from marginalised groups have better access to resources, markets and decision-making in fisheries and aquaculture, and their roles are recognised and valued.

341,202

Hectares of ecosystems restored through more inclusive and effective natural resource management.

63,115

People trained through short-term programmes in 2024. 24,598 were women.

102,867

Smallholder farmers and fishers are sustaining their livelihoods and earning more through better and more sustainable aquatic food production.

3166 MT

More fish, seaweed and other aquatic foods are being produced with lower emissions and better use of water and nutrients.

2024 Scientific Excellence

564

publications. This includes journal articles, reports and knowledge products. across genetics.

66

peer-reviewed journal articles were published open access.

108

innovations in use or under development.

Partnerships

Total number of active partnerships in 2024: 367
of which new in 2024: 195

 

Finances

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (USD ‘000)

As of 31 Dec 2024 As of 31 Dec 2023
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents 9,990 11,008
Account receivable 7,844 4,352
Other current assets 273 266
Non-current assets 535 675
TOTAL ASSETS 18,642 16,301
 
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable 6,204 6,308
Accruals and provisions 3,877 1,695
Other current liabilities 235 297
Non-current liabilities 593 672
TOTAL LIABILITIES 10,909 8,972
NET ASSETS 7,733 7,329
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS 18,642 16,301

STATEMENT OF OPERATING ACTIVITIES (USD ‘000)

For the years ended December 31
2024 2023
REVENUE
Grants 33,303 30,586
Other income 1,532 1,181
TOTAL REVENUE 34,835 31,767
 
EXPENSES
Research 28,325 26,556
Administration, support and other 6,106 5,081
TOTAL EXPENSES 34,431 31,637
NET SURPLUS 404 (130)

Funding by Country

Expenditure by Region 2024

WorldFish Top 10 Donors

Our Donors

Academic or Research Institute

  • Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources
  • Mississippi State University
  • Rajiv Gandhi Center for Aquaculture
  • Synergos Institute
  • University of Exeter
  • University of Wollongong

Foundation

  • Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
  • Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies
  • Minderoo Foundation
  • Oak Foundation
  • Swiss Philanthropy Foundation

International and Regional Organization

  • African Development Bank
  • CGIAR System Organization
  • Food and Agriculture Organization
  • International Center for Tropical Agriculture
  • International Institute of Tropical Agriculture
  • International Potato Center
  • International Fund for Agricultural Development
  • ISTITUTO OIKOS Onlus
  • Livelihoods and Food Security Trust
  • Pacific Community
  • Save the Children
  • US Soybean Export Council
  • World Bank

Governments

  • Assam Rural Infrastructure & Agricultural Services Society
  • Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
  • Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
  • Democratic Republic of-Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Timor-Leste
  • Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, South Africa
  • Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
  • European Commission
  • Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, Odisha, India
  • Japan International Cooperation Agency
  • Local Government Engineering Department, Bangladesh
  • Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, India
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway
  • Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation
  • The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Malawi
  • United States Agency for International Development
  • West Africa Trade and Investment Hub, United States

Private sector

  • De Heus Limited Liability Company
  • Skretting Egypt

Others

  • Institute of Food Technologists