The year 2025 marks the golden anniversary of WorldFish.

For 50 years, WorldFish has been at the center of pioneering and advancing aquatic food system sciences with the goal to improve nutrition, livelihoods and environment sustainability for the vulnerable populations. Working closely with local, national and international partners, WorldFish has been delivering evidence-based science and innovations, knowledge to inform policy and tools to empower small-scale fishing and farming communities. 

Today, these public goods stand ready to help us turn the tide on Sustainable Development Goals as they can tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time—from malnutrition and biodiversity loss to climate change and economic inequality. 

Join us as we celebrate our 50th anniversary milestone, reflect on the strides made thus far and reignite our mission with our partners to drive these innovations to scale for the urgently needed large-scale impact. 

 

 

50 years of Journey and Progress

WorldFish’s 50th Anniversary Coffee Table Book

WorldFish’s 50th anniversary commemorative book traces the organization’s big moments in its journey since 1975 that have changed the global discourse on fisheries and aquaculture to that of aquatic food systems—a transformation that opens pathways to leverage aquatic foods for the health and well-being of people and the planet.

This is WorldFish’s story in the voice of its scientists and researchers who shaped its incredible legacy and is now being taken forward by its new wave of scientists and a direction that reimagines the organization’s role in a changing world—all in the book.

Browse or download WorldFish’s 50the anniversary coffee table book

worldfish50

Timeline

Walk through the key developments that shaped WorldFish over 50 years. Trace the path of WorldFish’s journey – its inception in 1975, pioneering innovations, expanding global presence, awards and achievements. 
 

Flashback Moments  

Step back in time with WorldFish.

worldfish egypt

Flashback to the early days of WorldFish in Africa. This photo captures the opening of the Abbassa research and training center in Egypt, now a hub for innovation in climate-smart aquaculture across the continent.

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Tun Dato' Seri Haji Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi, later Prime Minister of Malaysia (2003–2009), and Dr. Meryl Williams, Director General of WorldFish (1994–2004), at the inauguration of the ICLARM (WorldFish) headquarters in Penang, Malaysia, on 13 August 2001. Founded as ICLARM in 1975 in the Philippines, WorldFish moved its headquarters to Malaysia in 2000. In 2025, we proudly celebrate 25 years of advancing aquatic food systems from our home in Penang, Malaysia.

WorldFish Today

Explore cutting-edge aquatic food systems research for development. And recent stories of change:
 

school feeding in assam, india.

The Power of Small Things: How Tiny Fish Are Tackling Malnutrition in India

Posted by WorldFish - 2 minutes read

malnutrition, Child health

WorldFish Trains Communities on Aquatic Food Livelihoods and Nutrition Under India’s Development Campaign

Posted by Baishnaba Charan Ratha - 3 minutes read

Empowering Livelihoods Through Business Training: Evidence of Fish Trader’s Transformation

Posted by Imanuel do Rosário Ximenes, Kimberley Hunnam, Agustinha Duarte, Noviana das Dores Faria Simões, Abelita Pinto, Julia Manuela Belo dos Santos, Thijs Schut, Gianna Bonis Profumo, David Jonathan Mills - 4 minutes read

Read More Stories

What’s Coming 

 

Throughout the year, we will be sharing insights, innovations and impact stories and the people behind them through videos, blogs, media, and events. We’ll also be featuring voices of our partners and collaborators. 

Stay tuned for updates. 

Email us your enquiries or interest to contribute to WorldFish memories – photos, achievements, or to partner with us on promotion or speaking at an event: worldfish50@cgiar.org 

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