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

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:
 

Designated sales area and sales tables at Chocas Mar

Exploring Renewable Energy Potential to Improve Fisher Livelihoods in Mozambique

Posted by Moni Mukherjee - 6 minutes read

Loss & Waste, Solar energy

This group of photos captures the fish processing journey from the moment the fish is landed from the sea to its final distribution. The images highlight key stages, including offloading from fishing vessels, boiling to preserve quality, sun-drying for longer storage, and packaging before being transported to markets. Photo by Festo Lumwe

The Ocean’s Power to Nourish Us Belongs at the Heart of UNOC3

Posted by Jörn Schmidt - 5 minutes read

WorldFish scientist conducting a physical inspection of eggs in the hatchery at NARDC in Kitwe, Zambia

WorldFish Partnership Boosts Kafue Bream Production, Strengthening Zambia’s Aquaculture

Posted by Keagan Kakwasha , Samuel Bekele Mengistu, Yvonne Mwanza, Tom Malambo - 4 minutes read

Genetic improvement

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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