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:
 

launching the blue resilience digital platform for climate information services

Zambia and Malawi Launch Digital Fisheries Information System to Boost Climate Resilience

Posted by Jonah Kondowe, Peerzadi Rumana Hossain - 3 minutes read

Climate information services

Small pelagic fish processors from Mafia Island, Tanzania, collecting fish from a fishing boat after landing, preparing them for processing and storage. Photo by Festo Lumwe.

Emerging Impacts from the Asia Africa BlueTech Superhighway

Posted by Rebecca Hayward , Cathy Jacob - 4 minutes read

Resilient Small-scale fisheries, Climate change adaptation, Market access, Gender equity

A discussion among women fish retailers, traders, and sellers with Triple M's group technical engineer, following awareness sessions on renewable energy solutions in aquaculture. Photo by: WorldFish – Egypt

WorldFish and Norway Power Aquaculture Innovation with Women and Solar in Egypt

Posted by Menna Mosbah, Mohamed Fathi, Ahmed Nasr-Allah Mohamed - 3 minutes read

Solar energy, gender equality

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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