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.

asdsad

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:
 

MKUBA member during share-out at the end of Phase One

Strengthening an Eco-Credit Program in Tanzania for Coastal Conservation and Sustainable Fisheries Management

Posted by Moni Mukherjee - 4 minutes read

Climate change, Resilient Small-scale fisheries, Blue economy

Handline fisher with tracker Timor-Leste © Joctan Lopes/WorldFish

Peskas Brings Small-Scale Fisheries Into the Digital Age

Posted by John Bakum, Alexander Tilley - 4 minutes read

Data

The Time for an Aquatic Food Revolution is Now

Posted by Essam Yassin Mohammed - 5 minutes read

aquatic food systems

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 

To stay updated, subscribe to WorldFish Monthly newsletter.