The International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management (ICLARM), also known as WorldFish, is an international organization working to transform aquatic food systems to reduce hunger, malnutrition, and poverty.

WorldFish
Formation1975
TypeInternational organization
PurposeResearch
HeadquartersPenang, Malaysia
Region served
Worldwide
Membership
FishBase Consortium
Parent organization
Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research
Websitewww.worldfishcenter.org

Based in Penang, Malaysia, WorldFish is a member of CGIAR, which unites international organizations engaged in research about food security[1] and has a presence in 20 countries throughout Africa, Asia and the Pacific Region.[2]

WorldFish has introduced technologies to ramp up local aquatic food production through a network of partners. Such innovations include the development of "genetically improved farmed tilapia" (GIFT) and an enhanced strain of Nile tilapia, in support of smallhold aquaculture farmers in the Global South.[3]

WorldFish research

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In 2020, WorldFish began to transition from fisheries and aquaculture to a more holistic aquatic foods system approach. The institution shifted towards food systems management to focus on aquatic food value chains from production through consumption, with focuses on climate resilience and environmental sustainability.[2]

Recognition

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WorldFish has been recognized for its work in Nile tilapia. WorldFish fisheries scientist Modadugu Vijay Gupta was awarded the World Food Prize for his research on genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) in support of food and nutrition security in food-insecure regions.[4]

Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted, a food nutritionist with WorldFish, received the 2021 World Food Prize for her groundbreaking research, critical insights, and landmark innovations in developing holistic, nutrition-sensitive approaches to aquaculture and food systems.[5]

Impact

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WorldFish has worked to breed genetically enhanced fast-growing tilapia (GIFT) varieties to raise the productivity and incomes of low-income smallholder farmers. It also works to improve the production of key inputs for aquaculture, specifically fish feed and fingerlings, and links small-scale aquatic food producers with input and output markets.[6]

References

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  1. ^ "Research Centers". CGIAR.
  2. ^ a b "Strategy 2030". WorldFish.
  3. ^ "Genetically improved farmed tilapia helps address world hunger". Hatchery International. 2017-10-01. Retrieved 2021-05-10.
  4. ^ "2005: Gupta - The World Food Prize - Improving the Quality, Quantity and Availability of Food in the World". www.worldfoodprize.org. Retrieved 2021-05-08.
  5. ^ "2021 Thilsted - The World Food Prize". www.worldfoodprize.org. Retrieved 2021-10-24.
  6. ^ [1], Nutrition and Food Systems Report, FAO
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