Toward Systematic Breeding of Asian Sea Bass, Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790), in Malaysia: Status, Challenges and Prospects for Future Development

Asian sea bass, Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790), is one of the most farmed marine fish in Malaysia since the 1970 s and is predominantly cultured at present.Although it has been farmed for some time, there is no systematic breeding programme in place.Local hatcheries rely heavily on wild and imported broodstock.However, imported stocks do not guarantee improved quality and even increase the chances of introducing pathogens into the country.

The Fish Health Section (FHS) | Asian Fisheries Society

The Fish Health Section (FHS)

The Fish Health Section (FHS) is a component of the Asian Fisheries Society, founded in May 1989 to promote effective interaction and cooperation among professionals involved in aquatic animal health research. The FHS aims to encourage and promote advances in knowledge of aquatic animal health, disseminate information on aquatic animal health problems, and promote the implementation of effective aquatic animal health protection practices in the region.

The FHS is governed by an Executive Committee (ExeCom) comprising 11 members, including the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary-Treasurer, and eight ExeCom members.

The FHS holds a triennial "Symposium on Diseases in Asian Aquaculture" (DAA), which brings together members and aquatic animal health professionals to discuss broad issues and specific topics related to aquatic animal health. The FHS also compiles and disseminates proceedings, notes, abstracts of Section-sponsored conferences and workshops, and promotes the development and use of standardized, internationally accepted techniques for the detection and diagnosis of diseases of aquatic animals of regional importance. Eleven previous symposia have been held in various locations around Asia, including Bali, Indonesia; Phuket, Thailand; Bangkok, Thailand; Cebu, Philippines; Gold Coast, Australia; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Taipei, Taiwan; Mangalore, India; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Bali, Indonesia; and Kuching, Malaysia. Further details on all past DAA symposia are available on the FHS website http://www.fhs-afs.net/. The 12th Symposium on Diseases in Asian Aquaculture (DAA 12) and the 13th Triennial General Meeting (TGM-13) will be held in India from September 23-27, 2025. Detailed information will be made available soon on the FHS website and DAA website.

The Triennial General Meeting (TGM) of the FHS is held in conjunction with the DAA symposium and serves as a venue for electing officers by ballot and conducting business meetings of the general assembly. The Section also co-organizes scientific symposia or workshops on topics of interest to the membership independently or in conjunction with the Asian Fisheries Society or any other organization with mutual interests in aquatic animal health.

The FHS is financed through the income from its triennial Symposia. There is no membership fee for FHS. Membership is open to all persons of the Asian Fisheries Society interested in the furtherance of the FHS objectives. Current FHS membership spans many regions around the world.

The FHS has formal contacts with various international organizations, including the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), International Development Research Centre of Canada, Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA), Aquaculture Department of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), World Aquaculture Society (WAS), and other professional global societies on aquatic animal health.

Chairperson: Dr. Kua Beng Chu, Malaysia