THOSE RESIDING IN Penang may not be aware of international institutions operating in the state outside the presence of multinational companies (MNCs) in the manufacturing and services sector. One of those institutions is WorldFish, a leading research organisation working to improve food security and nutrition since 2000, headquartered in Batu Maung, Penang.

Often overshadowed by our electronics and electrical sector (E&E) along with other renowned MNCs, WorldFish collaborates with international, regional and national partners to enable transformative innovations, tools and practices to advance aquatic food systems through its cutting-edge research.

Having all the technology in the world is insufficient if there is inadequate food to whet the appetite. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, food security and the supply of fish proteins have gained much attention.

WorldFish’s Director General Essam Yassin Mohammed recently shared their role in the sustainable management of the ecosystem, and in supporting economic infrastructure factors within the bionetwork, especially water bodies and coral reefs.

“We need the economic value factored into the analysis of such projects, but we also cannot forget the surrounding ecosystem and what climate change poses of late,” he says, adding that the main hindrance WorldFish is experiencing now is its ability to provide a sustainable level of seafood to arrest the global supply chain shortfalls of food stocks.

Essam identifies food waste as the primary challenge, citing the alarming level that one-third of the total output of food that the world produces end up as waste. While there is no denying that the growing population is also a factor—expected to reach nine billion by 2040 from 7.88 billion in 2021—Essam adds that wastage as the main contributing factor is also ironic, since many people continue to perish from starvation at the same time.

According to Essam, the food supply is bountiful, but acute shortage originates from food wastage in developed countries, and from improper handling, such as the lack of refrigeration. He adds, “We can increase output through our food chain and systems, but on the same token, we must reduce wastage.”

However, in terms of providing food security, WorldFish has been successful in multiplying the tilapia species through genetic improvements through aquaculture schemes in fish farms, also known as Genetic Improvement of Farmed Tilapia (GIFT). With scientific interventions, the tilapia can grow larger and breed faster.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation stipulates that, by 2032, fish consumption is projected to reach 21.2kg per capita globally—up from 20.4kg in the base period (average 2020- 2022). Differences across continents will persist and increase, as the strongest growth is expected in Asia, which already has the highest per capita consumption of seafood, Essam notes.

Another interesting point is that currently, Asia as a region (excluding China), contributes around 50% of global fish and seafood production, with Africa contributing around 6.6%. There is immense opportunity in aquaculture to produce abundant and nutritious food that improves livelihoods. With Asia as the region with the most experience and expertise in aquaculture, WorldFish has recently begun a programme called the Africa-Asia BlueTech Superhighway, which focuses on southsouth collaboration.

It is not just overfishing, development and pollution that are affecting fish supply, Essam also acknowledges that climate change is altering fish breeding, and in some cases, endangering certain species, and the task ahead to save the planet of aquatic life needs stronger willpower from all stakeholders.

With all these challenges ahead, it is not rocket science to deduce that food price hikes will worsen and will continue to affect lower income groups, with malnutrition as a result. Hence, Essam believes there needs to be a policy intervention by countries to address poverty and hunger on top of malnutrition.

As for its role in Malaysia, WorldFish recently collaborated with the Malaysian government on its GIFT initiative through the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to boost Malaysia’s aquaculture sector, handing over 20,000 genetically improved farmed tilapia fingerlings to the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Arthur Joseph Kurup last year. 

The second handover of the latest generation of GIFT to the Malaysian government was conducted during the 21st International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade (IIFET) Conference in Penang.

“WorldFish GIFT represents our commitment to scientific innovation in aquaculture. By providing these genetically improved fingerlings, we support Malaysia’s efforts in achieving food security and sustainable fisheries. Our collaboration with Malaysia highlights the importance of cooperation in fostering resilient and productive aquatic food systems,” Essam notes.

Joseph Kurup meanwhile said that the collaboration with WorldFish on the GIFT highlights the government’s commitment to enhancing food security, adding that it plays “a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for fish, supporting our small-scale farmers and strengthening the resilience of our food systems.”

For nearly 30 years, GIFT has benefited millions worldwide with its fast-growing tilapia.  Launched in 1988, GIFT has shown how a food systems approach can enhance nutrition and livelihoods. It is estimated that over 50% of global tilapia production comes from GIFT and GIFT-derived strains. This strain is crucial in providing a sustainable income for small-scale farmers.

The GIFT project was developed through a pioneering selective breeding programme launched by scientists and researchers located in Batu Maung. It has made tilapia faster-growing and adaptable to various environments—and the fish is now produced in 14 countries, contributing significantly to poverty reduction and hunger alleviation.