As the year comes to an end, we have noticed many changes both within our organization and the broader environment. The Asian Pacific Chapter recently extended an invitation to WAS members to serve on the election committee. Since the formation of this committee, a nomination request has been issued and distributed to WAS-APC members for the election of new board members. The newly elected Board members will join the annual Board meeting which will be held in Qingdao, China.

The APC is currently preparing for WORLD AQUACULTURE 2025, which is scheduled to take place at the Qingdao International Convention Centre in Qingdao City, China, from April 24 to 27, 2025, with participation from countries across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. This event is organized by several entities, including WAS and the Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute (YSFRI) CAFS, and is hosted by the China Society of Fisheries (CFS), with support from the National Fisheries Technology Extension Centre (NFTEC), the Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences (CAFS), and the State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Bio breeding and Sustainable Goods (BRESG). World Aquaculture 2025 marks a notable return to China, following the successful World Aquaculture 2002 event that took place more than twenty years ago. This upcoming event is anticipated to be of great importance.

The technical sessions for the Qingdao event have already been finalized. The event will feature numerous technical sessions, including dedicated ones for producers, with a particular emphasis on addressing the concerns of producers in the Asia-Pacific region during these specialized Producer Sessions.

WA2025 cordially invites all aquaculture industry professionals, including representatives from organizations, research institutions, enterprises, and academic entities, to attend this three-day international conference and expo. The conference will focus on the theme “Aquaculture Transformation: Action Towards High Quality and Food Security,” with plenary talks, special sessions, oral and poster presentations, panel discussions, and interactive workshops led by renowned specialists and researchers from around the world. Attendees will have the opportunity to present their research findings, participate in specialized sessions, discover the most recent industry products and services, network with peers, and form key collaborations. This event seeks to bring together leading specialists to discuss the most recent breakthroughs and best practices in Fishery and Aquaculture. Furthermore, a simultaneous event, such as a trade show or exhibition, will highlight the advancements in newly developed technological tools and products aimed at aquaculture.

The APC intends to announce multiple prizes in several categories for students before the World Aquaculture 2025 event. The Honors and Awards Committee of APC will provide information soon about the APC awards and their corresponding categories, which will be available on the WAS-APC website.

The deadline for abstract submissions is January 31, 2025. There are discounted fees for early enrolment. To benefit from discounted rates, exhibitors are encouraged to register early and secure their booths as soon as possible. To get more information about World Aquaculture 2025 in Qingdao, China, please visit the WAS website. (https://www.was.org/meeting/code/WA2025).
— Bibha Kumari, President