Time is a significant factor. We were prepared to participate in World Aquaculture 2025 in Qingdao, China; however, the event was regrettably canceled by the China Society of Fisheries, the organizing body, just three months before its scheduled date. In light of this situation, the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) conference management team has opted to relocate the event to India, now designated as World Aquaculture 2025 India, which will be held in Hyderabad from November 10-13, 2025. This change enables us to maintain the commitment to delivering an outstanding experience for the participants.

World Aquaculture 2025 India will be hosted at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre – Novotel, Hyderabad City from November 10-13, 2025. This event signifies the return of World Aquaculture to India after the successful Asian Pacific Aquaculture 2019 (APA19) held in Chennai. The rapid expansion of aquaculture in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in India, makes the 2025 event a prime occasion for the World Aquaculture community to redirect its attention towards India, specifically in Hyderabad. Renowned as the "City of Pearl," Hyderabad is pivotal to the progress of aquaculture in India, distinguished by its robust economy, flourishing aqua sector, and strong infrastructure in fisheries, equipment production, and logistics.

The rescheduling of the event has also affected the organization’s regular activities. The WAS-APC was prepared to conduct elections for new BOARD members; however, the postponement of the event to November has delayed the election process. Nevertheless, the nomination process and selection of candidates for the election are ready to proceed.

Abstracts that were submitted earlier for WA2025 China will still be reviewed by the Program Committee, and all registrations will remain valid. A new submission of abstracts is currently being processed for the India event. The deadline for abstract submissions has been extended to August 31, 2025. Exhibitors who have already reserved a booth for the trade show in China and wish to transfer their booking to the trade show in India will receive an updated manual along with all pertinent information. New bookings for the India event are currently being accepted.

I anticipate that numerous aquaculture and fishery specialists from India and neighboring countries will attend this event and gain valuable insights. I extend a warm invitation to all individuals interested in participating, whether they are academics, research scientists, students, or exhibitors. — Bibha Kumari, President