WorldFish has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kytos, a provider of microbial management technologies based in Belgium, Vietnam, and Thailand. The partnership aims to accelerate research and development in aquaculture microbiome management, focusing on improving aquatic animal health, productivity, and food security across key regions, including Southeast Asia, India, Bangladesh, the South Pacific, and Africa.

The collaboration builds on a successful partnership between WorldFish and Kytos, which began in 2021 under the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) project, Aquaculture: Increasing Income, Diversifying Diets, and Empowering Women in Bangladesh and Nigeria.

“This partnership marks a significant step forward in our mission to transform aquatic food systems. By leveraging Kytos’ advanced microbial management technologies, we can enhance the sustainability and economic growth of aquaculture industries worldwide,” said Rodrigue Yossa, WorldFish director of Aquatic Food Biosciences.

Ruben Props, chief executive officer of Kytos, said that “Kytos has played a pivotal role in advancing sustainable farming practices across more than 20 countries. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) lays the foundation for a strategic partnership between WorldFish and Kytos, aimed at fostering long-term collaboration and innovation. Together, we will work to implement cutting-edge technologies to aquaculture farmers worldwide.”

The MoU outlines key objectives, including building baseline data on the microbiomes of production systems and cultured species of importance, applying for joint research funding, and supporting collaborative projects that enhance food security and seafood safety. The partnership will utilize advanced technologies to monitor and manage microbial populations in aquaculture systems, with the overarching goal of improving aquatic animal health and productivity.