A new chapter in global aquatic food security is underway as Mississippi State University (MSU) has received a new five-year award from the U.S. Department of State to lead the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Fish, with an initial obligation of $8 million for the first year.
Led by MSU's Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security (GCAHFS), the Fish Innovation Lab will bring together U.S. universities, industry partners, and international collaborators to develop and scale research-based solutions that strengthen aquatic food systems while creating meaningful benefits for American agriculture, industry, and food security.
The new program builds on the accomplishments of the previous Fish Innovation Lab, which operated from 2018 to 2025 and supported 30 multidisciplinary research activities across 10 countries, collaborating with more than 50 institutional partners.
Advancing Aquatic Food Security Through Research and Innovation
Fish and other aquatic foods are essential sources of protein and nutrients for millions of people worldwide. They also provide livelihoods, economic opportunities, and important pathways for improving food security.
The Fish Innovation Lab will focus on two interconnected objectives:
Improving Sustainable Management and Production: Advancing research and innovations that strengthen aquaculture and fisheries production, including improved feeds, genetics, aquatic animal health, production technologies, and sustainable fisheries management.
Getting Nutritious Aquatic Foods to More Families: Improving food safety, reducing food loss and waste, strengthening markets, and expanding access to affordable, nutritious aquatic foods.
Together, these objectives will guide research and partnerships designed to increase aquatic food availability, improve nutrition, and support sustainable economic development.
Building on Experience, Moving Research Into Practice
A defining priority of the new Fish Innovation Lab will be translating scientific discoveries into practical technologies and improved practices that producers, businesses, and communities can adopt.
The program will emphasize collaboration with private-sector partners to accelerate technology transfer, expand opportunities for U.S. companies in international markets, and strengthen protection of American aquaculture from emerging aquatic animal diseases and biosecurity threats.
"This new award allows us to build on what worked in the previous Fish Innovation Lab while putting even greater emphasis on moving research into use," said Dr. Mark Lawrence, Fish Innovation Lab director and GCAHFS director. "We want to develop practical technologies that producers and businesses will adopt, create opportunities for U.S. companies in growing international markets, and address threats such as aquatic animal diseases before they reach American production systems."
Lawrence will lead the new Fish Innovation Lab alongside Dr. Stephen Reichley, associate director of GCAHFS, who previously served as deputy director of the program.
Looking Ahead: Collaboration for Lasting Impact
The Fish Innovation Lab's success will depend on strong partnerships among researchers, universities, government agencies, industry, and local organizations.
By combining scientific expertise with practical approaches to technology development and adoption, the program aims to deliver lasting improvements in aquatic food production, nutrition, and market opportunities in participating countries and the United States.
The Fish Innovation Lab looks forward to reconnecting with longstanding partners, welcoming new collaborators, and sharing progress as research and innovation activities move forward.
Stay connected: Follow the Fish Innovation Lab on Facebook and LinkedIn, and visit our website for updates on research activities, partnerships, innovations, and accomplishments.
The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Fish is led by Mississippi State University's Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security with support from the U.S. Department of State.
Read the original announcement: Mississippi State University Newsroom