Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Lab (SAIL)

SAIL focuses on strengthening local food production through science-based, industry-relevant solutions that support long-term sector growth. We work closely with industry partners to apply integrated approaches across applied science, engineering and IoT technologies to improve aquaculture productivity, efficiency and resilience.

Our research focus

SAIL specialises in building capabilities across these core areas of sustainable aquaculture:

• Genetics and Fish Breeding
  Genetic selection and breeding of key aquaculture species to identify high-performing broodstock and fish for grow-out

• Disease & Aquaculture Health
  To reduce mortality through disease monitoring, biosecurity enhancements, therapeutics and disease management

• Aquaculture Nutrition
  To improve Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) through feeding technologies, feeding practice, sustainable feed ingredients, as well as functional feed

• Aquaculture Optimisation
  Aquaculture optimisation aims to improve the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of fish or aquatic species farming while minimising waste, costs, and environmental impact through the valorisation of farm byproducts and by optimising recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) for specific fish species.

What we offer

SAIL supports your innovation efforts with a range of collaboration models, including:

• Government- or industry-funded research projects

• Joint labs with academic or commercial partners

• Consultancy services

• Student final-year projects, internships and industry attachment programmes

• Staff industry attachment and/or exchange programmes

• Workshops, seminars and technology showcases

Facilities and resources

Our specialised research infrastructure is designed to support a wide spectrum of aquaculture projects:

• Aquaria
  Supports research in marine and freshwater systems with both indoor temperature-controlled environments and outdoor aquaculture tanks. Facilities include coral tanks and specialised controlled environments for experimental studies.

• Greenhouse with Aquaponics
  Supports urban agriculture research, including aquaponics system integration and sustainability-focused studies.

• Aquaculture Genetics Laboratory
  Supports aquaculture research using molecular biology and advanced genomic technologies. Capabilities include genetic and genomic selection for precision breeding, DNA-based species authentication, pathogen detection for health monitoring, and ongoing development of genome editing approaches for trait improvement.

• Feed Formulation Innovation Laboratory
  Enables small-scale feed development and optimisation using controlled extrusion and spheronisation processes. Supports prototyping, ingredient evaluation, and formulation testing prior to scale-up.

• RP–Shimadzu Sustainable Technology & Analytical Research Laboratory
  Provides nutrient profiling capabilities for agriculture, aquaculture produce, novel foods, and nutraceutical applications.

• Histology Laboratory
  Supports tissue analysis for disease diagnosis, sex identification, and structural studies through sample processing and microscopic examination using standard and specialised staining techniques.

Project highlights

Genetics and Fish Breeding

In collaboration with the Tropical Futures Institute (TFI-JCUS), we’re developing genetic resources for Red Snapper. This project, funded by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), aims to establish a superior and diverse broodstock to support the industry's future selective breeding efforts.

Aquaculture Production

We are studying the tropical adaptation of Marbled Crayfish in partnership with an MNC. By analysing tissue samples, we’re identifying genetic markers that affect survival and reproduction under local conditions.

Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) Prototyping

Working with SMEs, SAIL tested a mud crab RAS prototype to improve design and operational efficiency. Insights gathered support commercial scalability and system refinement.

Feed and Nutrition Innovation

We’ve explored using Okara, a soy by-product, as a sustainable protein source in abalone feed. Trials show better feed acceptance, higher growth rates, and longer survivability—leading to lower production costs.

Health Management with Probiotics

In partnership with NTU, we’re developing probiotic-based alternatives to antibiotics for Whiteleg Shrimp and Barramundi. Our approach promotes gut colonisation to improve growth, health, and survival—without contributing to antibiotic resistance.

Alternative Proteins in Feed

SAIL is working with SMEs to evaluate native cricket species and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae as alternative protein sources. We’re also developing BSF-based feeds using traceable food waste and testing feed trials for shrimp.

Key national initiatives

Singapore Aquaculture Solutions – Centre (SAS-C)

The SAS-C programme aims to develop and optimise hatchery and farming practices for Asian seabass and Red Snapper to increase the productivity, sustainability and efficiency of Singapore’s marine aquaculture, strengthening food security and positioning Singapore as a leader in the regional mariculture industry.

AquaPolis Programme Tranche 1 R&D

The AquaPolis Tranche 1 R&D programme aims to optimise Asian seabass production in Singapore through an integrated, multi-institutional approach that enhances fingerling robustness, disease resistance, and feed sustainability. The project brings together experts from eight research institutes to address key bottlenecks faced by the local aquaculture industry, including high mortality from parasites, variable larval quality, and high production costs, with the overarching goal of reducing production costs and improving farm sustainability.

AquaPolis Programme Tranche 2 R&D

The AquaPolis Tranche 2 programme aims to boost Singapore's marine tilapia aquaculture by developing faster-growing, disease-resistant fish with improved feed and genetic traceability. Its goal is to enhance productivity, sustainability and consumer trust in local tilapia, supporting Singapore's food security and aquaculture growth.

Partner with us

SAIL actively collaborates with industry, academia and government agencies to advance sustainable aquaculture.

Our industry partners:

• Singapore Aquaculture Technologies PTE. LTD.

• Blue Ocean Aquaculture Technologies PTE. LTD.

• The Fish Farmer PTE. LTD.

• Century Aquaculture PTE. LTD.

• UVAXX PTE. LTD.

• Otolith Enrichment

• Heng Heng Fish Farm

• Frutti Sugar PTE. LTD.

• SoiLabs PTE. LTD.

• Aquafarms Advisors LLP

Our team regularly presents at industry conferences, contributes to journals and patents and supports the commercialisation of high-potential discoveries. We’re committed to developing solutions that are industry-relevant and environmentally responsible.