Sustainable Aquaculture Technology Centre (SATC)

As Singapore moves toward its '30 by 30' food security target, SATC is working alongside industry players to apply cutting-edge technologies and integrated approaches—including engineering and Infocomm—to improve aquaculture productivity and resilience.

Our research focus

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

• Genetics and Fish Breeding
  We apply genomic insights to identify commercially desirable traits, develop evaluation models, and implement selective breeding to strengthen broodstock quality and productivity.

• Disease and Health Management
  Up to 40% of production loss in aquaculture can be attributed to disease. We help you address this challenge by developing preventive and sustainable health management strategies.

• Feeds and Fish Nutrition
  We study the nutritional needs of key aquaculture species to develop cost-effective, sustainable feed formulations that support better growth outcomes.

What we offer

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

• Government- or industry-funded research projects

• Joint labs with academic or commercial partners

• Custom consultancy engagements

• Student final-year and applied research projects

• Staff secondment or industry immersion

• Workshops, seminars, and technology showcases

Facilities and resources

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

• Aquaria Facility
  Equipped with both indoor (temperature-controlled) and outdoor aquaculture tanks, Aquaria supports research in marine and freshwater systems, including coral tanks and UV-lit controlled environments.

• RP–James Cook University Singapore (JCUS) Joint Lab
  A shared research platform dedicated to coastal marine ecology and conservation.

• Greenhouse for Urban Farming and Aquaponics
  Enables urban agriculture studies, system integration, and sustainability research.

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, SATC 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

SATC 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.

Partner with us

SATC actively collaborates with industry, academia, and government agencies to advance sustainable aquaculture. Our partners include NUS, NTU, TFI-JCUS, the Singapore Food Agency, Resorts World Sentosa, and Wildlife Reserves Singapore.

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