Sustainable Aquaculture Technology Centre (SATC)

Republic Polytechnic’s SATC drives applied research in genetics, disease and health management, and feed and nutrition for aquaculture. Our goal is to help you enhance local food production through innovative, science-based solutions that support the sector’s long-term growth.

Last updated 27 February 2026

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.

Two scientists in lab coats test aquarium water, one takes notes.

Our research focus

Young person holds large, spotted snakehead fish in front of reedy lake.

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

White building with blue stripes and screen-enclosed porch on a lawn.

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

Red snapper fish on crushed ice, viewed from the side.

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

Aquarium with crawfish, orange pellets, and gray PVC pipe pieces used as shelter.

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

Several crabs are bundled with rubber bands and labeled with white writing.

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

Two tanks: one with a translucent shrimp, and one with several silver-grey fish.

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

Several brown and black crickets with long antennae in an enclosure.

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.

Government officials will never ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call.