The 15th edition of the Aquaculture Roundtable Series (TARS) concluded successfully in Bali, Indonesia, on August 20, bringing together 284 participants from 29 countries to examine the challenges and opportunities shaping Asia’s aquafeed and aquaculture industries. The two-day TARS 2026, entitled “Aquafeeds: Fit for Future 2.0,” was the series’ largest aquafeed-focused edition to date. Aquafeed producers, farmers, technology suppliers, and industry leaders held conversations about feed efficiency, ingredient volatility, animal health, sustainability, smart feeding, and the evolving aquaculture scene.
Fernando J Simanjuntak, Director of Brackish Water Fish at Indonesia’s Directorate General of Aquaculture, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, kicked off the event. He emphasised that increased output must be complemented by higher efficiency, profitability, resilience, and sustainability, while also acknowledging aquafeed as a significant component of production expenses.
The program included 10 sessions with 52 international and regional speakers, panellists, and industry representatives. A headline conversation on the condition of the industry and commodities looked at the impact of unpredictable prices, supply interruptions, and low farmgate prices on farmers and feed makers. Participants emphasised the continued strategic relevance of marine elements while advocating for more adaptable formulations that incorporate nutrition, genetics, health, digestibility, and palatability.
TARS 2026. Mr Simanjuntak is presented with a painting by Dr Kim Tran, De Heus Vietnam (left) and Zuridah Merican (center)
Cost efficiency was also a prominent theme, with presenters underlining that lower-cost formulations do not ensure value. Instead, formulation selections should be made based on digestibility, feed performance, and overall farm economics.
Disease management was also highlighted significantly. Discussions focused on the significance of functional feeds and additives in improving animal health and lowering disease risks, especially in light of current concerns about EHP and vibriosis in Asian prawn production.
The Next-Gen Farmers X Feedmillers workshop brought together farmers and feedmill operators to address data sharing, transparency, and trust problems. Participants advocated for increased collaboration around farm profitability, measurable performance, responsible additive use, and enhanced genetics and post-larvae quality.
Smart feed management, alternative proteins and sustainability further shaped the agenda. Insect meal and single-cell proteins were discussed as components of future multi-ingredient formulations, while sustainability discussions called for industry-wide benchmarking and greater use of food-processing co-products.
“Since 2018, TARS has provided a platform for aquaculture’s next generation,” said Zuridah Merican, Chair of TARS 2026.
The organisers confirmed that TARS will return in 2027 with a focus on shrimp aquaculture, continuing its role as a regional platform for industry collaboration and innovation.
