The 2025 Proaqua APFA Symposium will be remembered not just for its scale or attendance, but for the remarkable keynote delivered by none other than Dr Manoj Sharma, a globally respected voice in aquaculture innovation and sustainability.
With 170+ attendees gathered under one roof, Dr Sharma’s address stood out as a powerful blend of insight, inspiration, and actionable strategy. Drawing from his decades of experience across diverse aquaculture geographies from India and Southeast Asia to Africa and beyond his keynote bridged global best practices with Australia’s unique prawn farming challenges and opportunities.
Dr Sharma didn’t just speak to the room he connected. His open style and genuine warmth sparked meaningful conversations, challenged long-held assumptions, and encouraged both farmers and policymakers to rethink how the industry can evolve. Whether it was about sustainable pond management, climate resilience, or farm-to-market innovations, his insights were tailored to inspire real-world transformation.
One of the most striking takeaways was his emphasis on collaboration over competition, urging the community to share learnings, data, and success models to build a stronger, more future-ready prawn industry in Australia.
It wasn’t just a keynote it was a catalyst.
A heartfelt thank you to Dr Manoj Sharma for sharing his wisdom so generously. Your presence has not only enriched this symposium but left a lasting impact on every farmer, scientist, and policymaker in the room.