Fatin Ilham Fahim, a graduate student of aquaculture and fisheries at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, took several awards and honors at the Aquaculture America Conference, which took place recently in New Orleans. Hosted by the U.S. Aquaculture Society (USAS) and partners, Aquaculture America is the nation’s only major national aquaculture conference and exposition.
Fahim was one of 12 attendees to receive the Student Spotlight Award, and he also garnered awards for best abstract and best oral presentation for his research titled “Alleviating Ammonia Toxicity in Catfish Farming: Protective Role of Elevated Water pH on Growth and Physiological Performance.”
Fahim said the recognition he received at the conference boosted his confidence and reinforced his passion for contributing to advancements in aquaculture.
“Being chosen for the Student Spotlight Award was an incredible honor and a truly exhilarating experience,” he said. “It was a moment of immense pride and validation, knowing that my research had been recognized among the best. The opportunity to present my work in such a prestigious setting was thrilling and motivating. It highlighted the importance of my research and provided a platform to share my findings with a broader audience, which was truly rewarding.”
Fahim credits his research advisor, Dr. Amit Sinha, associate professor of water quality at UAPB, with providing constant support and quality mentorship.
Fahim’s research addresses a significant challenge in catfish farming – ammonia toxicity.
“In simple terms, ammonia is a waste product build-up in fish tanks or ponds, and it can be harmful or even deadly to fish when present in high concentrations,” he said. “This results in significant economic losses for farmers.”
The primary goal of his research is to find a practical solution to prevent the toxic effects of ammonia. Specifically, he is investigating how raising the water’s pH (increasing its alkalinity) might help protect catfish from the harmful effects of ammonia.
“The study looks at how this approach affects the growth and overall health of the catfish,” he said. “By tackling this problem, we aim to improve catfish farming practices, potentially leading to healthier fish, better growth rates and more efficient production for farmers.”
After he earns his master’s degree from UAPB, Fahim plans to pursue a doctoral degree in aquaculture and fisheries science.
“I am passionate about continuing my research in this area, particularly focusing on sustainable aquaculture practices and innovative solutions for fish health management,” he said. “My ultimate ambition is to establish myself as a respected researcher in the field, contributing significantly to the advancement of aquaculture science and practices. I hope to develop solutions that can have a real-world impact on the industry, improving both productivity and sustainability in fish farming.”
Fahim earned his undergraduate degree from Sylhet Agricultural University in his home country of Bangladesh.
“The university’s faculty of fisheries provided me with a comprehensive education in fisheries science, equipping me with practical and theoretical knowledge in areas such as aquaculture, aquatic resource management and fish health management, among others,” he said.
Fahim is originally from Chhatak, located in the Sunamganj District of Sylhet Division, Bangladesh.
“Chhatak is a charming town situated on the Surma River, known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty,” he said. “Growing up there provided me with a unique blend of rural tranquility and access to the vibrant culture of the Sylhet region.”
