Genetics and Biodiversity

The Genetics and Biodiversity Programme supports member states to improve scientific knowledge of aquatic genetic resources and to guide strategic planning in their management. The programme addresses both the conservation aspects of genetic resources and their responsible usage in aquaculture to minimise impacts on biodiversity and wild strains and to assist members to meet their obligations under international treaties.

The programme promotes international linkages between member states, capacity building, research programs to develop improved strains of finfish and shellfish, genetic characterisation of existing strains, adoption of new genetic tools and technologies and consortia regional programmes to address common issues, species and strains of value from conservation and/or aquaculture perspectives.

Key activities

Key activities of the programme include:

  • Building capacity in aquatic genetic resource management and application of new molecular technologies, tools and strategies.
  • Characterising aquatic genetic resources to discover species, stocks and valuable genomic resources.
  • Facilitating national and regional programs for domestication, genetic improvement and conservation.
  • Applying conservation aquaculture models to support diversification, fishery enhancement and in-situ conservation of indigenous fish species.
  • Facilitating responsible exchange of germplasm, safe propagation and access-benefit sharing.

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Subject tags

A collection of subject tags relating to technical matters.

In this collection

NACA Newsletter, Vol. XXXIX, October-December 2024

In this issue:

  • Training Programme on Safeguarding Artemia Resources for Aquaculture held in Rome.
  • First International Artemia Aquaculture Consortium Conference and Members' Meeting, Ostend, Belgium.
  • Inception workshop: Knowledge brokering for nature-based solutions in aquaculture transformation.
  • Reported Aquatic Animal Diseases in the Asia-Pacific Region during the First Quarter of 2024.
  • 14th Asian fisheries and Aquaculture Forum, India.
  • PhD scholarships: Shanghai Ocean University PhD Programme 2025.

Videos available: First International Artemia Aquaculture Consortium Conference and Members' Meeting

The first ever IAAC conference was a free half day event held in Ostend, Belgium on 9 September, as a prelude to Larvi 2024, which ran from 9-12 September. The conference featured twelve presentations introducing the IAAC and providing an overview of many of the issues surrounding Artemia, including management of salt lakes habitats that still provide the bulk of global Artemia supplies, Artemia biodiversity, hatching optimisation, and aquaculture of Artemia biomass in tanks and ponds. Video recordings of most will be posted shortly (the programme below will be updated with links). Video recordings of the presentations are now available on the NACA YouTube channel.

The first IAAC Members’ Meeting was held in the afternoon following the IAAC Conference. The proceedings involved two panel discussions, by the Academic Sector and Private Sector respectively. The panels included remote members participating via Zoom.

14th Asian fisheries and Aquaculture Forum: Early bird closes 10 November

The 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) will be held from 12-15 February 2025 in New Delhi, India. Submission of abstracts has been extended until 5 November, and early bird registration closes on 10 November, so get in quick!

The forum is a scientific meeting organised by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS) once every three years to understand the global trends and address issues and challenges faced by the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The main purpose of this Forum is to provide an international platform for eminent scientists, young researchers, and other stakeholders across the globe to share their research experiences and innovative ideas. By facilitating the exchange of diverse range of knowledge and expertise, the Forum with the Theme ‘Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific’ aims to address key issues towards developing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.

Knowledge brokering for nature-based solutions in aquaculture and transformation in Asia-Pacific: Support to the Aquaculture Innovation and Investment Hub

This project contributes to NACA's recent work with the FAO on aquaculture transformation. The aim is to create more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food systems through innovation, investment, and partnerships. NACA is developing an Aquaculture Innovation and Investment Hub (AIIH) to help realise this vision in the region, providing a facility that will bring together innovators, startups, and investors to accelerate transformation. The project will contribute to developing National Innovation and Investment Plans for Thailand, The Philippines, and Fiji, which will address issues including climate change, disease prevention and management, environmental sustainability, gender equality and social inclusion, and resource utilisation and management. The project is part of a wider AQUADAPT initiative, a four-year partnership running from 2023-2027, funded by Canada's International Development Research Centre.

Aquaculture Asia Magazine, April-June 2024

In this issue:

  • Scientific aquaculture to promote better livelihoods for Scheduled Caste farmers.
  • Rainbow trout in Jammu and Kashmir: Present status and strategies for expansion.
  • Community participation in marine ornamental aquaculture: An integral approach on livelihood empowerment of islander women and conservation of reef ecosystems at the Lakshadweep Islands, India.
  • Training programmes organised by West Bengal Fisheries Department in South 24 Parganas in the beginning of 2024.
  • Exploring the possibility of captive production of a near threatened catfish, Rita chrysea for Indian aquaculture.
  • NACA Newsletter.

Neolissochilus hexagonolepis (chocolate mahseer): A flagship species for diversification of hill aquaculture in Northeast India

This article investigates the ecological, economic, and cultural importance of Neolissochilus hexagonolepis, commonly known as chocolate mahseer and its potential for hill aquaculture in Northeast India. The taxonomy, distribution, and distinct features are described. Chocolate mahseer populations are in decline due to habitat degradation, overfishing and environmental changes, and it is designated as "near threatened" by the IUCN. Breeding patterns, growth parameters, and culture techniques are explored in depth as a candidate species for aquaculture development. Conservation initiatives and the need to balance economic utilisation with species conservation in chocolate mahseer farming are discussed.

Aquaculture Asia Magazine, October-December 2023

In this issue:

  • How welfare assessments of farmed white leg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) can benefit the whole industry
  • Thai Fish Project: A path towards a sustainable aquaculture
  • Nationally-recognised ornamental fish breeder Kripan Sarkar - a man to remember
  • Tilapia parvovirus disease: An emerging threat for the tilapia aquaculture industry
  • Naihati fish seed market as state-of-the-art for sustainable support services to fish growers, buyers and traders
  • NACA Newsletter

Thai Fish Project: A path towards a sustainable aquaculture

The Thai Fish Project began in 2019, and involves around 200 research members and multiple institutions in Thailand and Japan. The project aims to promote domestication and wise use of two Thai native aquatic species, namely the Asian sea bass Lates calcarifer and banana shrimp Penaeus merguiensis through increasing productivity, reducing the impact of infectious diseases, and preserving genetic resources. The project also encompasses several specific research topics to ensure that it comprehensively addresses the concerns on safeguarding the food security and enhancing the environmental sustainability as much as possible. This article describes the main research activities, outputs and future expectations of the Thai Fish Project.

NACA Newsletter, Vol. XXXVIII, October-December 2023

In this issue:

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia joins NACA; Applications for the position of Director General, NACA; NACA awarded the Aziz-Ul Haq Rural Development Medal; Training Course on Risk Analysis in the Aquaculture Value Chain held in Bangkok; Free FAO publication: Genetic management of Indian major carps; 7th International Symposium on Cage Aquaculture in Asia; PhD scholarships: Shanghai Ocean University PhD Programme 2024; WAS Journal Special Issue: Global Conference on Aquaculture Millennium +20 Thematic Reviews; Seminar on Artemia Research and Production: Videos; Reported aquatic animal diseases in the Asia-Pacific Region during the first quarter of 2023.

WAS Journal Special Issue: Global Conference on Aquaculture Millennium +20 Thematic Reviews

Eight thematic reviews prepared as preparation for the Global Conference on Aquaculture Millennium +20 (GCA +20) have been published in a Special Issue of the Journal of the World Aquaculture Society "Aquaculture for Food and Sustainable Development". A group of experts prepared advanced working drafts of each thematic review and the key findings from each theme were presented and discussed by expert panels during the GCA +20. Participants were then invited to provide their feedback and perspectives on the reviews and their key messages for consideration in finalisation of the papers. The reviews are available for free download.