Genetics and Biodiversity

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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

Aquaculture Asia Magazine, January-March 2025

In this issue:

Promoting farmed shrimp consumption in India’s domestic market: A step towards sustainability
Leveraging indigenous minor carp for sustainable aquaculture in Northeast India
Shaping the future of Indian aquaculture: A path to captive catfish seed success
Sustainable freshwater snail farming: Advancing nutrition security and rural livelihoods in Northeast India
Promotion and protection of small fish species through farming: An initiative in Tripura
NACA Newsletter

Food and feeding habits of some peninsular carps

Carps are a vital component of global freshwater fish production, particularly in India, where both Indian major carps and indigenous species contribute to aquaculture. This study reviews the food and feeding habits of select peninsular carps, highlighting their potential for aquaculture diversification and biodiversity conservation. Indigenous species such as Hypselobarbus pulchellus, Barbodes carnaticus, Labeo fimbriatus, Labeo kontius, and Tor khudree demonstrate adaptability to natural productivity, reducing reliance on artificial feeds. Gut content analyses reveal dietary patterns ranging from herbivory to omnivory, with species consuming vascular plants, algae, molluscs, and insects. Feeding behavior varies across life stages, with juveniles relying on zooplankton and diatoms, while adults shift to macrophytes and benthic organisms. Integrating these species into polyculture systems could enhance aquaculture efficiency and support conservation efforts for threatened endemic fish.

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

IAAC Members' Meeting with online dicussion panels. On screen: Khun Banchong Nissagavanich, shrimp hatchery operator and Artemia biomass farmer.

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.