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

Current know-how and possibility for growout culture of an endangered catfish, Horabagrus brachysoma

Some varieties of freshwater fish have low growth potential but remain economically attractive due to market preferences. The endangered catfish Horabagrus brachysoma is one such fish, which has limited production but high market demand, and a number of favourable biological characteristics. This article provides guidelines for the culture of this catfish in captivity including for the breeding, nursery, stocking and growout, including advice on pre- and post-stocking practices, harvesting and health management.

Global fish passage forum to include first symposium on hydropower and fish, December, Australia

The American Fisheries Society and the Environmental and Water Resources Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers are holding this year's annual Fish Passage conference in Australia in December in collaboration with hosts Charles Sturt University and the New South Wales Government. The International Conference on River Connectivity, to be held in Albury from December 10 to 14 includes the First International Symposium on Hydropower and Fish Management.

International Workshop on Rehabilitation, Propagation and Conservation of Mahseer, April, India

Despite their abundance at one time in India and other Asian nations, wild mahseer populations have been declining because of degradation of aquatic ecosystems, urbanisation and indiscriminate fishing. Wild mahseer are populations are presently struggling for their mere existence.

An international workshop on mahseer conservation, propagation and rehabilitation will be held in Bhimtal, India from 23-24 April 2018. The workshop is organised by the ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research in collaboration with the Coldwater Fisheries Society of India.

World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference, 23-25 January 2019, Chennai, India

BRAQCON 2019 wil cover latest research and development in the broader themes of the conference in the form of special sessions, contributed papers, expert group discussions and brainstorming on issues facing aquaculturists and ecosystem managers in India and around the world. The conference themes include: Brackishwater ecosystems, estuarine biodiversity and conservation; aquaculture production systems; larviculture; fish and shellfish nutrition; environment and climate change; aquatic animal health; socio-economic and livelihood issues; and aquaculture genetics and biotechnology.

Invasive apple snails (Pomacea spp.) in Vietnam: Short review

Originating from South America the apple snail species of Pomacea, commonly referred to as golden apple snail, was imported into Vietnam from 1985 to 1988 with the intention of raising it for human consumption. Not long after that, the introduced snails quickly spread to most freshwater ecosystems of the country. This review examines the current status and history of apple snail introduction in Vietnam, and the various control and management measures used to cope with snail infestations.