This is the second part of the manual Application of molecular genetic techniques in aquaculture and inland fisheries management. It provides a step-by-step laboratory protocols and methodologies for data analysis and a guidelines to design a population genetic study. The scope covers most commonly used techniques for screening genetic variation, general background on the methodologies for estimation of important parameters in population genetic studies for different forms of molecular genetic markers.

The aim of this manual is to provide a comprehensive practical tool for the generation and analysis of genetic data for subsequent application in aquatic resources management in relation to genetic stock identification in inland fisheries and aquaculture. Part 1: Conceptual basis of population genetic approaches provides a basic foundation on genetics in general, and concepts of population genetics. Issues on the choices of molecular markers and project design are also discussed.

This report describes a training course on grouper hatchery protocols that was held in Indonesia in 2006. A total of 20 participants from 13 countries attended the training course which was hosted by the Brackishwater Aquaculture Development Centre, Situbondo. Participants came from Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA) jointly hosted a special session on Better Management Practices (BMPs) at the 3rd INDAQUA 2007, 11-13 January 2007, Chennai, India. The presentations made in the session include i) International principles for responsible shrimp farming; ii) MPEDA-NACA Village demonstration programme, India; Aquaculture rehabilitation and implementation of BMPs in tsunami affected Aceh, Indonesia; and Markets, certification and traceability and small-scale farmers.

This report, the 35th in the series, contains information about the aquatic animal health status of fifteen states in the Asia-Pacific region. The foreword discusses mechanisms for recognition of emerging diseases in the Asia-Pacific region.