Fish genetics research in member countries and institutions of the International Network on Genetics in Aquaculture: Proceedings of the Fifth Steering Committee Meeting of INGA

A conference proceedings of the Fifth Steering Committee Meeting of the International Network on Genetics in Aquaculture (INGA), this publication incorporates information drawn from aquaculture genetics research undertaken or in progress in member countries and associate member institutions of INGA. The papers in this publication examine progress in aquaculture genetics research in developing countries and identify areas for possible collaboration between institutions in developing and developed countries towards developing better breeds of fish that can contribute to increased production and food security while ensuring the conservation of aquatic biodiversity.Fishery resources, Genetics, INGA, Information networks, ICLARM, SEAFDEC, FAO, Bangladesh, China, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Malawi, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Viet Nam, Israel, UK, Netherlands,

Culture of fish in rice fields

Rice is presently grown in 113 countries. Rice farming also offers a suitable environment for the culture of fish and other aquatic organism. This publication synthesizes the available information on the role that aquaculture can play in rice-based farming systems towards food security and poverty alleviation. The review describes the history behind integrating aquaculture with different rice ecosystems, the various production systems in operation such as concurrent, rotational and alternate, the modifications needed to the fields in order to integrate fish with rice farming, and the agronomic and aquaculture management that is necessary. The benefits of integration to communities - economic and environmental - are also described with reviews of the experiences from values countries. The real impacts of rice-fish farming and its future potential in terms of improved income and nutrition are significant but generally underestimated and undervalued. Notable changes have taken place in pest management in rice farming, and in fish seed production and availability making this a particularly relevant moment for emphasizing the importance of rice-fish farming. There is considderable potential for rice-fish farming to expand further in many countries and to contribute substantially towards global food and nutritional security.Freshwater fish, Fish culture

Use of genetically improved and alien species for aquaculture and conservation of aquatic biodiversity in Africa

Aquaculture species are being domesticated and improved through genetic enhancement. Despite the benefits of improved fish in terms of increased production, there are risks associated with conservation of biodiversity when the introduced strains/species escape in natural waters. This is especially important in Africa which is one of the worldÆs repository of diverse freshwater fish fauna and home to native tilapias. This proceedings is a useful tool in bringing awareness among African institutions, agencies, planners of the issues involved in improving production through introductions of improved strains/alien species while sustaining the biodiversity.Aquaculture, Tilapia, Selective breeding, Brood stocks, Biodiversity, Quarantine regulations, Introduced species, Resource conservation, Africa,

Carp genetic resources for aquaculture in Asia

There are over 1 300 species of cyprinids in Asia, which form an important part of the worldÆs aquatic biodiversity. Aquaculture and capture fisheries involving cyprinids are a vital part of the livelihoods of many millions of people in this region. The production of carps from aquaculture in Asia constitutes over half of world finfish aquaculture production. Further growth in human populations will increase the demand for carps as food, but may also threaten wild populations. This publication focuses on carp genetic resources for aquaculture in major carp producing countries of Asia viz., Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, describing the species of importance, our current knowledge of the genetics of these species and genetic improvement of these species for aquaculture.Carp, Fish culture, Aquaculture, Genetic resources, Fishery resources, Asia,

Public-private partnerships in aquaculture: a case study on tilapia research and development

In Philippines, Nile tilapia is the second most important food fish for domestic consumption, next to milkfish. Genetic improvement research for this species has progressed significantly. Public sector institutions that have played a primary role in development of improved strains of the species have also worked on sustaining the genetic quality of stocks. They have ensured that the improved stocks are disseminated commercially for the benefit of more fishfarmers. However, in view of the enormous and complex resource requirements, there is tremendous challenge for the public sector institutions to sustain the cost of long-term genetic improvement and commercialization of the improved seed from the national breeding programs. In the crop sector, such a situation has encouraged the public sector institutions to involve the private sector as a partner in breeding programs and commercialization of the products. In the case of fish, a similar trend is now emerging. In Philippines, there is an increasing private sector participation in the production and dissemination of improved tilapias.Genetics, Research, Philippines, Oreochromis niloticus