Genetic Selection in Mariculture

Abstract

The applications of molecular techniques in aquaculture are promising, but still some what uncertain. While high costs seem to be the only hindrance for widespread application of DNA markers for identification purposes and marker assisted selection, the situation regarding commercial use of genetically modified fish is more complex. Although the potential importance of gene transfer technology is large, a major concern relates to the possible impact, which release or accidental escapes of gene-modified individuals may have on natural ecosystems. Other technologies are also rapidly emerging which are either being used or are likely to be used in the future in the aquaculture species. For example micro-array technology has the potential to contribute very large amounts of information on the genes and pathways of genes, which affect the economic traits in aquaculture species