Genetic improvement initiatives in aquaculture

Abstract

In order to bridge the widening gap between the supply and demand of food fish, more genetic research on various species of tropical fish is becoming necessary. In few cases, there is evidence of genetic degradation, although overall, the majority of aquaculture animals now in use are comparable to wild, undomesticated stocks. Given that genetic modification of fish genes is the ultimate objective of all genetic improvement programs and that it is usually believed to involve significant financial outlays, genetic intervention need to be taken into consideration as a potential future strategy. The field of aquaculture genetics research in India is very new. Initially, the creation and assessment of carp hybrids was the exclusive focus of study. It can be accomplished by a variety of techniques, including gene mapping, hybridization, selective breeding, and genetic characterization. Certain fisheries research institutes in India are participating in genetic enhancement initiatives.