Fish Farmers Forum
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Inra.Maitre.C.
This area is aimed at fish farmers, providing advice and technical information, in the form of protocols and factsheets, on specific aspects of fin-fish culture. Useful contacts and relevant events are also listed.
Available in this section:
REPRODUCTION PROTOCOLS
BROODSTOCK HEALTH
BROODSTOCK FILMS
What are the benefits of fish reproduction research to the industry?
The need for fish reproduction research is largely driven by the increasing global demand for quality fish products and the growing dependence on fish farming to meet this demand.
Capture fisheries reached a peak in the 1980’s and most are now near or above sustainable exploitation limits. Consumption of fish however doubled between 1973 and 2003 and this rise is expected to continue.
Most of the demand for fish products is expected to be met by aquaculture, placing considerable pressure on the industry. Research is essential in order to improve understanding of fish reproduction, breeding and nutrition, to ensure a consistent quantity and quality of product year-round.
Fish reproduction research focuses on gaining a better understanding of the
fundamental processes regulating the reproductive cycle, ultimately enabling its
control. This has important implications for the fish farming industry, with wide-reaching benefits.
Research will provide for improved knowledge on:
- Sex differentiation, puberty and spawning cues - for better management of captive broodstocks
- Gamete production and factors affecting gamete quality - for their consistent production and quality
- Fish well-being, stress and immunity - for increased reproductive success
- Biotechnological tools - for genetic improvement of stocks, control of the sexual cycle, vaccine development, storage of gametes, and numerous other benefits.
What is aquaculture biotechnology & why do we need it?
Biotechnology tools are important in the strive towards a more sustainable aquaculture. They also enable the development of innovative methods of research, contributing to species conservation and biodiversity characterisation.
Biotechnology is the fusion of biology and technology and refers to the application of biological techniques in product research and development. It involves the use of molecules (synthetic or physiological), biological materials (tissues, cells, genes) or processes derived from living organisms, to create new and practical applications for agriculture, medicine, industry and society.
A factsheet containing information on biotechnology in aquaculture is available in the Scientific Area section of the website.
Useful contacts
Writing:
Miranda Maybank
Creation date: 23 May 2007
Update: 29 August 2008
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