Transforming Fisheries with Genetic Improvement Programmes

Semiconductor Review | Monday, February 26, 2024

Indigenous fish species experience accelerated growth through genetic enhancement, leveraging advanced breeding techniques to improve traits. This innovation enhances productivity in aquaculture, contributing to sustainable and resilient fish farming practices.

FREMONT, CA: Selective breeding methods are now required due to the increasing demand for aquaculture goods, especially as the catch fisheries industry is finding it difficult to supply this need. According to a study on aquatic biodiversity, selective breeding is essential for maintaining aquatic food security. An increasing human population is expected to drive up fish consumption over the next ten years, with an estimated 1.2 per cent yearly rise. Fish and fish product production is expected to reach 200 million tons by 2030. Sustainable management of aquatic resources is crucial to guarantee economic growth, lessen and prepare for the effects of climate change, and help accomplish sustainable development goals—especially the continuous goal of achieving zero hunger.

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The three-spotted tilapia, often referred to as Kafue bream locally, now have a disease-free foundation broodstock due to a genetic improvement programme. This serves as the cornerstone of a selective breeding programme. Creating more than 150 distinct families has helped the programme's basic population become genetically diversified. This base, known as generation 0 (G0), was created from broodstock gathered from natural river systems, which are the three-spotted tilapia's natural environment.

The genetic improvement programme aims to increase the indigenous species' productivity and profitability by improving growth qualities and tracking survival rates. Through appropriate authorities, technical project support and capacity building for GIP activities have been given, encouraging cooperation with the national aquaculture research development centre. This research facilitates advances in tilapia genetics for sustainable and effective aquaculture methods, and it is in line with larger efforts under a national aquaculture development project.

Ensuring a Sustainable National Breeding Programme

To mitigate the possible impacts of cumulative inbreeding across generations, the three-spotted tilapia is produced in multiple individual families to establish a viable national breeding programme. Delivering high-quality fingerlings to farmers depends on maintaining a genetically diversified stock, which is essential for fingerling production. The genetic improvement programme's improved fish growth helps to ensure that native tilapia remain profitable in the aquaculture sector, speed up the turnover of fish crops, and maximise resource inputs. This strategy improves community livelihoods and tackles the nation's rapidly declining natural water resources and growing demand for fish.

High genetic diversity in seeds promotes quicker growth and higher survival rates, which lowers feed, water, and labour costs. Additionally, productive fish development that requires less time and resources results in a lower carbon footprint, promoting climate change resistance.

Increasing Profitability and Productivity

The administration is combining many initiatives under the general framework of economic change to create jobs and reduce poverty. The national economy and the aquaculture industry greatly benefit from the genetic improvement programme's (GIP) projected increases in production and profitability. On a familiarisation tour of the project site, the government acknowledged the progress made so far and pledged to continue building on these achievements.

As part of the larger initiative, hatchery operators have received training in crucial best management practices for handling enhanced seed and broodstock thanks to partnerships with organisations like the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The programme's breeding operations are carried out at a specific location that is acknowledged as the centre of the three-spotted tilapia's genetic isolate. The research team is now producing the second generation (G2) and evaluating the first generation.

This genetic enhancement programme's success is being seen, emphasising the value of scientific innovation in supporting a robust and flourishing aquaculture sector. Increased production of native fish not only satisfies current needs but also sets the stage for a sustainable future in which genetic innovations are essential to environmental preservation and food security.

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