Behoud en duurzaam gebruik van aquatische genetische bronnen : Verkenning van prioriteiten voor de WOT Genetische Bronnen

Abstract

The Centre for Genetic Resources, The Netherlands, (CGN) of Wageningen University and Research (WUR), carries out Statutory Research Tasks (WOT) for the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) to support the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources for food and agriculture (www.wur.nl/cgn). With respect to recent developments in the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture on Aquatic genetic resources, LNV asked CGN to explore the need to also include WOT on Aquatic genetic resources in the next 5-year WOT program that runs from 2021 to 2025. The FAO defines aquatic genetic resources as 'farmed aquatic species and their wild relatives'. In the Netherlands these include several relevant species of shellfish, fish and seaweeds. Priorities have been determined based on interviews with experts and representatives from the aquaculture sector, and by using literature sources. Monitoring of genetic diversity in relevant species of shellfish, fish and seaweed, both wild and cultured populations, is a general priority area for aquatic genetic resources in the Netherlands. Next, based on the monitoring data, advise will be formulated for in situ and/or ex situ conservation measures for the most relevant aquatic genetic resources. CGN manages genebank facilities for long term cryoconservation of genetic diversity in livestock species, that can also be used for the purpose of cryoconservation of priority species of shellfish, fish and seaweeds.