What can history tell us about the future of aquaculture genetics

Abstract

Historically, genetics has not been a major part of aquatic sciences education or practices. However, it is interesting to note that one of the first animals used for genetic research after rediscovery of Mendel’s results was a Poeciliid, i.e., the guppy. Furthermore, the use of genetic principles and practices for improvement of aquatic species raised under controlled or semi-con- trolled conditions has not become a standard component of aquaculture production, contrary to the situation with other agricultural plants and animals. A number of explanations for the lack of utilization of otherwise accepted genetic approaches will be explored. In addition to the seeming reticence to employ the standard genetic approaches in aquaculture, realization of the purport- ed promise of some of the more recently developed molecular genetic tools has been slower than anticipated. In addition to the difficulties experienced with deployment of this technology, the costs and the need for larger multidisciplinary teams to develop the tools for reliable analy- ses have raised challenges not previously experienced in the field. These factors have led to increased efforts to utilize cooperative approaches to major genetic problems that need to be solved. It would appear that future employment of modern genetic analytical tools to improve aquaculture production will be enhanced and, in fact, further assured via cooperative research ventures.