Workshop on Status and Trends in Aquatic Genetic Resources

Fish genetic resources (FiGR) comprise all finfish and aquatic invertebrate genetic material that has actual or potential value for capture fisheries and aquaculture. In capture fisheries more species are becoming endangered and more stocks overexploited. Management of FiGR can help maintain and rebuild these fisheries. Deep-sea fisheries and modern genetic technologies are emerging areas that require attention. Improved information is necessary for improved policies, but at present it is incomplete, scattered and unstandardized. Although tremendous progress has been made in the genetic improvement, genetic stock identification and genomics of aquatic species, further work is needed to: i) assess the status of FiGR in capture fisheries and aquaculture; ii) improve the capacities of scientists, technical persons, governments and industry; iii) improve facilities for characterizing FiGR; iv) develop genetically improved farmed types of aquatic species; v) develop appropriate policy instruments on use and conservation of FiGR; vi) improve general awareness and levels of knowledge about FiGR; and vii) prioritize species, geographic areas and production systems on which to expend resources for conservation and use of FiGR.--Publisher's description.