Broodstock management training course launched by NACA and UNU-FTP

Although the aquaculture sector in Asia has grown considerably over the last three decades, currently accounting for over 90 percent of the global production of approximately 62 million tonnes, there is reason to believe that the rate of growth is declining. One possible reason for this decline is a decrease in the quality of seed stocks of many of the major species cultured. Few hatcheries have personnel trained in broodstock management or effective broodstock management plans in place. The situation has been further exacerbated in countries that are dependent on alien species where the sector is witnessing the deteriorating quality of broodstock, which in most instances are based on small imported founder populations that have been maintained in captivity for many generations without genetic management. Establishing capacity in broodstock management is a prerequisite for the development and maintenance of improved, more productive strains desired by many countries.

These problems and related issues have been acknowledged in many fora, including the Asia Regional Ministerial Meeting on Aquaculture for Food Security, Nutrition and Economic Development (2011), the FAO/NACA/DOF Global Conference on Aquaculture (2010) and the FAO/NACA Expert Consultation on the Use and Exchange of Aquatic Genetic Resources (2009). Capacity building in broodstock management has been requested at every annual meeting of the NACA Governing Council since 2006.