Genetic Improvement Program in Fisheries: Indian Scenario

Abstract

There is growing need for genetic research on different tropical fish species to close the looming gap between demand for and supply of food fish. Most of the aquaculture stocks in current use are generally similar to wild undomesticated stocks and in some situations there is evidence for genetic deterioration. It has been widely assumed that genetic intervention will require extensive resources and, the ultimate goal of every genetic improvement programme is to manipulate fish genes to produce better phenotype; therefore, should be considered as an option for the future. Aquaculture genetics research in India is relatively recent. Initially, research was limited to production and evaluation of carp hybrids. There are some methods by which it can be done like Selective breeding, Hybridization, Genetic characterization, Gene mapping etc. In India, some of fisheries research institute is involved in this genetic improvement programmes.