Aquaculture of genetically improved fish

Substantial long term selection responses of 10-20% higher growth rate per generation have been documented for several species of farmed fish. In spite of the tremendous benefit/cost ratios and value creation for the society in terms of more efficient fis h production and lower fish prices, only a small percentage (< 10%) of the current world aquaculture production is based on genetically improved material from modern breeding programs. As a result, the majority of aquaculture production is still based on wild animals, which are poorly adapted to a life in captivity. Farming of genetically improved fish will improve fish welfare, reduce losses iand costs and increase income of small scale and poor house hold farmers. The overall objective of this project is increased aquaculture production of genetically improved and domesticated animals, and integration of disease resistance in the breeding objectives for farmed tilapia. Furthermore, it aims at gaining more knowledge and a greater understanding of the sp ecific causes of the lacking use of domesticated and genetically improved animals in aquaculture in South East Asia where the majority of the aquaculture production takes place. Furthermore, the research grant will allow for extended collaboration on on- going projects with related research topics in Nofima and WorldFish Center and for the establishment of new collaborating projects. The objective of this stay is therefore also to take advantage on this by exchanging knowledge and experience on on-going p rojects on genetic effects on social interactions in farmed cod (Breedwell in Nofima) and tilapia (WorldFish Center). Finally, the aim of establishing a collaboration project on genetic disease resistance in tilapia can be addressed during this stay. Col laboration on genetic studies on giant fresh water prawn with researchers at the University of Malaya will also be facilitated during the stay in Malaysia, as well as contributions to training and lectures.