Aquaculture development. 9. Development of aquatic genetic resources: A framework of essential criteria

Abstract

Aquatic genetic resources (AqGR) play a crucial role in contributing to global food security and nutrition, as well as sustainable livelihoods. However, in various international fora, most FAO members have highlighted the limitations and constraints faced in assessing their national capacities to use, manage and conserve AqGR as well as in identifying and monitoring the resources used and the suitable indicators of the status of those resources. The main constraints are represented by limited information on genetic resources, inadequate national capacities and expertise, and inadequate legislation and policy frameworks. Recognizing these needs, the Aquaculture Branch of the FAO’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, in consultation with the Committee on Fisheries (COFI) Advisory Working Group on Aquatic Genetic Resources and Technologies (Working Group) agreed on the need to develop a “Framework of minimum requirements for sustainable use, management and conservation of aquatic genetic resources of relevance for aquaculture”. The Framework is a guideline that FAO and FAO members can use to evaluate objectively the capacities, infrastructures and governance tools of a country regarding the sustainable use of AqGR. To this purpose, the Framework has been designed to identify existing gaps, constraints and limitations and to address those, in order to strengthen the capacities of FAO members. The publication contributes to the scope of Strategic Objective 2. Major stakeholders benefiting from this Framework will be national stakeholders involved in the aquaculture and fisheries sectors such as fish farmers, hatchery people, fisher folk, AqGR managers, policy makers, decision makers, donors, consumers and academia.