Increased knowledge on the application of molecular genetics on aquaculture and fisheries management will help reduce negative impacts on biodiversity. This project is training national personnel involved in aquaculture and fisheries management on genetic resource characterization, data analysis and project design to encourage member countries to make use molecular genetic tools as part of their management strategies. The project is also developing a regional network of personnel and institutions to facilitate further exchange of information and experiences in the molecular and genetic aspects of aquaculture and fisheries management.
The Project has been successful in the captive breeding and larval rearing of semah and empurau, and in the training of the Malaysian officers in adoption of the techniques that were developed. The project is now turning to address other issues necessary to pave the way towards utilisation of of captive-reared juveniles to replenish depleted wild stocks for conservation purposes through a scientifically-based enhancement program, and commercial aquaculture production. This is the first instance where where such a combined strategy has been adopted with regard to indigenous species, a light to other nations in the region, and indeed to the world, that aquaculture development can go hand in hand with conservation of biodiversity.
The Mekong giant catfish Pangasianodon gigas is a species living under the threat of extinction. A large and charasmatic animal revered throughout the lower Mekong river system it is classified under the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red List as "critically endangered". Currently no overall plan for saving the catfish exists and there is a risk that a piece meal approach to conserving this species may accelerate its decline. The project has brought together the major players in the conservation of the Mekong giant catfish to develop an overarching conservation strategy integrating supportive breeding with harvest and habitat management.
The objective of the study is to investigate genetic issues relevant to the aquaculture, stock enhancement and fisheries management of rohu. The project aims to improve broodstock management practices at the hatchery level, support fisheries management and inform policy development on the translocation of seed for aquaculture and/or stock enhancement. These objectives will be addressed through five inter-linked molecular genetic studies.
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