It is rightly said that less than 10 percent of the world’s aquaculture is based on fish improved through breeding programmes. Nofima wants to do increase the breeding prorgammes. Systematic breeding programmes involve the strict selection of the fish to be parents so that the characteristics of economic significance are improved in the next generation of fish.
Special advisor, who has co-authored the book with Scientist Matthew Baranski told that the aquaculture industry has much to learn from agriculture, where almost all seeds and domestic animals are improved through breeding programmes. It is informed that in 2003, less than five percent of the world’s aquaculture was based on fish improved through breeding programmes. Today, the figure has risen somewhat, but remains under 10 percent. More than 80 percent of the world’s aquaculture takes place in Asia.
According to Nofima breeding programmes reduce the time to half what it takes before salmon reach slaughter size, which means a dramatic cut in costs. The aim of the book is to present breeding work in an understandable manner and to promote the large potential. Its target group is students and people working in aquaculture.
