FAO Council Adopts a Global Plan of Action for Enhancing the Management of Aquatic Biodiversity Used for Aquaculture

Among the most significant challenges and needs are to: - increase and improve the information available on AqGR, especially below the species level; - widely adopt a standard terminology to describe AqGR; - develop and implement a proactive strategy to identify and conserve those resources that are most at risk (Lucente et al., 2021); - create awareness and build capacity for better management of seed supply systems given that there is often lack of attention in the genetic management of seed, resulting in rapid erosion of genetic variability of farmed types; - accelerate the adoption of genetic improvement; development of breeding programmes focused on the core approach of selective breeding would have significant impacts on production efficiency; and - build capacity and review policy to create an enabling environment for improved genetic management. Sample actions across six strategic priorities include: identifying wild relative stocks at risk; monitoring impacts of environmental change; promoting appropriate use in situ and ex situ conservation; promoting application of basic principles of genetic management and developing and utilizing monitoring tools for farmed types in seed supply systems; and promoting use of codes of practice for introductions and transfers. Development of AqGR for aquaculture The long-term goal for this priority area is to increase adoption of demand-driven genetic improvement programmes enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture production and delivering benefits to consumers, broader society and the environment. FAO is also preparing a number of case studies exemplifying the importance of genetic management and improvement for the sustainable use and development of AqGR, as well as technical guidelines on gene banking and genetic management for restocking.