During recent years Benchmark Genetics has developed a solid presence in aquaculture genetics through acquisitions of Akvaforsk Genetics (AFGC), a leading provider of advanced breeding program design and technical services to global aquaculture, and the breeding companies SalmoBreed and Stofnfiskur (Atlantic salmon) and Spring Genetics (tilapia). With the recent incorpora tion of Benchmark Genetics Colombia in 2016 , Benchmark expanded its breeding business to marine shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). Benchmark Genetics Colombia continues and expands the pioneering shrimp breeding program initiated by CENIACUA in Colombia in 1997, a program designed and supervised by Akvaforsk Genetics. Today this is the worlds most scientifically documented genetic improvement program for shrimp.
In early 2000 the shrimp farming industry in Asia was faced with instable results, mainly due to the introduction of diseases in the farm environment from the use of wild P. monodon broodstock . The production of P. vannamei , a non-native species in Asia went from 2,310 metric tons in 2000 to over 2,000,000 metric tons today . That jump was based on the Asian shrimp farmers' ability to take advantage of genetically improved, Specific Pathogenic Free (SPF) P. vannamei broodstock . That strategy worked but have not prevented a se ries of new disease epidemics. T he shrimp farm sector will continue to be repeatedly exposed to new epidemics while depending on broodstock poorly adapted to local conditions. To break this vicious cycle there is the need of an alternative, integrated disease management strategy, based on: minimizing the risk of introduction of new diseases to the region; deployment of populations resistant to endemic diseases; and sanitary practices that minimize the likelihood of epidemics and delay infection.
Benchmark Genetics has successfully introduced genomic tools, used routinely in the salmon industry, into its shrimp breeding program. Combining the SPF, SPR approach Benchmark Genetics has successfully developed P.vannamei populations with high levels of resistance to major diseases affecting the shrimp industry today such as: WSSV; AHPND; NHP; TSV; Vibriosis.