Species diversity in African aquaculture is relatively low compared to other regions, with countries reporting the culture of just 13 species with production levels over 10,000 tonnes, and only three species (Nile tilapia, mullets and North African catfish) make up over 75% of production. Despite this low species diversity, the continent is home to key reservoirs of genetic diversity for these species, which are all indigenous to the region but also globally significant aquaculture species. Given the low species diversity used in aquaculture and the relatively nascent state of aquaculture development in most African countries, it might be tempting to consider that effective management of genetic resources is a relatively low priority for African aquaculture.
However, there are already a range of issues at play regarding genetic resource management within aquaculture development in Africa including the risks and benefits of native vs non-native species, the potential degradation of genetic quality of existing domesticated farmed types, and the potential for genetic improvement to act as a catalyst for expansion and intensification of aquaculture production in the region.
The Global Plan of Action for the Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Global Plan of Action) was developed by FAO, in consultation with members, as a policy response to some of the needs and challenges identified in global aquaculture, many of which are highly relevant to African aquaculture. It is a voluntary, non binding policy framework, adopted by FAO Members in 2021, and focuses on four priority areas in relation to genetic resource management: inventory, characterization and monitoring; conservation and sustainable use; development of genetic resources for aquaculture; and policies institutions and capacity building. It identifies key strategic priorities and actions, under these four priority areas, that countries and the international community should undertake for a more responsible management of aquaculture species, and their farmed types (the equivalent of livestock breeds and crops for the aquaculture sector) and wild stocks. This presentation will review some of the key strategic priorities in this Global Plan of Action most relevant to African aquaculture.