The availability of and access to quality seed is broadly recognized as one of the key constraints to the growth of the sustainable aquaculture, especially in least developed countries.
The FAO Blue Transformation Roadmap 2022-2030, which represents the vision of the Organization for its work on aquatic food systems, identifies improvement in the supply of quality seed as a necessary action in leveraging the sustainable aquaculture sector worldwide.
“Sustainable seed supply” is listed as a major component of the recently adopted FAO Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture (GSA). The GSA recommends conditions and actions required for the well-functioning of seed supply systems reflecting commonly cited needs, including the main needs of many African countries. The proposed strategy of quality seed supply chain includes: effective national policies and strategies; the establishment of breeding nuclei and the decentralization of seed multiplication; genetic improvement program; effective broodstock management; good practices in hatchery, nursery, efficient packaging and transport; the regulatory mechanism of private sector for the long-term sustainability of genetic improvement programmes.
An Expert Workshop on the “Improvement of seed supply for small-scale inland aquaculture” was recently held to identify good practices and science-based solutions to unlock aquaculture’s potential for species key to small scale aquaculture and food security in developing regions. Following the experts’ recommendations, FAO is developing technical manuals for the design and operation of small modular hatcheries for key species (such as carps, catfish and tilapias), guidelines for policymakers to promote the development of breeding programmes for lower-value species in developing countries, and a policy brief to support the development of capacity to design and implement breeding programmes. The Expert Workshop also reviewed the draft Assessment Framework for Seed Supply Systems in Aquaculture, a tool to assess needs, gaps, challenges and strengths of seed supply systems and designed around five interdependent components: seed availability and distribution; seed production and quality; information flow and networking; policy and regulatory frameworks; R&D, education and training.