The aquaculture industry is at the dawn of a new era in genetic improvement given the maturation of genomic selection and genome editing technologies. There is now more work on genetic improvement in aquaculture species than ever before. Genome editing has an important role to play in the future genetic enhancement of cultured aquatic organisms and there is a rich history of the industry being a leader in the use of biotechnology in animal agriculture.
How effective gene editing will be in improving aquaculture production and sustainability in the next decade will depend on the success of basic research and innovation in the aquaculture functional genomics and physiology communities. Advancing genetic enhancement will also require active and transparent engagement with public stakeholders as partners in progressing global food security through the development of resilient seafood supplies.
The talk will focus on where we are in the use of genome editing technology in aquaculture, and paths forward to overcome future barriers to its increased application in the industry. This includes three areas that need to be addressed. 1) Improving basic science at the interface of genetics and physiology, 2) Developing technical capabilities and genome resources for emerging species and complex traits, 3) Increasing workforce training and understanding of aquaculture biotechnology as well as open collaboration and sharing of edited germplasm resources, and finally 4) Communicating the benefits of genetic enhancement to meet the food security needs of a growing human population. These ideas will function as a platform for open dialog on genome editing technology and its ability to translate genomic discoveries into more productive and sustainable aquaculture stocks.