The problem

The European aquaculture industry is a dynamic production sector characterised by a large variety of cultivated species and rearing environments. Some sectors and larger companies have invested in sophisticated rearing programmes to establish the best possible stock. Elsewhere, this may not happen owing to lack of infrastructure or resources. A coordinated review of current breeding practices, knowledge gaps and main stakeholders would enable the industry to define its research priorities and optimise its performance across the EU.

Overview:

AQUABREEDING will examine the potential for successful animal breeding and genomic techniques to be implemented in the Strategic Research Agenda of aquaculture-related European technology platforms: Fabre-TP and EA-TP. Key elements of the project to facilitate the move towards improved breeding strategies are:

• Reviewing breeding techniques, genomics, research findings and socio-economic challenges throughout the European aquaculture industry
• Developing a strategic plan on industrial research priorities
• Establishing an education and knowledge dissemination programme through collaboration between academics, breeding companies and industry end-users
• Reinforcing links with Fabre-TP an EATP in view of possible future fruitful interactions between these ETPs.

Contribution to policy development:

• AQUABREEDING will establish a strategic plan on research priorities to sustain efficient use of breeding techniques across Europe.
• Links established with the Fabre Technology Platform and the SSA AquaGenome will optimise the transfer of knowledge between sectors.
• The involvement of AQUABREEDING partners in the emerging technology platform for aquaculture (EA-TP) will contribute to the integration of aquaculture breeding in the Strategic Research Agenda of the platform.
• The review of current knowledge and practice will inform discussion and decision-making on ethical aspects of animal rearing in aquaculture.

Project deliverables

• State of the art of breeding techniques and socio-economic issues – June 2007
• Aquaculture breeding knowledge gaps and research priotities – February 2008
• Education and knowledge transfer for aquaculture breeding – October 2008
• Final report – November 2008

Dissemination

• Project with background information, project objectives, schedule, summaries of progress, reviews, survey and forums – ongoing
• Presentation of progress and results to science, industry and policy meetings – as opportunities arise
• Workshops open to a wide range of aquaculture industry representatives and other end-users – as needed

Technical information

Project acronym: AquaBreeding
Project’s official full title: Towards enhanced and sustainable use of genetics and breeding in the European aquaculture industry
Research priority: Modernisation and sustainability of fisheries, including aquaculture-based production systems
Specific webpage: Details not yet available
Proposal/contract no: 044424
Start date: December 2006
Kick off meeting: December 2006
Completion date: November 2008
European Commission scientific officer: Jacques Fuchs, Jacques.FUCHS@ec.europa.eu

Coordinator: Hervé Chavanne
Name: Istituto Sperimentale Italiano Lazzaro Spallanzani
Abbreviated name: ISILS
Address: Località "La Quercia" 26027 Rivolta d'Adda, Cremona
Country: Italy
Tel: +39 (0)363 78883
Fax: +39 (0)363 37047981
Website: http://www.istitutospallanzani.it or http://www.aquabreeding.eu/

Partners

Name: Akvaforsk
Abbreviated name: Akvaforsk
Country: Norway           

Name: Marine Harvest
Abbreviated name: Marine Harvest
Country: Ireland 

Name: Syndicat des Sélectionneurs Avicoles et Aquacoles Français
Abbreviated name: SYSAAF
Country: France 

Name: Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique
Abbreviated name: INRA
Country: France