Toward Systematic Breeding of Asian Sea Bass, Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790), in Malaysia: Status, Challenges and Prospects for Future Development

Asian sea bass, Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790), is one of the most farmed marine fish in Malaysia since the 1970 s and is predominantly cultured at present.Although it has been farmed for some time, there is no systematic breeding programme in place.Local hatcheries rely heavily on wild and imported broodstock.However, imported stocks do not guarantee improved quality and even increase the chances of introducing pathogens into the country.

E-Newsletter June 2018 | Asian Fisheries Society

E-Newsletter

E-Newsletter June 2018
19 Jul, 2018

MESSAGE FROM EDITOR

The recently released FAO report on State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture though has something to celebrate in that the global fish production has slightly increased to 171 million tons with increased per capita consumption as compared to previous two years, but much more to be concerned is that 35% of global fish stocks have been over-exploited with not much chance to increase production from marine capture fisheries.

The report highlights the contribution of aquaculture to global fish production, economy, livelihoods and nutrition. In 2016, more than half of global production of 171 million tons came from aquaculture. Asia has been playing a major role in global fisheries and aquaculture scenario: contributed two thirds of global inland capture fisheries production; over 89% of global aquaculture production; providing employment to more than 85% of global population of 60 million engaged in fisheries and aquaculture activities; home to 3.5 million or 75% global fleet of fishing vessels that includes small, unmechanised boats as well as industrial fishing vessels; with a farm gate price of $232 billion, aquaculture production contributed two thirds of total value of global fish production of $362 billion.

Many agencies including FAO have estimated that 20% more fish have to be produced by 2030 to meet the growing demand and this increased requirement will have to come from aquaculture – much of which has to come from Asia. While this gives opportunities for the aquaculture communities to increase their production and create job opportunities, also throws challenges to scientists and researchers to come up with new and sustainable tech- nologies without impinging on the environment, to meet the increasing demand.

AFS can provide a platform for exchange of information among scientists, researchers, farming and fishing community and industry involved in fisheries and aquaculture and request all to take advantage of this opportunity. Your contributions to the newsletter – up- dates on new technologies/innovations developed; major publications; announcement of conferences/workshops/training programs, etc. are most welcome.

M.V. Gupta
Editor


	e-Newsletter June 2018