Cheng-Sheng Lee

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that in 2012 aquaculture production of fish will meet or exceed that of the capture fisheries for the first time. Thus, we have just turned the corner from a predominantly hunting gathering approach to meeting our nutritional needs from fish, to a farming approach. In 2012, 327 finfish species and five hybrids were covered by FAO aquaculture statistics, although farming of carps, tilapias, salmonids, and catfishes account for most of food-fish production from aquaculture. Although for most major species at least part of production is based on what might be considered domesticated animals, only limited production in most species is based on farming of improved lines of fish or is fully independent of wild seedstock. Consistent with the infancy of most aquaculture industries, much of the development and implementation of reproductive technologies over the past 100 years has been directed at completion of the life cycle in captivity in order to increase seed production and begin the process of domestication. The selection of species to farm and the emphasis of selective breeding must also take into account other ways to modify performance of an animal. Reproductive technologies have also been developed and implemented to affect many performance traits among fishes. Examples include technologies to control gender, alter time of sexual maturation, and induce sterilization. These technologies help take advantage of sexually dimorphic growth, overcome problems with growth performance and flesh quality associated with sexual maturation, and genetic containment. Reproductive technologies developed to advance aquaculture and how these technologies have been implemented to advance various sectors of the aquaculture industry are discussed. Finally, we will present some thoughts regarding future directions for reproductive technologies and their applications in finfish aquaculture.

The Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture (CTSA), which is funded by the U. S. Department of Agriculture as one of its Regional Aquaculture Centers, has assisted giant clam and sponge fanning technology development and technology transfer within the region since 1989. Six species of giant clam and one species of bath sponge can currently be commercially produced in the region. After over 12 years of intensive effort by CTSA to develop and transfer technology, the production of giant clam and bath sponges has yet to make any significant contribution to the local economy. By self‐evaluation of our efforts and the continuing efforts of others, this paper provides possible solutions on aquaculture development related factors, which include biological, technological, environmental, and socioeconomic. Recommendations are made on viable aquaculture development in the region based on our experiences. Amongst other factors, the government's commitment to aquaculture and the resulting actions are vital. Farming technology for giant clams and sponges are also briefly reviewed.