These technical guidelines have been developed to support sections of FAO’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries on aspects of genetic resource management in aquaculture. Guidance is provided on broodstock management and domestication, genetic improvement programmes, dissemination programmes for genetically improved fish, economic considerations in genetic improvement programmes, risk assessment and monitoring, culture-based fisheries, conservation of fish genetic resources, gene banks, a precautionary approach and public relations. The effective management of genetic resources, risk assessment and monitoring can help promote responsible aquaculture by increasing production output and efficiency, and help minimize adverse impacts on the environment. The benefits of the responsible application of genetic principles to aquaculture should be communicated to consumers, policy-makers, scientists and others interested in responsible fisheries and aquaculture.