Publications
Aquaculture development – Guidelines for ex situ in vitro gene banking of aquatic genetic resources
08/01/2026
Genetic diversity is fundamental to a species’ ability to adapt, evolve, and survive over time, while also providing essential services to humankind.In the context of food and agriculture, this diversity results from both natural evolution and artificial selection through domestication and genetic improvement.
Aquaculture development – 11. Guidelines for genetic management of stocking programmes for aquatic species
30/12/2025
Stocking programmes are carried out across the world, both in inland and in marine waters, for a wide range of aquatic species and for different goals. These include conservation, the creation or enhancement of fisheries, and the development or improvement of ecosystem services.
Effective genetic management is vital to the future of sustainable aquaculture
12/05/2025
FAO brings together global expertise to support countries in conserving aquatic biodiversity while building more productive and resilient aquaculture systems. Resources and tools such as the Global Plan of Action for the Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and the FAO AquaticGenetic Resources Information System (AquaGRIS) are designed to guide and inform national and regional efforts.
Global Plan of Action for the Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
05/12/2022
This Global Plan of Action for the Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (GPA) was developed by FAO at the request of the members of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture in response to the needs and challenges identified in the first global assessment of the status of Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (AqGR).
The State of the World's Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
04/12/2019
The conservation, sustainable use and development of aquatic genetic resources (AqGR) is critical to the future supply of fish. The State of the World’s Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture is the first ever global assessment of these resources, with the scope of this first Report being limited to cultured AqGR and their wild relatives, within national jurisdiction.
The State of the World’s Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture - in brief
04/12/2019
In 2007, the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Commission) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) included the preparation of the report on The State of the World’s Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Report) into its Multi-Year Programme of Work.
Statutes of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
11/12/2018
The Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (the Working Group) shall:review the situation and issues related to aquatic genetic resources for food and agriculture and advise and make recommendations to the Commission on these matters.
Development of aquatic genetic resources: A framework of essential criteria
04/12/2018
Aquatic genetic resources (AqGR) play a crucial role in contributing to global food security and nutrition, as well as sustainable livelihoods. However, in various international fora, most FAO members have highlighted the limitations and constraints faced in assessing their national capacities to use, manage and conserve AqGR as well as in identifying and monitoring the resources used and the suitable indicators of the status of those resources.