Special session held at fisheries science conference
Livestock breeding techniques to be applied to aquaculture
The National Institute of Fisheries Science held a special session bringing together experts in aquatic and livestock genetic breeding at the 2026 Korean Fisheries Science Federation international academic conference at BEXCO in Busan on Thursday, the institute announced Friday.
Held under the theme "Exploring future strategies for advancing aquatic species breeding technology: lessons from livestock genetic breeding and their application to aquaculture," the session gave participants a platform to share major research findings and the latest technologies from both the fisheries and livestock sectors.
Interest in developing superior breeds with faster growth rates and greater resilience to environmental change has grown as aquaculture operators face mounting financial pressure from rising water temperatures, disease outbreaks and higher production costs driven by climate change. In response, the institute focused its discussions on how breeding technologies from the livestock sector — which has built national-level pedigree management and genetic evaluation systems — could be adapted to the characteristics of aquatic species.
Building on the session's discussions, the institute plans to expand research cooperation between the fisheries and livestock sectors and advance customized breeding technologies for aquatic species using genomic data and digital tools. It will focus particularly on developing superior breeds with fast growth rates and strong resistance to high water temperatures and disease, aiming to shorten aquaculture cycles and improve production stability.
"It is highly significant that we were able to share accumulated breeding technologies and experience across sectors and explore ways to apply them to aquatic species," National Institute of Fisheries Science Director Kwon Soon-wook said. "We will strengthen our research to develop superior breeds that meet the evolving demands of aquaculture operations and enhance productivity and competitiveness."
kaf2002@heraldcorp.com
