2008/772 Education and training exchange program with NOFIMA

By Nicholas Robinson

A number of businesses have recently been established in Australia with a primary focus on genetic improvement and the sale of genetically improved stock for aquaculture. The production of selectively bred stock has been shown to have high benefit-cost, even for relatively small aquaculture industries, and so a number of new breeding programs (companies or cooperatives) are likely to begin operation during the life of the Seafood CRC. Selective breeding is highly technical so that even the hands-on running of a breeding nucleus requires a high degree of specialist training. The business of selective breeding is relatively new in Australia and there is much to be learnt from experiences overseas.

The Seafood CRC believes Australian breeders could learn a lot from the experience of Nofima who have been providing genetic and breeding research services directly to breeding programs around the world for more than 30 years and who have established programs for Atlantic Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Atlantic Cod, Tilapia and other species that are now commercialised and recognised internationally.

This exchange program will benefit aquaculturists who are considering starting selective breeding programs or hatcheries to supply industry with stock and assistance with analysing data and making decisions about the selection and mating of selectively bred stock. The exchange program also will assist with the day-to-day operation of a nucleus or hatchery and those trying to run a profitable selective breeding or hatchery business

The program will also give owners, managers, geneticists and hatchery staff involved with selective breeding programs in Australia the opportunity to establish dialogue, cooperation and/or collaboration with international players on the selective breeding scene and Nofima can provide an insight into the development, strategies and running of successful international selective breeding businesses. Lastly, the exchange will help to educate those making decisions about selection and mating and will provide the latest technical developments overseas and how these might be adapted within Australia, whilst improving their basic knowledge about establishing, running and profiting from selective breeding.

For further information on this project, please contact Nick Robinson at nick.robinson@nofima.no