Principles of Genetics and Breeding

15.1.4. Fish seed certification

A proper fish seed certification process does not exist in many countries. Table shows the kind of certification existing in six countries. In Bangladesh, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has drafted the Law for Fish and Shrimp Hatchery 2005 known as “Matsha and Chingri Hatchery Ayen, 2005”, which includes requirements for registration of hatcheries and the rules for fish and shrimp hatchery operation such as physical infrastructure/facilities of hatchery, ponds, selection of brood fish for breeding, source of selected brood fish, environment, etc. Similar certification process on hatchery management and operation exists in Indonesia. These initiatives will help improved the quality of fish seed produced.

The focus of certification process of NCCA-WBA in China and BFAR in the Philippines is on the genetically improved varieties. NCCA-WBA, which is operational at national and some province in China, certifies genetically improved varieties. BFAR has a certification process for tilapia seed to ensure good quality seed of tilapia will be disseminated to fishpond operators. BFAR distributes its certified seed of GET EXCEL strain and broodstock to BFAR multiplier stations in order to disseminate among private hatcheries encouraged them to breed their own fish and obtain feedback and superior breeding material.

Raising awareness among farmers to use the suitable strains and their identification will help the farmers to select the suitable strains. In practice, most Nile tilapia strains are difficult to determine at field level and are only distinguishable through DNA and other biochemical markers.

While the framed Fisheries Acts and Laws exist, it is a known fact that many countries are faced with difficulties in regulating aquaculture activities. These difficulties are attributed to the numerous interests involved, the diversity of the natural resources, the variety of institutions involved, the tangled web of laws and regulations and related difficulties in enforcement as well as the forces driving global and regional markets towards environmentally and socially sustainable practices (Van Houtte, 2000).

Difficulties in regulating aquaculture activities, urged a self-regulation approach in the forms of codes of conduct and good or best management practices. A few countries have the interest in codes of conducts and good/best management practices, but largely on shrimp aquaculture.

Alternative to fish seed certification, voluntary codes and guideline are implemented in Thailand from hatchery management and operation to out-grower and processor. The Department of Fisheries certifies Code of Conduct products from hatcheries to the processor to enhance customer/consumer confidence on quality, safety and environmental friendliness.

The guidelines on Good Aquaculture Practices help the hatcheries and the farms focus on farms/hatcheries, farm/hatchery management, feed, chemical input, animal health, farm/hatchery sanitation, post harvest and data collection. The Department of Fisheries should have a monitoring mechanism to carryout regular monitoring for hygiene and good aquaculture practices of hatcheries/farms to be certified for Code of Conduct and Good Aquaculture Practices. This monitoring is, however, emphasized on the use of feed and therapeutants.

In a situation where large quantities of fish seed are imported and distributed throughout the country needs, a fish seed certification and quarantine process to preclude transboundary movement of aquatic animal diseases is necessary. To start with, fish seed quality certification process may be initiated for the fish seed importers to observe.

Table 1. Modes of fish seed certification in Asian countries

Country	Committee	Role
Bangladesh	National Committee	Preparing a policy for seed certification
India	NBFGR, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh	Recognized nodal agency for formulating legislation on aquatic animal health certification and quarantine
China	National Certification Committee	Certification of genetically improved varieties on Aquatic Wild and Bred Varieties (NCCA-WBV)
Philippines	BFAR	Certifies and distributes improved tilapia strains