Book Review - Aquaculture and Fisheries Biotechnology Genetic Approaches

    

     ISBN 0 85199 596 9

     In this 2004 book by R A Dunham: Aquaculture and Fisheries Biotechnology Genetic Approaches: He, address biotechnology in aquaculture and also the interrelationships with fisheries. Since he points out that aquaculture and fisheries are not antagonistic as they are portrayed, but are infact equally important to each other, and this interrelationship is important for the biotechnology. The biochemical and molecular genetic tools can be applied to both aquaculture and fishers.

    The books concept attempts to relate theory with reality, providing a strong review of the current status using many examples of past and up-to-date research and results. He provides a strong view of the biotechnology within aquaculture and the importance of it with in fisheries as the fisheries is the main genetic pool for aquaculture.

     In chapter 1 he look at the history of biotechnology genetics in aquaculture and fisheries referring to the long history of aquaculture some 2000 years or more in China and the Roman Empire. But even with this long history, aquaculture has only in the last few decades become such an important tool in support of the fisheries since fish stocks in many of the world’s oceans are over fished and in serious decline.

     In chapter 2 he points out that the effects of the environment are equally important and is often an area of research, which is ignored in aquatic genetics and biotechnology. So he looks at the environmental effects and phenotypic variation. The science of this publication though complicated has been written in such a way by Dunham, that it is understandable to student and teachers as well anyone with an interested in aquaculture and fisheries.

     In my opinion, Dunham has presented a very interesting view of biotechnology in aquaculture and fisheries showing how the need to understand all aspect of the science is important to the future of  aquaculture and fisheries.

    Later chapters deal with such diverse material as population Genetic and interactions of hatchery and wild fish, Gene Expression, Isolation and Cloning. Looking at the commercial application of fish biotechnology within the industry as well as strategies for genetic conservation, gene banking and maintaining genetic quality.

     In the final chapter Dunham shows that constraints and limitations of genetic biotechnology can be split into several key areas such as development, biodiversity, political and economic issues.

     He makes recommendations that genetic improvement of cultured fish should be important along with the need for more training programmes and education for aquaculture geneticists especially in the developing countries. Some of the main constraints he mentioned are environmental issues such as environmental risk of genetically altered aquatic organisms, biodiversity and genetic conservation.

     Also other issues he identified are the funding and training of scientists and impact assessment: such as dissemination, food safety and consumer perceptions.

     I have found this book, to be an interesting and informative read, even though it is about genetics and biotechnology, which is a complicated subject. Dunham has presented the subject material in an easy and understandable format. This book is a must for students and biologists, fisheries and farmers alike. Well done R A Dunham.