Recent advances in biotechnology applications to aquaculture

Biotechnological research and development are moving at a very fast rate. The subject has assumed greatest importance in recent years in the development of agriculture and human health. The science of biotechnology has endowed us with new tools and tremendous power to create novel genes and genotypes of plants, animals and fish. The application of biotechnology in the fisheries sector is a relatively recent practice. Nevertheless, it is a promising area to enhance fish production. The increased application of biotechnological tools can certainly revolutionise our fish farming besides its role in biodiversity conservation. The paper briefly reports the current progress and thrust areas in the use of synthetic hormones in fish breeding, production of monosex, uniparental and polyploid individuals, molecular biology and transgenesis, biotechnology in aquaculture nutrition and health management, gene banking and the marine natural products.