Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources
The frequently poor state of our utilised fish stocks, the species impoverishment in inland waters due to the obstruction of habitats, poor water quality and the lack of basic information on genetic resources in aquaculture are regarded as the most critical of the points which require direct measures for the conservation and use of biological diversity.
- Research Vessel
© BLE
In coastal and deep-sea fisheries, fish stocks can only be preserved and rebuilt by cross-area stock monitoring and the implementation of stock development and management plans. This requires manifold activities and, in particular, international quota systems, catch and protection schemes. For EU waters, the principle known as Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) is aimed at, according to which, following scientific advice, admissible total quantities can annually be caught without any risk. This principle also governs the establishment of provisions on specifications for fishing gear and access restrictions for certain areas to prevent the catch of juvenile and mature fish during the spawning season, and minimize the negative impact on the marine environment.
Measures for the conservation of the limnic fauna have to be designed chiefly to reach a pristine state of inland waters and a better passability of waterways . Habitat protection is the best guarantee for the conservation of stocks. Any necessary reintroduction measures are to be coordinated at national and international level.
In contrast to farm animal species, there is no monitoring, nor are there protective measures for the genetic basis of species kept in aquaculture. As first step in the implementation of the German National Technical Programme, a project has been carried out that is to provide a first overview of the existing indigenous resources and their state of conservation.