Genetic Status and Improvement Strategies for Endemic and Exotic Carps of Bangladesh

This paper highlights the present status and genetic improvement strategies for endemic and exotic carp species of Bangladesh, including future plans. In this country, both major and minor endemic and exotic (introduced) carps are the key species for aquaculture, particularly for polyculture. There are at least 13 endemic species of carps: among them 4 major carps (catla, rohu, mrigal and calbasu) are being used for most of the seed production in the hatcheries. Among the 8 introduced carp species, the 5 major Chinese carps (silver carp, grass carp, bighead carp, black carp, common carp) and silver barb are predominant. Although aquaculture production of these carps has increased significantly over the last several years, there are problems in hatchery populations due to poor brood stock management and inbreeding, while habitat degradation is leading to the loss of genetic diversity of some endemic carp species. Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) has, meanwhile, successfully initiated fish (including carp) genetics research programmes to generate better breeds and improved stocks for increasing aquaculture productivity. To avoid loss of genetic diversity and inbreeding depression problems in hatchery populations, the development of improved broodstocks through implementation of effective breeding plans and genetic stock improvement programmes for commercially important carp species has recently been identified as an important area of research for BFRI. A new dimension of this research has begun with the involvement of several international agencies, such as the DFID-AFGRP funded project which is the focus of this Hussain, M.G. and Mazid, M.A. 10 workshop. Genetic conservation of some threatened carp species has also been started, with successful breeding of ten species.