ABSTRACT
Biotechnology, the use of biological systems or living organisms in production process has a wide range of useful applications in fisheries and aquaculture. The field of genetic biotechnology similarly ranges from simple techniques such as hybridization, to more complex processes such as the transfer of specific genes between species to create Genetically Modified Organisms. Fishmeal a by-product of fish processing is used because of its high quality and high protein content. The use of fishmeal in aquaculture causes environmental problems. It contains levels of phosphorous far above the requirement for optimal growth in fish. Researchers are seeking to improve the genetic traits of the fish used in aquaculture by using different transgenic techniques. A number of environmental concerns have been raised related to the development of genetically modified fish, including the potential for detrimental competition with wild fish, and possible interbreeding with wild fish so as to allow the modified genetic material to escape into the wild fish population.
