ABSTRACT
The previous account on the anthropogenic activities, that disrupt sex differentiation cascade of fi sh in one way or other, has evidently shown the need for conservation of fi shes. The need for conservation of the fi sh genome has become indeed urgent for many commercially and some biologically (e.g., Tetradon fl uviatilis, Pandian, 2002a) important fi shes. In situ conservation demands legislation and its implementation but is of local importance. Interestingly, the Indian Emperor Asoka (270-232 BC) is the fi rst to ban inland fi shing operations during spawning season. On the other hand, ex situ conservation of fi shes requires scientifi c development and is of global importance. This chapter is limited to the latter.
