13-4 National Subsystem of Aquatic Genetic Resources of Mexico: Looking to the conservation of aquatic organisms used as food

Tuesday, September 14, 2010: 10:20 AM
303 (Convention Center)
Carmen G. Paniagua-Chavez, PhD , Aquaculture, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Ensenada, Mexico
Maria L. Arena-Ortiz, PhD , Unidad Multidisciplinaria de Docencia e Investigación, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Sisal, Mexico
In 2009, the Mexican government, through the Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA) launched an important program to conserve the genetic resources of the country: the National Center of Genetic Resources (NCGR).  This program comprises 5 subsystems, focusing on plants, livestock, forests, microorganisms and aquatic organisms.
The National Subsystem of Aquatic Genetic Resources (NSAGR) was created in October 2009.  The first stage of the NSAGR seeks to develop germplasm banks in Northwest and Southeast of Mexico.  The goal of these germplasm banks is to collect and preserve genetic resources of important biological and commercial Mexican species.  The NSAGR will also contain facilities (genetic nuclei) to maintain live organisms.  As a support for the NSAGR, a group of Mexican experts will take care of the genetic nuclei and will characterize, diagnose and certify the health of the cryopreserved samples.
Up to date, the NSAGR contains samples from three commercial species, an endemic species, and an endangered species. The Southeast node will initiate collecting samples from mollusks, crustaceans and fishes from salt, brackish and freshwater bodies.  To reach the government goal, the samples will be stored at the NCGR where they will be kept as national patrimony.
See more of: Genetics I
See more of: Contributed Abstracts