Freshwater Biodiversity Toolbox

Captive Breeding of Fish

Global decline in biodiversity leading to extirpations and/or extinctions of endangered species has been the driving force behind the creation of captive breeding programs. These hatchery and/or laboratory programs aim to conserve genetic diversity and fitness mainly through artificial insemination and freezing sperm and eggs for future use in cryobanks. For declining wild populations, these are important measures in order to support later species reintroductions to restore biodiversity or important fish stocks for aquaculture. How these captive-bred fish respond to the natural environment once re-introduced is a fundamental question researchers face when establishing a captive-breeding program or must answer in order to improve upon existing programs.

Rating:
All syntheses for this intervention scored low in CEESAT demonstrating limitations in the rigour and the transparency in which these reviews were conducted (i.e., no a-priori protocol, critical appraisal, or search strategy provided). Attard et al. (2016) had precisely defined eligibility criteria and a detailed methodology section but scored poorly in all other elements. RASCAT scoring varied for this intervention; syntheses scored well in the majority of elements, especially with regards to similar geography and climate in comparison to Canada. Half the syntheses were not published recently, and many were unable to demonstrate considerations of implications, practical advice, or recommendations for decision-makers and also did not review species endemic to Canada.

Attard, C.R.M., Möller, L.M., Sasaki, M., Hammer, M.P., Bice, C.M., Brauer, C.J., Carvalho, D.C., Harris, J.O., & Beheregaray, L.B. (2016)

A novel holistic frameowkr for genetic-based captive-breeding and reintroduction programs

Title: A novel holistic frameowkr for genetic-based captive-breeding and reintroduction programs

Authors: Attard, C.R.M., Möller, L.M., Sasaki, M., Hammer, M.P., Bice, C.M., Brauer, C.J., Carvalho, D.C., Harris, J.O., & Beheregaray, L.B.

Journal: Conservation Biology

Year: 2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.12699

Species or groups: Yarra pygmy perch, Southern pygmy perch

Other sources of evidence: https://www.conservationevidence.com/actions/2218

Abstract: Research in reintroduction biology has provided a greater understanding of the often limited success of species reintroductions and highlighted the need for scientifically rigorous approaches in reintroduction programs. We examined the recent genetic-based captive-breeding and reintroduction literature to showcase the underuse of the genetic data gathered. We devised a framework that takes full advantage of the genetic data through assessment of the genetic makeup of populations before (past component of the framework), during (present component), and after (future component) captive-breeding and reintroduction events to understand their conservation potential and maximize their success. We empirically applied our framework to two small fishes: Yarra pygmy perch (Nannoperca obscura) and southern pygmy perch (Nannoperca australis). Each of these species has a locally adapted and geographically isolated lineage that is endemic to the highly threatened lower Murray–Darling Basin in Australia. These two populations were rescued during Australia’s recent decade-long Millennium Drought, when their persistence became entirely dependent on captive-breeding and subsequent reintroduction efforts. Using historical demographic analyses, we found differences and similarities between the species in the genetic impacts of past natural and anthropogenic events that occurred in situ, such as European settlement (past component). Subsequently, successful maintenance of genetic diversity in captivity—despite skewed brooder contribution to offspring—was achieved through carefully managed genetic-based breeding (present component). Finally, genetic monitoring revealed the survival and recruitment of released captive-bred offspring in the wild (future component). Our holistic framework often requires no additional data collection to that typically gathered in genetic-based breeding programs, is applicable to a wide range of species, advances the genetic considerations of reintroduction programs, and is expected to improve with the use of next-generation sequencing technology

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Kumar, P., Biswas, G., Ghoshal, T.K., Kailasam, M., Christina, L., &Vijayan, K.K. (2019)

Current knowledge on the biology, captive breeding and aquaculture of the brackishwater catfish, Mystus gulio (Hamilton, 1822): A review

Title: Current knowledge on the biology, captive breeding and aquaculture of the brackishwater catfish, Mystus gulio (Hamilton, 1822): A review

Authors: Kumar, P., Biswas, G., Ghoshal, T.K., Kailasam, M., Christina, L., &Vijayan, K.K.

Journal: Aquaculture

Year: 2019

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2018.09.045

Species or groups: Long whiskers catfish

Other sources of evidence: https://www.conservationevidence.com/actions/601

Abstract: Mystus gulio, the long whiskers catfish is a euryhaline fish, which thrives well in brackishwater and freshwater environments. This species is widely distributed from Sindh, India and Myanmar to Malay Archipelago and Sri Lanka. It is a popular food fish due to its taste, nutritional value and contribution to the nutritional security as an important small indigenous fish species in Sundarban area of India and Bangladesh. Recently, catch of this species has declined in the Sundarban due to over fishing and various inadvertent ecological changes. A number of scientific studies have investigated different aspects of its biology, breeding and aquaculture, but to date no comprehensive documentation is available. Therefore, the present review provides an insight into the status of food and feeding habit, reproductive biology, breeding, farming, nutritional requirement, disease and marketing of M. gulio, which will help in future development on seed production, farming, and conservation of this species. This review also highlights the research gaps such as nutritional requirements, round the year large-scale seed production and farming systems that will help to develop future aquaculture of M. gulio in South Asia.

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Araki, H., Berejikian, B.A., Ford, M.J., & Blouin, M.S. (2008)

Fitness of hatchery-reared salmonids in the wild

Title: Fitness of hatchery-reared salmonids in the wild

Authors: Araki, H., Berejikian, B.A., Ford, M.J., & Blouin, M.S.

Journal: Evolutionary Applications

Year: 2008

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-4571.2008.00026.x

Species or groups: Steelhead trout, Coho salmon, Atlantic salmon, Brown trout

Other sources of evidence: https://www.conservationevidence.com/actions/599

Abstract: Accumulating data indicate that hatchery fish have lower fitness in natural environments than wild fish. This fitness decline can occur very quickly, sometimes following only one or two generations of captive rearing. In this review, we summarize existing data on the fitness of hatchery fish in the wild, and we investigate the conditions under which rapid fitness declines can occur. The summary of studies to date suggests: nonlocal hatchery stocks consistently reproduce very poorly in the wild; hatchery stocks that use wild, local fish for captive propagation generally perform better than nonlocal stocks, but often worse than wild fish. However, the data above are from a limited number of studies and species, and more studies are needed before one can generalize further. We used a simple quantitative genetic model to evaluate whether domestication selection is a sufficient explanation for some observed rapid fitness declines. We show that if selection acts on a single trait, such rapid effects can be explained only when selection is very strong, both in captivity and in the wild, and when the heritability of the trait under selection is high. If selection acts on multiple traits throughout the life cycle, rapid fitness declines are plausible.

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Johnson, J.E., & Jensen, B.L. (1991)

Hatcheries for endangered freshwater fishes

Title: Hatcheries for endangered freshwater fishes

Authors: Johnson, J.E., & Jensen, B.L.

Journal: NA

Year: 1991

DOI: NA

Species or groups: Humpback chub, Sonoran chub, bonytail, Chihuahua chub, Rio Grande chub, Yaqui chub, Roundtail chub, Pahranagat roundtail chub, Virgin roundtail chub, Beautiful shiner, Yaqui beautiful shiner, Woundfin, Colorado squawfish, Yaqui sucker, Razorback sucker, Leon Springs pupfish, Comanche springs pupfish, Desert pupfish, Pecos pupfish, Amistad gambusia, Big Bend gambusia, Gila topminnow, Yaqui topminnow, Fountain darter

Other sources of evidence: NA

Abstract: NA

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Fraser, D.J. (2008)

How well can captive breeding programs conserve biodiversity? A review of salmonids

Title: How well can captive breeding programs conserve biodiversity? A review of salmonids

Authors: Fraser, D.J.

Journal: Evolutionary Applications

Year: 2008

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-4571.2008.00036.x

Species or groups: Chinook salmon, Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Coho salmon, Atlantic salmon, Masu salmon, Aurora trout, Lake trout, Sockeye salmon, Steelhead, Chum salmon, Atlantic whitefish, Pacific salmon

Other sources of evidence: https://www.conservationevidence.com/actions/599; https://www.conservationevidence.com/actions/876

Abstract: Captive breeding programs are increasingly being initiated to prevent the imminent extinction of endangered species and/or populations. But how well can they conserve genetic diversity and fitness, or re-establish self-sustaining populations in the wild? A review of these complex questions and related issues in salmonid fishes reveals several insights and uncertainties. Most programs can maintain genetic diversity within populations over several generations, but available research suggests the loss of fitness in captivity can be rapid, its magnitude probably increasing with the duration in captivity. Over the long-term, there is likely tremendous variation between (i) programs in their capacity to maintain genetic diversity and fitness, and (ii) species or even intraspecific lifehistory types in both the severity and manner of fitness-costs accrued. Encouragingly, many new theoretical and methodological approaches now exist for current and future programs to potentially reduce these effects. Nevertheless, an unavoidable trade-off exists between conserving genetic diversity and fitness in certain instances, such as when captive-bred individuals are temporarily released into the wild. Owing to several confounding factors, there is also currently little evidence that captive-bred lines of salmonids can or cannot be reintroduced as self-sustaining populations. Most notably, the root causes of salmonid declines have not been mitigated where captive breeding programs exist. Little research has also addressed under what conditions an increase in population abundance due to captive-rearing might offset fitness reductions induced in captivity. Finally, more empirical investigation is needed to evaluate the genetic/fitness benefits and risks associated with (i) maintaining captive broodstocks as either single or multiple populations within one or more facilities, (ii) utilizing cryopreservation or surrogate broodstock technologies, and (iii) adopting other alternatives to captive-rearing such as translocations to new habitats. Management recommendations surrounding these issues are proposed, with the aim of facilitating meta-analyses and more general principles or guidelines for captive-breeding. These include the need for the following: (i) captive monitoring to involve, a priori, greater application of hypothesis testing through the use of well-designed experiments and (ii) improved documentation of procedures adopted by specific programs for reducing the loss of genetic diversity and fitness

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Philippart, J.C. (1995)

Is captive breeding an effective solution for the preservation of endemic species?

Title: Is captive breeding an effective solution for the preservation of endemic species?

Authors: Philippart, J.C.

Journal: Biological Conservation

Year: 1995

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-3207(94)00090-D

Species or groups: Russian sturgeon, Adriatic sturgeon, Bastard sturgeon, Sterlet, European sturgeon, Beluga sturgeon, Riffle minnow, Asp, Common barbel, Mediterranean barbel, Common nase, Common carp, Gudgeon, Common chub, Common dace, Ide, Common minnow, Common roach, Pigo, Rudd, Tench, Vimba bream, Danube salmon, Brown trout, Atlantic salmon, Marble trout, Arctic char, Beloribitsa, Coregonus spp., European grayling, European perch, Zander, Wels catfish, Northern pike

Other sources of evidence: https://www.conservationevidence.com/actions/601

Abstract: Captive breeding and the release of captive-bred individuals into the wild are among the techniques used for the conservation of rare and endangered fish species. After a brief description of the methods of captive breeding and the establishment of breeding stocks, this paper provides examples of the application of these techniques to endemic fish species of arid regions in south-western USA and examines some current cases and the future possibilities for their use in the Mediterranean region. Special attention is given to the analysis of the strict constraints imposed on fish breeding for conservation purposes, in which the aim is to produce fish with all the morphological behavioural and genetic characteristics of the taxa to be conserved, and which are capable of effectively adapting to the natural environment when introduced. In terms of genetic management of captive populations, the fundamental problems which are faced involve the categorization of the species-resources to be conserved (identification of cases of inter- and intra-specific introgression), the establishment of founder stocks that contain the maximum genetic diversity depending on the genetic structure of the species (strong intra- or interpopulation variability), and the retention of genetic variability during captive breeding (the need to reduce to the minimum the phenomena of genetic drift, inbreeding and unintentional selection of non-adapted genotypes). Because of these difficulties and risks in terms of genetic conservation, captive breeding should remain a temporary safeguard measure, while awaiting the implementation of measures for protecting species in their restored original habitat or translocation to strictly protected substitute habitats. With this aim in view and in conclusion, the paper suggests methods for organizing a critical plan to safeguard the most endangered species or subspecies in the Mediterranean region by captive breeding.

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Douglas, M.E., Marsh, P.C., & Minckley, W.L. (NA)

Fish without a river: The captive breeding and reintroduction of endangered fishes in Western North America.

Title: Fish without a river: The captive breeding and reintroduction of endangered fishes in Western North America.

Authors: Douglas, M.E., Marsh, P.C., & Minckley, W.L.

Journal: NA

Year: NA

DOI: NA

Species or groups: Humpback chub, Razorback sucker, Bonytail, Colorado squawfish, Sonoran topminnow, Desert pupfish

Other sources of evidence: NA

Abstract: NA

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Gray, A.J. (1990)

Release of captive-bred species: Non-technical review.

Title: Release of captive-bred species: Non-technical review.

Authors: Gray, A.J.

Journal: NA

Year: 1990

DOI: NA

Species or groups: Pupfish

Other sources of evidence: NA

Abstract: NA

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Razzetti, E., & Scali, S. (2009)

Reintroduction schemes for captive-bred animals

Title: Reintroduction schemes for captive-bred animals

Authors: Razzetti, E., & Scali, S.

Journal: NA

Year: 2009

DOI: NA

Species or groups: Brook trout, Brown trout

Other sources of evidence: NA

Abstract: NA

Freshwater Biodiversity Toolbox

Captive Breeding of Fish

Attard, C.R.M., Möller, L.M., Sasaki, M., Hammer, M.P., Bice, C.M., Brauer, C.J., Carvalho, D.C., Harris, J.O., & Beheregaray, L.B. (2016)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Kumar, P., Biswas, G., Ghoshal, T.K., Kailasam, M., Christina, L., &Vijayan, K.K. (2019)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Araki, H., Berejikian, B.A., Ford, M.J., & Blouin, M.S. (2008)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Johnson, J.E., & Jensen, B.L. (1991)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Fraser, D.J. (2008)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Philippart, J.C. (1995)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Douglas, M.E., Marsh, P.C., & Minckley, W.L. (NA)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Gray, A.J. (1990)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Razzetti, E., & Scali, S. (2009)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Other Interventions

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Article

Freshwater Biodiversity Toolbox

Captive Breeding of Fish

Attard, C.R.M., Möller, L.M., Sasaki, M., Hammer, M.P., Bice, C.M., Brauer, C.J., Carvalho, D.C., Harris, J.O., & Beheregaray, L.B. (2016)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Kumar, P., Biswas, G., Ghoshal, T.K., Kailasam, M., Christina, L., &Vijayan, K.K. (2019)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Araki, H., Berejikian, B.A., Ford, M.J., & Blouin, M.S. (2008)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Johnson, J.E., & Jensen, B.L. (1991)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Fraser, D.J. (2008)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Philippart, J.C. (1995)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Douglas, M.E., Marsh, P.C., & Minckley, W.L. (NA)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Gray, A.J. (1990)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Razzetti, E., & Scali, S. (2009)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Other Interventions

Find other Interventions

Fencing of Farm Animals

Agricultural Run-off Control

Bycatch Reduction – Fish

Bycatch Reduction – Turtles

Find other Interventions