Aquaculture and Fisheries Biotechnology: Genetic Approaches

By: R.A. Dunham
CABI Publishing, CAB International, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 8DR, UK. (2004) xi + 372 pp. ISBN 0-85199-596-9. $US 75.00.

Reviewed by Eric M. Hallerman
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA 24061-0321, USA

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Review

Rex Dunham presents Aquaculture and Fisheries Biotechnology: Genetic Approaches. His aim, as stated in the preface, is to explain to students, farmers, fisheries biologists and scientists how theory relates to reality and to provide a strong review of the current status of key biotechnology topics, illustrating concepts with key research results. He aims to be objective regarding controversial topics, presenting various viewpoints and then discussing differing perspectives in the context of the available data. The book has 19 chapters, with a supporting glossary, extensive references to the technical literature, and an index.

The general strength of this book is the thorough review of applications of aquatic biotechnology to aquaculture, and it will serve as a useful reference to a range of professionals. Its general weakness regards applications to population genetics and fishery management. For teachers, combining a book focusing on selective breeding with this volume focusing on biotechnology would support a state-of-knowledge course on genetics in aquaculture.

Footnote
International Journal of Recirculating Aquaculture 6 (2005). All Rights Reserved
© Copyright 2005 by Virginia Tech and Virginia Sea Grant, Blacksburg, VA USA