Internationally recognised scientists and key persons from the aquaculture industry, aquaculture management and NGOs will present the latest update on the issues of genetic impacts from aquaculture, and possible management options to minimise these. The symposium will cover the following themes:

European aquaculture: How does Europe address the challenge of genetic impacts caused by a growing industry?

Key note speakers from the aquaculture industry, aquaculture management and NGOs will address how they will meet this challenge.

Current state of the aquaculture industry and of wild stocks of key finfish and shellfish species cultured in Europe

Key note talks and posters presenting an updated overview of the knowledge available on the genetic effects of domestication, culture and breeding of fish and shellfish, and their impacts on wild populations of Atlantic salmon, Atlantic cod, European sea bass, gilthead sea bream, turbot, common carp, Atlantic halibut, scallops, mussels, Pacific cupped oyster, European flat oyster and European lobster. Recommendations of specific research priorities for the future. ~ see Work Package

Tracking cultured fish and assessing their impact in the wild

Overview of the knowledge available on the existing genetic tools for identifi cation of aquaculture individuals in the wild, as well as for assessing their potential impacts on wild populations based on their fitness. Monitoring tools for identification of aquaculture escapees/released individuals and their offspring, and for assessing their fitness. Recommendations of specific research priorities for the future. ~ see Work Package

Predictive and risk assessment tools for guiding management and policy development

Status of use and developing of modelling and simulation tools for assessing the risk of the genetic impacts on wild populations from introduced cultured fish and for evaluating management and conservation strategies for wild populations. Recommendations of specific research priorities for the future. ~ see Work Package

Management challenges and options

How to integrate the scientific basis for the establishment of preventive measures for some important species in European marine aquaculture – seeking consensus amongst scientists, industry, NGOs and policy makers. ~ see Work Package