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Wild marine fisheries comprise approximately 15% of all animal protein in the human diet, however, the world now faces a global fishing crisis. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 70% of all commercially important marine fish stocks are fully fished, overexploited, or depleted.

Professor Fred Allendorf, visiting 2013 US Fulbright Senior Specialist at The University of Western Australia, will give a free public lecture this Thursday evening on the genetic considerations required for management of marine fish populations.

His lecture will examine how the harvesting of marine fish can have genetic effects that threaten the sustainability and potential recovery of this valuable resource. One example is of recent genomics work with Atlantic cod, which has shown that the reduction in size is at least partially caused by a genetic response to fishing pressure.

Professor Allendorf will argue that management plans should be developed by applying basic genetic principles combined with molecular genetic monitoring to minimize harmful genetic change.

Fred W. Allendorf is a former Director of the Population Biology Program of the US National Science Foundation. He received the American Fisheries Society's 2011 Award of Excellence in recognition of outstanding contributions to fisheries science and aquatic biology.

WHAT:                Public Lecture: Do genetic effects threaten the sustainability of marine fisheries?

WHEN:                6pm, Thursday 10 October 2013

WHERE: University Club Theatre Auditorium , UWA

COST:                 Free, but registration required via https://www.ias.uwa.edu.au/lectures/2050-food

Media references

Audrey Barton (UWA Institute of Advanced Studies)  (+61 8)  6488 4797