Chinese wisdom and modern innovation of aquaculture

Abstract

Aquaculture originates from ancient Chinese wisdom, and is considered the most efficient food-producing industry. About 70 years ago, New China proposed an industrial approach to fish production and made a policy decision to begin modern aquaculture development. As one of lucky persons since the early 1980s, I have committed my scholarly career to the studies on genetics and breeding biotechnology of polyploid gibel carp (Carassius gibelio). Here, several significant recent innovations, such as the proposition of the amphitriploid concept, the association of ploidy changes with reproduction transition, the finding of a unique ameio-fusiongenesis mode, the establishment of a controllable fertility approach, the creation of intermuscular bone-free mutants, as well as the recreation of desirable goldfish, are introduced and emphasized from an active participant of these innovations. Additionally, some modern innovations and contributions are also highlighted in other aspects of aquaculture including feed development, disease control, facilities and equipment upgrading, as well as paradigm and mode changes. This comprehensive synthesis of ancient Chinese wisdom and modern innovations seeks to provide valuable insights into the field from a historical basis.