It's the first time representatives from research and industry meet in this setting, and that's what makes this meeting unique. The aim of the meeting was therefore to stimulate discussion between researchers and those involved in applied fish selection programs on ongoing research, methods and future directions on fish selective breeding.
Talks were based around five different themes; applied breeding programs, design of breeding programs and selection tools, commercialisation, traits, and disease resistance. The talks given in each theme area prompted many questions and discussions both in and after the sessions. The meeting was an excellent opportunity to openly discuss research, make new contacts with international peers and to discuss future potential projects for collaboration. Competitors and collaborators alike participated in friendly and open discussion, and learnt of new ideas that could have large beneficial impacts for aquaculture industries. After the meeting, many of the international visitors went to see Akvaforsks research stations at Sunndalsoera and Averoey, which was much appreciated.
In the evaluation of the meeting there was enthusiastic agreement that the Fish Breeders Round Table should be a regular event (every 2-3 years) and that the meeting should continue to be organised by Akvaforsk in Norway.
