tion. The observed greater than expected loss of alleles suggests that this was not the case, and the actual effective breeding numbers, those contributing to the next generation, were much lower than the number of spawned individuals. On both farms, mass fertilization of gametes from multiple males and females has resulted in an unequal contribution of prospective parents. This is most likely due to competition by dominant males/sperm, timing/age of sperm and ova, incompatibility of individuals and variable survival of different families. The statistical significance of genetic change is therefore a complex mix of sample sizes, relationship of the samples to the overall populations, the number of generations of isolation and the actual effective breeding number. Therefore, we need to be cautious in interpreting the statistical significance of the genetic change. It is important, however, to measure genetic variation in farm stocks if pedigree data are not available. Biological Significance The biological significance of such $$$ for your Business Fish farm, seafood distributor or related business owners? Would expansion, retirement or sale of the business interest you? Our publicly traded company offers unique programs to accomplish these and other goals while you maintain operating control. For more information and free analysis of whether or not your business qualifies call or email us today. Contact: Harvey Stein at 561-239-9378; or email to idfl 67@bellsouth.net. 8 MARCH 2007 genetic change is that genetic diversity is prerequisite to genetic gains and maintaining fitness (preventing inbreeding). The microsatellite loci at which we examined genetic variation are non-coding regions of the DNA, and we assume that the variation at these is representative of variation at the coding regions or genes. The loss of rarer alleles is perhaps not a serious issue and may be an unavoidable consequence of domestication. Major changes in frequency of remaining alleles may be more important, particularly if an allele was to become fixed (no variation) after only one generation of domestication. Can We Limit Genetic Change in Hatcheries? Genetic change can be monitored and controlled possibly through designed breeding programs, either via the use of full pedigree information in family selective breeding programs or at a minimum, by ensuring a minimum effective population size in the hatchery by conducting controlled fertilizations. Breeding programs provide the opportunity to determine the genetic component of trait variation, which does not necessarily correlate with phenotypic variation. Importantly, breeding programs permit greater control over genetic changes for commercial advantage. Monitor Genetic Change We have observed major changes in genetic variation in first generation hatchery abalone populations when compared with their founder wild populations. Such changes have potential biological implications for the sustainability of the farm stock. While some caution is required in interpreting the statistical significance of such genetic changes, without pedigree information in a breeding program we recommend routine assessment of genetic variation in farm stocks. Notes 1 CSIRO Marine Research, Hobart, Tasmanian 7001 Australia 2 School of Marine Biology and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia. PRESIDENT'S COLUMN (Continuedfrom page 3) and will make a great venue for our 2008 conference. As WAS president, I received VIP treatment and was honored to take part in the opening ribbon cutting ceremony (I'm the tall one near the stanchion on the left.). Check Busan out at http://english. busan.go.kr and I hope to see all of you there. As I mentioned in my last column, it is with a little sadness and a little joy that we have said goodbye to Juliette Massey as our Home Office Director. Juliette has departed WAS as of the San Antonio meeting and while we are sad to see her go, we are glad that she can now enjoy a well deserved retirement. So again, I think you all for supporting me as your president and thank my colleagues on the Board of Directors that have made my service a pleasure. I hope to continue to serve the Society in the future. I urge all of you to continue to support WAS and be involved in its future development. -Michael Masser WAS President Many of the books reviewed in World Aquaculture are available at a discount to WAS memebers at www.was.org. Please take advantage of the opportunity to save by ordering through the Society.
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