Genome-Edited Fish in the Field.

Area of Science:

• Aquaculture
• Genetics
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Site-directed nucleases (SDNs), especially CRISPR/Cas9, are revolutionizing aquaculture by enabling precise genetic modifications.
• These modifications offer heritable, non-transgenic improvements in fish for productivity, sustainability, and animal welfare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review global advancements in genome-edited fish, bridging laboratory research and field applications.
• To synthesize molecular, regulatory, ecological, and societal perspectives on genome editing in aquaculture.
• To identify challenges and propose solutions for the responsible development and commercialization of genome-edited fish.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing molecular, regulatory, ecological, and societal data on genome-edited fish.
• Analysis of global advances, including market-approved fish lines and regulatory frameworks.
• Identification of challenges in welfare assessment, ecological risk evaluation, and data transparency.

Main Results:

• Over forty aquatic species have been successfully genome-edited for traits like growth, disease resistance, and reproductive control.
• Market-approved SDN-1 fish (e.g., mstn-knockout red seabream, lepr-edited tiger puffer) demonstrate improved productivity.
• Product-based regulatory frameworks in Japan, Argentina, and Brazil facilitate commercialization, but regulatory heterogeneity persists.

Conclusions:

• Genome editing presents a powerful tool for sustainable and resilient aquaculture, enhancing productivity and welfare.
• Standardized welfare metrics, ecological risk assessments, and transparent data sharing are crucial for global harmonization.
• A structured reporting checklist is proposed to ensure consistent validation, assessment, and data transparency for genome-edited aquatic systems.