The Shrimp Summit at RSS • Sept. 23, 2026 • Bangkok, Thailand
Breeding
Genetic selection is one of the most powerful tools for achieving consistent improvements in animal performance. Shrimp breeding programs often begin with simple mass selection for growth and survival, then advance toward family-based selection, molecular markers, and genomic approaches that accelerate genetic gain and promote improvement of desirable traits. This session will explore the evolution of modern shrimp breeding programs, the approaches used by leading organizations today, and the frontiers of genetic improvement. Given the ongoing impact of disease on global shrimp production, a key focus will be how genetic selection can increase tolerance to regionally important pathogens and improve long-term industry resilience.
CIBA
VietUc
Texcumar
CP Foods
Hendrix Genetix
Pronauplio
Vaisakhi Bio-Marine
Unibio
SyAqua
iBreed Aqua
Aquatic Biosecurity Specialist
Dr. Bert Wecker has studied Fisheries Biology, Aquaculture and Economics at the Christian-Albrechts-University in Kiel, Germany. During his career he has specialized in aquaculture with a focus on marine recirculating aquaculture systems. After serving in different research and development and management positions Wecker is currently co-CEO and CTO of Oceanloop, a company focusing on the indoor land-based farming of shrimp operating two innovative farms in Munich and Kiel. As Europe’s technology leader for farming marine shrimp, Oceanloop’s vision is to build sustainable farms worldwide. As vice president he is also involved in the “Bundesverband Aquakultur e.v.”, an association of German aquaculture stakeholders.
Prior to helping launch the Center for Aquaculture Technologies, John Buchanan served for five years as the Director of Research and Development at AquaBounty Technologies, building on his experience from leadership positions at Louisiana State University and University of California San Diego. Buchanan has led research on the application of genetic engineering to aquaculture, the use of selective breeding, hatchery technologies, and genomics for improved productivity in finfish, in addition to other research.
