Conference Proceedings of the 26 th annual conference of fisheries society of Nigeria, Niger State 307 THE ROLE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY IN AQUACULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA By Tighiri O. H. and Olele, N. F. Fisheries Department, Delta State University, Asaba Campus Nigeria. P.O. Box 1110, Asaba, Nigeria.GSM +2348062905921. e-mail: nfolele@gmail.Com. ABSTRACT The paper reviews some relevant approaches to the use of biotechnology for aquaculture development in Nigeria. Such approaches include: biotechnology through genetic manipulations, selective breeding, hybridization, molecular marker assisted selection, transgenesis, inbreeding, induction of polyploidy and cell nuclear transplantation. Problems facing the use of these technologies were discussed under limited (research facilities, funding and skills), lack of suitable domesticated species, religious constraints, and ecological risk hazards associated with genetically modified fish. Few suggestions were proffered as panacea to the problems. When such solutions are adequately applied, the overall effect will improve productivity and bring about the needed reduction in the gap between demand and supply of aquaculture produce. Keywords: Biotechnology, Aquaculture, Role, Development, associated, Nigeria INTRODUCTION Biotechnology is a biological process that ensures the improvement of traits of economically important plant and animal varieties. Such process in the fisheries sector was a major tool for enhancing and increasing fry production through chromosome manipulation techniques of brood stock/fry leading to their desirable qualities (Kowtal, 2007). It was known to bring about improvement in growth rate, control of reproductive cycles through hormones therapy, production of new vaccines and development of disease resistance in fish. The advancement of aquaculture through the use of biotechnology has allowed scientists to identify and combine traits in fish and shell fish that will increase productivity, improve environmental protection and guarantee quality (Ikenna, 2002). Other benefits of biotechnology on genetically improved fish include production of disease resistant species and minimization of the extinction of the wild relatives of farm species. The yearning of farmers and scientists to have farmed catfish that combines the fast growth traits of Heterobranchus species as well as the early maturing traits of Clarias gariepinus led to the development of Heteroclarias hybrid. This technology was widely acceptable as it gave room for high (68%) internal rate return (IRR) on investment (Adeogun, 2005). However recent report by Ikenna (2002), alleged that the supply of fish in Nigeria was limited in relation to their demand. This development pose great threat to fish consumers because the quantity produced is insufficient to