For the past seven years, aquaculture genetics specialist Xelect and premium Mediterranean seabass and seabream producer Cromaris have been collaborating to develop an advanced selective breeding program that produces faster-growing fish that thrive in Cromaris’ unique conditions.

The goal of the program is to use the latest genetic strategies to deliver major improvements in key traits in every generation. This year, the partnership has yielded record gains for both bass and bream at Cromaris’ fully integrated operation near Zadar, Croatia.

“We are delighted with the progress we’re seeing in Cromaris’ broodstock program. For example, in seabass, we have seen an improvement in growth of around 21% from one generation to the next. In seabream, we have identified that nearly 70% of the variation in harvest size between individual fish is due to genetics, which makes the Cromaris population ideal for a high-return selective breeding program. Running a successful advanced genetics program is very much a team effort, and the high standards of husbandry and professionalism at Cromaris are key to delivering these kinds of gains,” said Marie Smedley, head of breeding programs at Xelect.

“Managing this kind of comprehensive selection program, while preserving stable hatchery production, can be challenging at times. After three generations of selected fish, we are already starting to see why this huge effort is worthwhile. With this powerful instrument, Cromaris continues investing in premium product differentiation, while maintaining sustainable and socially responsible production operations,” said Lana Barić, hatchery manager at Cromaris.