Aquatic Breeding Division

Breeding involves making genetic improvements in organisms. The process includes selective breeding in the general meaning of the term. The Aquatic Breeding Division conducts research and development for the purpose of creating lineages of aquatic organisms that are important for Japan's aquaculture industry. These  organisms include those with more industrially favorable characteristics, such as rapid growth, disease resistance, and feed efficiency. The division conducts research and development using genomic selection, which is currently the representative selective breeding technique, as well as genome editing, which is a new breeding technique. The division develops foundational techniques necessary for maintaining the lineages created and implements a project to preserve genetic resources.
The Aquatic Breeding Division comprises the Breeding Foundation Group and the Lineage Development Group .

Breeding Technology Group

The Breeding Technology Group engages in selective breeding mainly of yellowtail and the salmon family using DNA (genome) information. This results in strains that possess superior characteristics, such as growth and disease resistance. The division also accumulates basic knowledge concerning the biodiversity of genome-edited fish. In a project to preserve genetic resources, the division distributes microalgae feeding samples for the purpose of domestic research and educational activities.

Strain Development Group

The Strain Development Group develops techniques for freeze preservation and restoration of gametes and reproductive cells, mainly those of yellowtail. The group aims to establish methods for efficient maintenance and management of superior strains created through breeding. The group, together with the Breeding Foundation Group, conducts selective cross-breeding and character evaluation and develops bred products.