ABSTRACT Aquatic animal germplasm research plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation and sustainable aquaculture. The traditional view is that diversity of germplasm resources is commonly attributed to genetic variation. However, recent studies in transgenerational epigenetics have shown that epigenetic information can also be passed down to offspring, which is consistent with the definition of germplasm. Therefore, it is necessary to define epigenetic information, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and ncRNAs, which can be passed down through generations, as epigenetic resources and incorporate them into the concept of germplasm. Germplasm resources should include not only genetic resources but also epigenetic resources. Epigenetic variation can arise from genetic, environmental, or stochastic factors. Genetic and epigenetic variation co‐determine phenotypic traits. It has been demonstrated that epigenetic information can be inherited across generations in aquatic animals. DNA methylation, histone modification, and ncRNAs are involved in addressing environmental challenges, maintaining genetic diversity, improving breeding strategies, combating inbreeding decline, and age determination. Therefore, future research on epigenetic resources is important for germplasm conservation, development, and utilization. This review proposes a new theoretical framework to elucidate the place of epigenetic resources in germplasm research and collects articles from the past 8 years that explore the inheritance of epigenetic information in aquatic animals. Integrating epigenetic research into germplasm studies enhances our understanding of population dynamics, adaptation, and evolutionary processes, thereby informing conservation strategies and enhancing aquaculture practices. By considering both genetic and epigenetic resources, we can address the challenges facing germplasm diversity and sustainable aquaculture more comprehensively.

Fangcheng Li

Junfang Zhang

Xiangbing Cheng

Xinyao Cui

Jiamin Sun

Qigen Liu

Reviews in Aquaculture

水产养殖评论的主要目的是提供一个关于水产养殖技术、政策和规划发展的评论论坛。该杂志将发表完全同行评议的评论文章，受邀或其他方式，与水产养殖有关的主要方面，包括：全球、区域和/或国家生产和市场趋势；水产养殖实践和技术发展；水产养殖与环境的相互作用；水产养殖中的本地和外来物种；重要的水产养殖和新兴物种的生物学和养殖；在水产养殖中利用初级和次级资源；个别物种和/或群体的人工繁殖的发展；饲料和饲料的发展；遗传学和水产养殖；水产养殖的健康管理；有关水产养殖的政策发展；水产养殖产品质量和可追溯性；水产养殖的社会经济和影响

The primary aim of Reviews in Aquaculture is to provide a forum for reviewing developments in aquaculture technology, policy, and planning. The journal publishes fully peer-reviewed review articles, either invited or otherwise, covering key aspects related to aquaculture, including global, regional, and national production and market trends; developments in aquaculture practices and technologies; interactions between aquaculture and the environment; the use of native and non-native species in aquaculture; the biology and cultivation of important and emerging aquaculture species; the utilization of primary and secondary resources in aquaculture; the development of breeding techniques for individual species and/or populations; advancements in feed and feeding practices; genetics in aquaculture; health management in aquaculture; policy developments related to aquaculture; product quality and traceability in aquaculture; and the socio-economic impacts of aquaculture.

《Reviews in Aquaculture》旨在提供一个关于水产养殖技术、政策和规划发展的评论论坛。该杂志将发表经过严格同行评审的评论文章，内容涵盖水产养殖的主要方面，包括全球、区域和国家的生产与市场趋势；水产养殖实践与技术的发展；水产养殖与环境的相互作用；本地和外来物种在水产养殖中的应用；重要及新兴水产养殖物种的生物学与养殖；在水产养殖中利用初级和次级资源；特定物种或群体的人工繁殖技术；饲料与饲料技术的发展；水产养殖中的遗传学；水产养殖的健康管理；水产养殖政策的发展；水产养殖产品的质量与可追溯性；以及水产养殖的社会经济影响。

Category	Quartile
农林科学	1
农林科学, 渔业	1

Epigenetic Resources: Gaps in Aquatic Animal Germplasm Research

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