Exploring the evolving regulatory landscape for gene editing in aquaculture and food production
The regulatory landscape for gene editing is evolving rapidly across the Americas and around the world. As governments develop new frameworks for evaluating the technology, collaboration between regulators, researchers, producers and technology developers is becoming increasingly important.
The Proceedings of the International Workshop on Regulatory Advances in Gene Editing in the Americas, held in Medellín, Colombia, from May 12–15, 2026, bring together 30 chapters examining the science, regulation, policy and practical application of gene editing across agriculture and food production.
Published by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the proceedings provide a valuable overview of the developments shaping the future of gene editing and its path toward commercial application across the Americas.
CAT’s perspective on genome editing in aquaculture
CAT contributed to Chapter 29: Information from Private Sector Companies, providing an aquaculture industry perspective on the opportunities for genome editing to support more productive, resilient and sustainable food systems.
The chapter explores how genome editing can complement conventional breeding to accelerate genetic improvement, with applications ranging from productivity and disease resilience to animal welfare and environmental performance. It also examines reproductive sterility as a potential biological containment and production tool, alongside the importance of clear, science-based regulatory frameworks for commercial development.
As genome editing moves toward commercial deployment, the chapter highlights the importance of regulatory clarity and collaboration across the value chain. Evidence from early commercial programs is already helping generate practical experience that can inform future applications across finfish and shrimp.
Read the Proceedings on the IICA Repository
Explore all 30 chapters and gain insight into the evolving science, regulatory approaches and commercial opportunities shaping the future of gene editing across the Americas.
Available in both English and Spanish.
ISBN: 978-92-9273-244-8
IICA (Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture). 2026. Proceedings of the International Workshop on Regulatory Advances in Gene Editing in the Americas (Medellín, May 12–15, 2026). Rocha, P. (Ed.). San José, Costa Rica: IICA. 226 p