The National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) was established in 1983 and has emerged as a Center of Excellence in cataloguing and conserving aquatic bioresources of India. The Bureau has developed modern facilities, multidimensional strategies and technological capabilities to achieve its mandate related to database development, genotyping, registration of aquatic germplasm, genebanking and evaluation of endangered and exotic fish species.                 
The salient achievements of NBFGR include development of database on Fish Diversity of India including 120 threatened fish species, research on cytogenetic, biochemical and molecular genetic characterization of selected endangered and commercial species and development of different classes of markers to document the genetic diversity at inter and intra specific levels. Such markers include karyotyping, allozyme, RAPD, microsatellite DNA, mtDNA ARFLP and sequencing. The institute has recently initiated a programme on DNA Barcoding of Indian marine fish species for the first time in India. Pilot scale in-situ conservation programmes, development of sperm cryopreservation protocols for 16 fish species, development of genotoxicity assays and diagnostic capability for several OIE listed pathogens have been the other notable achievements. Thef National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources has taken up various research programmes to generate information relevant to conservation strategies of prioritized and endangered fish species. In order to meet the growing challenges of aquatic biodiversity conservation strategies would we devised with separate network for enlarging the database and carrying out in situ conservation programmers. Acquiring expertise and building infrastructure in the emerging field of remote sensing, geographic information system (GIS), DNA fingerprinting, genomics, risk assessment of exotics, and diagnostics would be apriority to effectively carry out the task. To facilitate NBFGR role as repository of genetic material existing gene banking facility will be upgraded with respect to infrastructure and research gprogrammers. Disseminating of protocols developed on genetic characterization, genetic management of captive bred state government departments will help to evolve national policies, and mechanisms. Concerning introduction of exotics, bringing more areas under sanctuaries and export of fish germplasm. The linkages with National and International will be useful to increase the visibility and credibility of NBFGR.