The present invention provides Maternal Sterility Constructs (MSC) and methods of producing sterile progeny lacking germ cells. Female animals carrying the MSC transgene will give rise to a sterile generation, as the MSC specifically eliminates Progenitor Germ Cells (PGCs) of her progeny. These females are called lineage ending females. Male animals carrying the MSC transgene, however, give rise to fertile progeny (assuming the male is not derived from an MSC-transgenic female). Thus, MSC transgenic males can be used to propagate the transgenic line. The invention can be advantageously applied to eliminate pest or invasive species, or to provide effective population control and improve culture performance of farmed species, such as fish and shellfish.