Gene editing is a technique that Nofima has adopted in several of its aquaculture research projects. Here is some information about why and how Nofima uses this technique, along with references to some useful information for readers who would like to know more.

Genomic technology has been applied to boost the resistance of whiteleg shrimp to one of the most serious diseases affecting global shrimp producers - White Spot Syndrome Virus. By using genomic selection, we have demonstrated that we can rapidly increase the level of disease resistance in whiteleg shrimp.

Sea lice management is a stressful task for salmon and salmon farmers. Methods to prevent sea louse infestations have some key advantages over other strategies, scientists argues.

Outbreak of cardiomyopathic syndrome (CMS) in farming sites has helped in uncovering genetic QTL markers for this disease. CMS field outbreak mortality from a Marine Harvest site indicates that genetic markers on two chromosomal regions might confer stronger survival and robustness to CMS.

The combination of three genetic markers on three chromosomes can be the key to high survival after viral infection in salmon farming.

MedAID (Mediterranean Aquaculture Integrated Development), a four year EU H2020 research project, will address key factors to improve aquaculture production in the Mediterranean.
The project brings together the best aquaculture experts from over 30 organisations from 12 countries.

European fish breeders can now integrate tools and technologies developed in FISHBOOST into their breeding programmes.

Climate change has already begun to significantly affect aquaculture, according to FAO. Although challenging, climate change may introduce opportunities for aquaculture if it manages to adapt. In an FAO symposium a Nofima research scientist, Dr. Panya Sae-Lim recently presented key adaptive strategies for breeding programs for farmed aquaculture species under climate change.

Fish Breeders’ Round Table is a meeting for global aquaculture breeding industry and research organisations, where the program is set up to allow for plenty of discussion. All participating organisations must present results, but no abstracts are required.

In cooperation with R&D partners, Nofima has identified and validated genetic markers for resistance to PD in Atlantic salmon.