Retinal photoreceptor development in the Senegalese sole and its applications to aquaculture

The Senegalese sole is an important species of flatfish in the ecology of coastal ecosystems in southern Europe and North Africa and a staple food source for human consumption throughout its range. It is also a species of great interest for studies of retinal structure and function as it possesses unique photoreceptor distributions that are not present in most other flatfish species (retinal photoreceptors are the cells that capture light to begin the process of vision). This research combines our interests in retinal development and visual function with the need to establish optimal light regimes for rearing Senegalese sole larvae in aquaculture. The project involves raising Senegalese sole under various treatments of light spectrum or endocrine factors (thyroid hormone and retinoic acid) to assess retinal development and growth from the fertilized egg to metamorphosis. This early life history suffers the highest mortality and establishing optimal light conditions would benefit production and may reduce fishing pressure on wild populations.

Faculty Supervisor:

Inigo Novales Flamarique

Student:

Partner:

Universidade do Algarve

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Life Sciences (not health); Aquaculture and Fishing; Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

Simon Fraser University

Program: