American lobster (Homarus americanus) genomics research revitalization

The Canadian Lobster Research Network (CLRN) is a multi-stakeholder and multi-disciplinary research platform led by fishing associations throughout eastern Canada with the principal goal of supporting sustainable and profitable lobster fisheries in the face of rapid climate and ecosystem changes. The CLRN has its origins in the Lobster Node, an industry-driven collaborative research node under the Canadian Fisheries Research Network from 2010-2015. Under the Lobster Node, population genomics approaches were used to delineate the genetic structure of lobster in Atlantic Canada. Weak, albeit highly significant, genetic structure was found at a regional level. A northern and southern population was identified and for the first time, the north–south genetic break was precisely located. Over the last 10 years, genomics techniques have advanced greatly. Current technology would allow for a substantial improvement over previous methods. The previously collected lobster samples are available for re-analysis, but first their quality must be evaluated. This project will inventory and assess the quality of the previously collected lobster samples (4,190) to determine their suitability for additional analysis with updated genomic research techniques, so a lobster genomics research plan can be co-developed with Dr. Scott Pavey (UNB), the CLRN and industry representatives utilizing the samples.

Faculty Supervisor:

Scott Pavey

Student:

Partner:

Canadian Lobster Research Network

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of New Brunswick

Program: