Industrial application of genomics derived biomarkers of salmon performance

The Atlantic salmon aquaculture industry is becoming a strategic economic sector for Canada. Aquaculture in Canada employs approximately 25,000 people with a total economic impact of over $5B. While farmed salmon is already Canada’s top aquaculture export, salmon aquaculture has significant capacity for growth in this country. Atlantic salmon farmed in sea cages on the Canadian coasts face multiple environmental stressors that can impair their growth performance and immune status. Aquafeeds can be formulated to improve fish resistance to disease (i.e., health-promoting) or healing after adverse environmental conditions (e.g., harmful algal blooms, hypoxia). The main goal of this research is to develop and apply diagnostic molecular tools such as multiplex PCR assays to evaluate these feeds. Through this collaborative research between a Canadian university (MUN) and a world-leading company in the production of aquafeeds [Cargill Animal Nutrition (CAN)], the intern will gain industry-relevant experience while ensuring the right to publish their research to help in building an academic career.

Faculty Supervisor:

Matthew Rise;Christopher Parrish

Student:

Mohamed Emam

Partner:

EWOS Canada Ltd

Discipline:

Oceanography

Sector:

Fisheries and wildlife

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland