Atlantic salmon is one of the most farmed fish species in the world. Its sequenced genome will help scientists raise stocks that are resistant to disease and parasites, as well as improve overall quality and traceablity. (Photo credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, via flickr)
The sequenced genome of the Atlantic Salmon was announced at the 2nd International Conference on Integrative Salmonid Biology in Vancouver. The work was carried out by an international team that included scientists from Norway, Chile and Canada.
Atlantic salmon aquaculture is a $600 million industry in Canada. Having a detailed genetic map for this species will accelerate research into new ways to combat fish diseases and parasites, as well as improved quality for breeding stocks and traceability for food systems.
For more information contact
William Davidson, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University
Steinar Bergseth, Chair of the International Cooperation to Sequence the Atlantic Salmon Genome (ICSASG)
