“From Theory to the Application of Genomics in Northern European Aquaculture: Basis and Prospects”

Institute of Aquaculture, Stirling, UK

26th - 27th March 2008

Objectives:

    * Provide information and definitions of genomic research as applied to aquaculture
    * Provide a clear view of the steps for research outcomes to industrial applications
    * Present the state-of-the-art in the use of genomics for selective breeding
    * Visit infrastructures involved in the development and use of genomic tools in livestock and aquaculture breeding


This workshop is organised by Institute of Aquaculture in Stirling and Genesis Faraday as part of the Aquagenome EU project to disseminate knowledge and training in genomics in aquaculture. This workshop is focused on the application of genomic technologies to northern aquaculture species (salmon, trout, cod, etc) in contrast to the recent workshop held in Paris which focused on temperate and Mediterranean aquaculture species.

Topic:
The world wide abundance of some fisheries has been depleted by over-fishing. As the human population increases, aquaculture is internationally recognised as a method to meet the demand for aquatic produce for human consumption. At the same time, the development of fish and shellfish farming is also facing several challenges linked to the infancy of the industry; i.e. domestication, genetic improvement for disease resistance, development of adapted vaccines, production of healthy, high quality consumer products, limitation of environmental impact of the activity and escapees.

Over recent years the EU and individual countries have supported the development of genomic tools for some aquaculture species. New perspectives arise with the development of genome sequencing, genetic and physical maps and genetic markers. Also, new high-throughput technologies will reduce the cost of genotyping and give access to large amounts of genetic information, useful in several applications:

    * Reproduction
    * Breeding programmes and new traits (disease resistance, quality, etc)
    * Development of new products to improve broodstock status and animal health
    * Feed formulations and substitutions and feeding practices, etc


This applied training workshop will give an overview of the genomic tools and technologies already available in the laboratory, initial applications of the technology and discussions on the potential application of this technology to the industry in the next 5 to 10 years.

Target Audience:The targeted audience is aquaculture professionals from Northern European counries, who may fall into one of the following categories:

    * Hatchery managers
    * R&D feed manufacturers
    * R&D pharmaceutical professionals and veterinarians
    * Professional body representatives
    * National authority representatives