Researchers form international partnership to sequence salmon genome

The Atlantic salmon will have its genome fully sequenced by researchers and agencies from Canada, Chile and Norway, in a bid to benefit the food chain.

A full genome sequence of the salmon will lead to better management of wild fish stocks, breeding selection for commercially important traits, and elements of food quality, safety and traceability.

The partnership which will form the International Cooperation to Sequence the Atlantic Salmon Genome (Cooperation) includes Genome British Columbia, the Chilean Economic Development Agency, the Norwegian Research Council, and the Norwegian Fishery and Aquaculture Industry Research Fund.

About US$6 million will be invested into the first phase of the project.

It is expected a fully sequenced salmon genome will provide important information about the impact of cultured fish escapes on wild population, conservation of populations at risk, strategies for combating pathogens, and allowing more accurate assessments of the sustainability of aquatic environments.

Beckman Coulter Genomics will complete the first phase by early 2011 and will release the data to the public as early as possible.

Through better understanding of this species and its genome, the research collaboration will enable the growth and management of a global fishery, said Dr. Alejandro Maas of the University of Chile.