August 2, 2023

New US-based shrimp genetics center to help shrimp market deal with disease-related challenges

San Diego, California, US-based Center for Aquaculture Technologies (CAT) opened a Shrimp Genetics Innovation Center to help the global shrimp aquaculture market meet disease-related and other ongoing production challenges.

Its state-of-the-art facility features a cutting-edge genome editing lab and tank space, which quadruples CAT's shrimp research capacity. The facility aims to revolutionise shrimp genetic performance and accelerate next-generation breeding through genome editing techniques.

Genome editing allows for the precise and rapid recreation of changes that would occur in nature. CAT said it is committed to helping shrimp producers do more with less through the development and application of genome editing technology and methodology, which can solve problems that conventional breeding methods are unable to address.

"The increase in rearing and research capacity means we are even better prepared to deliver innovations to boost efficiency in the shrimp industry through genome editing," said facility manager Matt Stone. "Our team is excited to be working in this new space and looks forward to helping clients achieve their goals."

"With this investment, we have further solidified our position as a leader in the delivery of impactful genetic solutions to help shrimp producers feed the world more efficiently," said chief executive officer Dr. John Buchanan.

The facility is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Richard H. Towner, who served as a trusted advisor to CAT, which also operates the Finfish Genetics Innovation Center.

- Global Seafood Alliance