Past Research
Past research has uncovered neo-functionalization of gene paralogues following a whole-genome duplication event in salmonids, highlighting a potential role for WGD in the range of life history strategies employed by salmonid species.
We have also identified links between rearing system environments and temporal composition of microbiomes across mucosal tissues, both internal and external, in Atlantic salmon, highlighting important considerations for the industry in the adoption of novel husbandry environments with a view to promoting a more ecosystem-conscience and sustainable industry.
Nutrition is another key component in aquaculture. The stagnation or collapse of wild forage fisheries traditionally used to source fishmeal and oils for diet formulations has led to the search for novel ingredients, including plant-based alternatives. However, plants lack the health-boosting omega-3s which salmonids famously provide, but are acquired through their diet. The seed oils of novel plants engineered to produce omega-3s within were shown to bridge the gap between fish- and plant-oil fed salmon in terms of immune transcriptomic profile, and lipid composition in blood plasma.
