Study finds DNA region linked to disease resistance in tilapia

A section of the genetic code in tilapia significantly affects survival during a virus outbreak, leading to potential for breeding resistant fish.

Image credit: Artur Rydzewski on Flickr
(CC BY 2.0)

Scientists analysed the genome of almost 1,000 fish from a pond that had experienced an outbreak of Tilapia Lake Virus.

A specific region in the genome of Nile tilapia – a key aquaculture species that is worth nearly $10 billion globally – has a major effect on mortality levels during an outbreak of Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV), a study led by the Roslin Institute and WorldFish has found.

Fish with specific genetic variants in this region were substantially less likely to die in an outbreak of the virus than fish without these variants. Survival rates improved by approximately one-third, scientists observed.

By selecting parent fish for breeding based on these variants, tilapia strains with innate resistance can be developed. This will reduce the number of outbreaks and mortality rate of TiLV, which is one of the biggest threats to tilapia aquaculture, with mortalities up to 90 percent and for which vaccines are not yet available.

Improved survival
Comparing the genomes of fish that survived the outbreak with fish that did not enabled scientists to find the region in the genome containing variants associated with survival.

The average survival rate of tilapia with the favourable variants was 32 percent higher than that of fish with none of the variants, scientists found.

The study, published in the journal Heredity, was funded by the CGIAR Research Program on Fish Agri-Food Systems (FISH) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation.

For more information visit the University of Edinburgh website, HERE.

The Aquaculturists

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An exclusive aquaculture netting partnership has been made between Gael Force Group and FISA

Global supply partner of aquaculture equipment, technology, and services, Gael Force Group, has signed an exclusive agreement with net manufacturer FISA to supply and develop aquaculture nets in Scotland, and to partner in international markets.

Image credit: HIE / Paul Campbell Photography

The inclusion of nets in their product range means Gael Force will further enhance their capability to offer a complete turnkey supply of high-quality marine equipment, technology and supporting services. The partnership will also see FISA exclusively manufacture a new SeaQureNet, which will be a key element of Gael Force's turnkey offering.

As part of the agreement and to support the partnership, Gael Force has also established cooperation with and engaged the services of, John Howard of Boris Nets with his extensive product knowledge and experience in Aquaculture. Gael Force has also committed to establishing a net servicing station in the UK and will set out to recruit and build additional resources to successfully service both Scottish and international markets.

Established in 1943, FISA have over 30 years of experience in supplying aquaculture sectors and are recognised globally for their high-quality netting products, including Supra HDPE high tenacity containment and predator nets, Raschel polyester and nylon containment and protection nets, and Twisted Knotless Muketsu nets. FISA's aquaculture netting products are reputable internationally for their high mesh consistency, minimal shrinkage, and great abrasion resistance.

Key to the success of their nets, FISA have a large production capacity and have made considerable investments in advanced machinery technology, engineers, and R&D over the years.

Stewart Graham, Group Managing Director at Gael Force, says, 'We have worked alongside FISA in the market for several years and we have been extremely impressed with the consistently robust quality and reliability of their netting products. Together, our partnership is an excellent strategic fit, and by combining our resource and wealth of experience we can jointly develop containment solutions while offering competitive pricing and high service levels. Our primary focus is to support our customers to sustainably rear healthy, nutritious salmon with maximum secure containment and production uptime. We have great confidence that working together with FISA puts us in a stronger position to deliver even better value to the market in support of that aim.'

Yoni Radzinski, FISA Owner and Director, says, 'We have been seeking a partner with a strong market position and reputation, and the capability to provide turnkey installations and service the market - we are delighted to have found that in Gael Force. We are excited about the opportunities ahead to support Gael Force in reinforcing their competitive turnkey offering to customers and to supply, design and manufacture robust aquaculture nets which will play a critical part in future of sustainable fish farming both in Scotland and internationally. Like us, it is evident that Gael Force care passionately about contributing towards their customers' success with high quality, reliable equipment and technology.'

Watch an interview with Stewart and Yoni announcing this news, HERE.
For more information about Gael Force Group visit their website, HERE.

The Aquaculturists

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Twelve fully funded aquaculture scholarships are being offered by the University of Stirling

The University of Stirling have announced there are 12 fully funded places on their Aquaculture MSc courses for the 2021/2022 academic year. Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) has supported this, with funding provided by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC).

Image credit: kphotographerrr on Flickr
(CC BY-ND 2.0)

Three courses have places available:

• MSc Aquatic Pathobiology
• MSc Aquatic Veterinary Studies
• MSc Sustainable Aquaculture

When accepting the scholarship the student agrees to undertake an MSc project developed in partnership with a Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre consortium industry member company, relevant to the Scottish Industry. However, the student will be required to repay the funding if they do not complete their project with a SAIC partner.

Funding covers all tuition fees, but transfer of this scholarship to another course aside from those mentioned above is not permitted and the funded places can not be deferred.

Eligibility and availability
Places are open for those living in Scotland, but must also meet the Scottish Funding Council residency requirements. You must also be studying an on-campus programme based at the University of Stirling from September 2021.

You are eligible for a funded place if you are:

• A permanent resident of Scotland for at least three years prior to the start of the programme (i.e. living in Scotland for a purpose other than studying.)

You are not eligible if you are:

• A Scottish applicant not permanently resident of Scotland for three years prior to the start of the programme
• An EU student
• An RUK student
• How to apply

Applicants do not need to apply for the funding. The places are awarded on a first come first serve basis for anyone who applies for one of the Masters courses in Aquaculture and meets the eligibility criteria.

For more information visit the University of Stirling website, HERE.

The Aquaculturists

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