Journal of Marine Science and Engineering

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1057 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Domestication of Marine Fish Species: Update and Perspectives

by Fabrice Teletchea

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2015, 3(4), 1227-1243; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse3041227 - 15 Oct 2015

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 11759

Abstract

Domestication is a long and endless process during which animals become, generations after generations, more adapted to both captive conditions and humans. Compared to land animals, domestication of fish species has started recently. This implies that most farmed marine fish species have only [...] Read more.

Domestication is a long and endless process during which animals become, generations after generations, more adapted to both captive conditions and humans. Compared to land animals, domestication of fish species has started recently. This implies that most farmed marine fish species have only changed slightly from their wild counterparts, and production is based partly or completely on wild inputs. In the past decades, global marine fish production has increased tremendously, particularly since the 1990s, to reach more than 2.2 million tons in 2013. Among the 100 marine fish species listed in the FAO’s database in 2013, 35 are no longer produced, and only six have a production higher than 100,000 tons. The top ten farmed marine species accounted for nearly 90% of global production. The future growth and sustainability of mariculture will depend partly on our ability to domesticate (i.e., control the life cycle in captivity) of both currently farmed and new species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Breeding Technology and Its Application in Marine Aquaculture)

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1164 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genotype by Environment Interaction for Growth in Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua L.) in Four Farms of Norway

by Rama Bangera, Tale M. K. Drangsholt, Hanne Marie Nielsen, Panya Sae-Lim, Jørgen Ødegård, Velmurugu Puvanendran, Øyvind J. Hansen and Atle Mortensen

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2015, 3(2), 412-427; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse3020412 - 3 Jun 2015

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5958

Abstract

We studied genotype by environment interaction (G × E) for body weight (BW) of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) from the National cod breeding program in Norway. Records of 13,811 fish in a nucleus farm (NUC) and two test farms (PE_North, [...] Read more.

We studied genotype by environment interaction (G × E) for body weight (BW) of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) from the National cod breeding program in Norway. Records of 13,811 fish in a nucleus farm (NUC) and two test farms (PE_North, PE_South) in year-class (YC) 2007, and for 9149 fish in NUC and one test farm in YC 2010 were available. Heterogeneity of variances and heritabilities ( ) were estimated using a univariate animal model with environmental effects common to full-sibs (full-model). Genetic correlations ( ) between farms were estimated using a multivariate full-model and a reduced-model (without ) for each YC. Heterogeneity of was observed in both YC 2007 (0.10 to 0.16) and YC 2010 (0.08 to 0.26). The estimates of between NUC and test farms were relatively high for both models (0.81 ± 0.19 to 0.96 ± 0.17) and (0.81 ± 0.08 to 0.86 ± 0.04), suggesting low re-ranking of genotypes. Strong re-ranking of genotypes between PE_South and PE_North may be less important because most cod producers are situated close to the breeding nucleus. In conclusion, G × E between NUC and test farms were low and at present there is no need for separate breeding programs for BW in cod. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Breeding Technology and Its Application in Marine Aquaculture)

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1154 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptome Survey of a Marine Food Fish: Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer)

by Natascha M. Thevasagayam, Prakki S.R. Sridatta, Junhui Jiang, Amy Tong, Jolly M. Saju, Purushothaman Kathiresan, Hsiao Yuen Kwan, Si Yan Ngoh, Woei Chang Liew, Inna S. Kuznetsova, Xueyan Shen, Si Lok, Shubha Vij and László Orbán

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2015, 3(2), 382-400; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse3020382 - 2 Jun 2015

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 8295

Abstract

The Asian seabass (or barramundi; Lates calcarifer) is a marine teleost and a popular food fish in Southeast Asia and Australia. To date, comprehensive genome and transcriptome sequence information has not been available for this species in public repositories. Here, we report [...] Read more.

The Asian seabass (or barramundi; Lates calcarifer) is a marine teleost and a popular food fish in Southeast Asia and Australia. To date, comprehensive genome and transcriptome sequence information has not been available for this species in public repositories. Here, we report a comprehensive de novo transcriptome assembly of the Asian seabass. These data will be useful for the development of molecular tools for use in aquaculture of Asian seabass as well as a resource for genome annotation. The transcriptome was obtained from sequences generated from organs of multiple individuals using three different next-generation sequencing platforms (454-FLX Titanium, SOLiD 3+, and paired-end Illumina HiSeq 2000). The assembled transcriptome contains >80% of the expected protein-coding loci, with 58% of these represented by a predicted full-length cDNA sequence when compared to the available Nile tilapia RefSeq dataset. Detailed descriptions of the various steps involved in sequencing and assembling a transcriptome are provided to serve as a helpful guide for transcriptome projects involving de novo assembly of short sequence reads for non-model teleosts or any species of interest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Breeding Technology and Its Application in Marine Aquaculture)

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709 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can the Global Adoption of Genetically Improved Farmed Fish Increase Beyond 10%, and How?

by Ingrid Olesen, Hans B. Bentsen, Michael Phillips and Raul W. Ponzoni

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2015, 3(2), 240-266; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse3020240 - 19 May 2015

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 7440

Abstract

The annual production from global aquaculture has increased rapidly from 2.6 million tons or 3.9% of the total supply of fish, shellfish and mollusks in 1970, to 66.7 million tons or 42.2% in 2012, while capture fisheries have more or less leveled out [...] Read more.

The annual production from global aquaculture has increased rapidly from 2.6 million tons or 3.9% of the total supply of fish, shellfish and mollusks in 1970, to 66.7 million tons or 42.2% in 2012, while capture fisheries have more or less leveled out at about 90 million tons per year since the turn of the century. Consequently, the future seafood supply is likely to depend on a further increase of aquaculture production. Unlike terrestrial animal farming, less than 10% of the aquaculture production comes from domesticated and selectively bred farm stocks. This situation has substantial consequences in terms of poorer resource efficiency, poorer product quality and poorer animal welfare. The history of biological and technical challenges when establishing selective breeding programs for aquaculture is discussed, and it is concluded that most aquaculture species may now be domesticated and improved by selection. However, the adoption of selective breeding in aquaculture is progressing slowly. This paper reports on a study carried out in 2012 to identify key issues to address in promoting the development of genetically improved aquaculture stocks. The study involved semi structured interviews of 34 respondents from different sectors of the aquaculture society in East and Southeast Asia, where 76% of the global aquaculture production is located. Based on the interviews and literature review, three key factors are identified: (i) long-term public commitment is often needed for financial support of the breeding nucleus operation (at least during the first five to ten generations of selection); (ii) training at all levels (from government officers and university staff to breeding nucleus and hatchery operators, as well as farmers); and (iii) development of appropriate business models for benefit sharing between the breeding, multiplier and grow-out operators (whether being public, cooperative or private operations). The public support should be invested in efforts of selective breeding on the most important and highest volume species, which may not be a priority for investment by private breeders due to, for instance, long generation intervals and delays in return to investment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Breeding Technology and Its Application in Marine Aquaculture)

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1403 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sex Control in Fish: Approaches, Challenges and Opportunities for Aquaculture

by Alyssa M. Budd, Quyen Q. Banh, Jose A. Domingos and Dean R. Jerry

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2015, 3(2), 329-355; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse3020329 - 28 May 2015

Cited by 145 | Viewed by 21778

Abstract

At present, aquaculture is the fastest growing sector of animal food production and holds great potential as a sustainable solution for world food security. The ability to control sex is one of the most important factors for the commercialisation and efficient propagation of [...] Read more.

At present, aquaculture is the fastest growing sector of animal food production and holds great potential as a sustainable solution for world food security. The ability to control sex is one of the most important factors for the commercialisation and efficient propagation of fish species, due to influences on reproduction, growth and product quality. Accordingly, there is a large body of research that targets sexual development in commercially important species in an attempt to understand and control fish sex and reproductive function. In this review, we provide an introduction to sex determination and differentiation in fish, including the genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors that can influence fish sex ratios. We also summarise the major approaches used to control sex in fish and discuss their application in commercially important species. Specifically, we discuss the use of exogenous steroid hormones, chromosome ploidy, environmental manipulations, sex-linked genetic markers, selection for altered sex ratios, and transgenics and comment on the challenges associated with controlling sex in a commercial environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Breeding Technology and Its Application in Marine Aquaculture)

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683 KiB

Open AccessReview

Epigenetics—Potential for Programming Fish for Aquaculture?

by Hooman Moghadam, Turid Mørkøre and Nick Robinson

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2015, 3(2), 175-192; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse3020175 - 23 Apr 2015

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 11336

Abstract

Epigenetic marks affecting the expression of genes are triggered by environmental stimuli, can persist throughout life or across multiple generations and can affect an individuals phenotype. In recent years there has been a revival of interest about the possible role of epigenetics in [...] Read more.

Epigenetic marks affecting the expression of genes are triggered by environmental stimuli, can persist throughout life or across multiple generations and can affect an individuals phenotype. In recent years there has been a revival of interest about the possible role of epigenetics in affecting complex or quantitative traits. This growing interest is partly driven by the increasing affordability of ultra-high throughput sequencing methods for studying the epigenome. In this review we focus on some of the possible applications of epigenetic knowledge to the improvement of aquaculture. DNA methylation, in which a methyl group is added to the C5 carbon residue of a cytosine by DNA methyltransferase, has been the most widely studied epigenetic mechanism to date, and methods used to obtain and analyse genome-wide DNA methylation data are outlined. The influence of epigenetic processes on the estimation of breeding values and accuracy of genomic selection for genetic improvement of aquatic species is explored. The possibility of tightly controlling nutritional stimuli found to affect epigenetic processes in order to tailor the development of fish for aquaculture is also discussed. Complex experiments will be required in order to gain a better understanding of the role of epigenetics in affecting quantitative traits in fish. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Breeding Technology and Its Application in Marine Aquaculture)

629 KiB

Open AccessReview

Disease Resistant Fish and Shellfish Are within Reach: A Review

by Trygve Gjedrem

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2015, 3(1), 146-153; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse3010146 - 20 Mar 2015

Cited by 59 | Viewed by 10106

Abstract

Disease in fish and shellfish is one of the main problems facing aquaculture production. Therefore, all attempts should be made to increase the rate of survival and, thus, reduce economic losses. Much has been done to develop vaccines and medical treatments to reduce [...] Read more.

Disease in fish and shellfish is one of the main problems facing aquaculture production. Therefore, all attempts should be made to increase the rate of survival and, thus, reduce economic losses. Much has been done to develop vaccines and medical treatments to reduce mortality; and however, farming of aquatic species has a long way to go to optimize the environmental conditions for the animals and, thus, reduce stress and improve animal welfare. However, the good news is that there is the potential to increase disease resistance by selective breeding. By challenge-testing fingerlings from a number of families per generation, and including the rate of survival in the breeding goal, the results so far are very promising. By focusing on one disease at a time it is possible to increase the rate of survival by at least 12.5% per generation for most diseases studied. Unfortunately, selective breeding is only used to a small degree in aquatic species. In 2010, it was estimated that only 8.2% of aquaculture production was based on genetically improved stocks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Breeding Technology and Its Application in Marine Aquaculture)

858 KiB

Open AccessReview

Review of the RNA Interference Pathway in Molluscs Including Some Possibilities for Use in Bivalves in Aquaculture

by Leigh Owens and Shelagh Malham

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2015, 3(1), 87-99; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse3010087 - 2 Mar 2015

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 9689

Abstract

Generalised reviews of RNA interference (RNAi) in invertebrates, and for use in aquaculture, have taken for granted that RNAi pathways operate in molluscs, but inspection of such reviews show little specific evidence of such activity in molluscs. This review was to understand what [...] Read more.

Generalised reviews of RNA interference (RNAi) in invertebrates, and for use in aquaculture, have taken for granted that RNAi pathways operate in molluscs, but inspection of such reviews show little specific evidence of such activity in molluscs. This review was to understand what specific research had been conducted on RNAi in molluscs, particularly with regard to aquaculture. There were questions of whether RNAi in molluscs functions similarly to the paradigm established for most eukaryotes or, alternatively, was it more similar to the ecdozoa and how RNAi may relate to disease control in aquaculture? RNAi in molluscs appears to have been only investigated in about 14 species, mostly as a gene silencing phenomenon. We can infer that microRNAs including let-7 are functional in molluscs. The genes/proteins involved in the actual RNAi pathways have only been rudimentarily investigated, so how homologous the genes and proteins are to other metazoa is unknown. Furthermore, how many different genes for each activity in the RNAi pathway are also unknown? The cephalopods have been greatly overlooked with only a single RNAi gene-silencing study found. The long dsRNA-linked interferon pathways seem to be present in molluscs, unlike some other invertebrates and could be used to reduce disease states in aquaculture. In particular, interferon regulatory factor genes have been found in molluscs of aquacultural importance such as Crassostrea, Mytilus, Pinctada and Haliotis. Two possible aquaculture scenarios are discussed, zoonotic norovirus and ostreid herpesvirus 1 to illustrate the possibilities. The entire field of RNAi in molluscs looks ripe for scientific exploitation and practical application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Breeding Technology and Its Application in Marine Aquaculture)

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