We've had Dolly the sheep, now get ready for Sally the salmon. Sequencing of the salmon genome is due to be completed by the end of this year using a fish called Sally.
It's hoped that the findings will help aquaculture become more directed and sustainable. Sequencing began in 2009 after funding from Norway, Canada and Chile.
Interest in inland fish farming grows out of increased costs of reef fisheries in the Solomon Islands. This reports from the ACIAR funded project 'Developing inland aquaculture in Solomon Islands, which is part of the CGIAR Research Program on Aquatic Agricultural Systems (AAS), is a fascinating read.
The sea lice count numbers for April show levels in the Okisollo/Hoskyn Channel area in Canada continue to be below the threshold for treatment as required by regulation.
Okisollo Channel is located just north of Campbell River and is home to five farms: two of Marine Harvest Canada’s, two of Mainstream Canada’s and one operated by Grieg Seafood. Hoskyn Channel, on the east side of Quadra Island has four Marine Harvest Canada sites. All three companies have agreed to an area management plan for the channels.
These farms are well managed and highly regulated to ensure that wild stocks migrating past these sites are protected, no matter how many of the farms are operating. Sea lice numbers are monitored regularly and show levels below the threshold levels for treatment as required by regulation (see table below).
Cyrus Rocks was the only farm in the area in operation during the month of April.
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| Island of Solomon Islands - Reef Islands.PNG (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
