The gene editing tool CRISPR is now being used to generate a range of traits in a variety of farmed aquatic species – including salmonids, crustaceans and carp.
To date, most CRISPR research in farmed aquatic organisms reflects the same emphases as more traditional genetic improvement initiatives, namely growth, disease resistance and sterility, although some interesting work has also been done with regard to colouration patterns in various fishes.
Problems with applying the technology to complex traits such as growth and disease resistance remain, since a number of genes are involved and many of them might require editing to attain desired outcomes.
Fortunately advances in genomic selection continue in many aquatic species and this may provide shortcuts for the application of CRISPR, but significant work will be required to determine which versions of which genes should be targeted through editing.
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One thing we can be certain of is the steady progress in our understanding of the genomes and complex physiological interactions of many important aquatic species, which in turn will allow more precisely targeted gene editing to improve production characteristics. And all with the potential to actually minimise genetic impacts on wild fisheries.
