WP2 - Reproduction and genetics(REPROGEN)

WP2 (REPROGEN) aims to better understand the effects of environmental variations associated with climate change on fish and mollusc species of interest for Mediterranean aquaculture. Aspects related to their reproductive physiology, genetics, gamete conservation, larval development and growth are evaluated, including the influence of diets, as well as the development of biotechnological tools, or characteristics associated with greater resilience of specimens of different species to these environmental changes.

Objectives

Objective 2.1

To produce fish species of high commercial value and threatened or vulnerable species. To study the physiology of reproduction and quality of gametes and clutches of cultured fish, for a better understanding of their rhythmic control and modulation by environmental factors, in aquaculture species and in a context of global change.

  • Action 2.1: Diversification of crops through the promotion of research and production lines for species of high commercial value and threatened or vulnerable species, to contribute to their preservation and to restore or reinforce natural populations.
  • Action 2.2: Studies on physiology, pathology and reproduction of cultured fish to improve knowledge on processes affecting development, growth, quality of clutches and progeny, and animal health and welfare, as well as on the rhythmic control of physiological processes and their modulation by environmental factors in model and aquaculture species.
  • Task 2.1.1: High temperature and gonadal function in fish.
  • Task 2.1.4: Effect of broodstock feed composition on the quality of progeny in sea bass.

Objective 2.2

Produce endangered or vulnerable mollusk species. Improve knowledge of the biology and physiological aspects relevant to their cultivation. Improve bivalve culture systems in all phases of the production process with origin in the natural environment: implement systems for population monitoring and larval recruitment of species of commercial interest to guarantee the supply of seed for sustainable aquaculture and shellfish production.

  • Action 2.1: Diversification of crops through the promotion of research and production lines for species of high commercial value and threatened or vulnerable species, to contribute to their preservation and to restore or reinforce natural populations.
  • Action 2.3: Improved knowledge of the biology, pathologies and physiological aspects relevant to the culture of crustaceans, mollusks, echinoderms and other taxonomic groups (especially in the hatchery phase) both for their use as food and for their potential use to generate bioproducts or for their role in IMTA (Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture) systems.
  • Action 2.10: Improvement of bivalve culture systems in all phases of the production process both in the natural environment and in hatcheries through i) the development of new microbial management processes from an ecology and (eco)systems biology approach in IMTA- RAS systems, ii) the combination of new materials with novel treatments and technologies for sanitization/disinfection of the facilities, iii) genetic improvement and iv) the implementation of population monitoring and larval recruitment systems for species of commercial interest to guarantee the supply of seed for sustainable aquaculture and shellfish production.
  • Task 2.2.1: Abundance of larval populations of tellina and clams
  • Task 2.2.3: Assessment of captive breeding of clam/tellina.

Objective 2.3

Study the genetics of fish and mollusks: identify sequences and SNPs associated with productive traits, and preserve the genetic resources of selected lines.

  • Action 2.14: Fish and mollusk population genetics studies, together with the use of assisted genetic selection techniques, development of multispecies SNP chips, functional genomics, proteomics, and metagenomics to promote i) sustainable management of natural and farmed populations of fish, crustaceans and molluscs, ii) selection of lines or breeds resistant to environmental stress factors and recurrent and/or emerging pathogens, or more effective in eliminating biotoxins, iii) traceability throughout the food chain, and iv) conservation of biodiversity and genetic variability.
  • Task 2.3.1: Identification of SNPs associated with productive traits.
  • Task 2.3.3: Genomics of red sea bream and tellina
  • Task 2.3.4: DNA and QTL polymorphisms of clam and tellina

In charge WP

Ana Gómez Peris

Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas

Juan Francisco Asturiano

Universitat Politècnica de València

Participants WP

Miguel Rodilla Alamá

Universitat Politècnica de València