WP2 - Reproduction and Genetics (REPROGEN)

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

Objectives

Objective 2.1

To produce high-value fish species and endangered or vulnerable species. To study the reproductive physiology and quality of gametes and spawn in cultivated fish, to better understand their rhythmic control and modulation by environmental factors in aquaculture species and in a context of global change.

  • Action 2.1: Crop diversification by promoting research and production lines for high-value commercial species and threatened or vulnerable species, to contribute to their preservation and to restoring or strengthening natural populations.
  • Action 2.2: Studies of the physiology, pathology, and reproduction of cultivable fish to improve knowledge of processes affecting development, growth, quality of spawn and offspring, and animal health and welfare, as well as the rhythmic control of physiological processes and their modulation by environmental factors in model and aquaculture species.
  • Homework 2.1.1: High temperature and gonadal function in fish.
  • Homework 2.1.4: Effect of breeder feed composition on progeny quality in sea bass.

Objective 2.2

Produce threatened or vulnerable mollusk species. Improve knowledge of the biology and physiological aspects relevant to their cultivation. Improve bivalve culture systems at all stages of the production process, originating in the wild: implement population monitoring and larval recruitment systems for species of commercial interest to ensure the supply of seed for sustainable aquaculture and shellfish production.

  • Action 2.1: Crop diversification by promoting research and production lines for high-value commercial species and threatened or vulnerable species, to contribute to their preservation and to restoring or strengthening natural populations.
  • Action 2.3: Improved knowledge of the biology, pathologies, and physiological aspects relevant to the cultivation of crustaceans, molluscs, echinoderms, and other taxonomic groups (especially during the hatchery phase) both for their use as food and for their potential use in generating 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 sanitation/disinfection of 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.
  • Homework 2.2.1: Abundance of larval populations of tellina and clam
  • Homework 2.2.3: Assessment of captive breeding of clams/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: Studies of population genetics of fish and mollusks, together with the use of assisted genetic selection techniques, development of multispecies SNP chips, functional genomics, proteomics, and metagenomics to promote i) the sustainable management of natural and farmed populations of fish, crustaceans and mollusks, ii) the selection of lines or breeds resistant to environmental stressors and recurrent and/or emerging pathogens, or more effective in the elimination of biotoxins, iii) traceability throughout the food chain and iv) the conservation of biodiversity and genetic variability.
  • Homework 2.3.1: Identification of SNPs associated with productive traits.
  • Homework 2.3.3: Clam and tellina genomics
  • Homework 2.3.4: DNA polymorphisms and QTL of clam and tellina

WP Managers

Ana Gomez Peris

Superior Council of Scientific Investigations

Juan Francisco Asturiano

Polytechnic University of Valencia

WP Participants

Miguel Rodilla Alamá

Polytechnic University of Valencia