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Fish DNA reference offers hope for food security
Native to northern Africa, Nile tilapia is the most popular species type of farmed fish.

Researchers have developed an entire genome for Nile tilapia. 

A collaboration between the Earlham Institute, WorldFish, and the Roslin Institute - part of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies - has produced a “reference genome” for a key fish species that could improve food security for millions of the world’s poorest people.

According to researchers, the fundamental resource will help fish breeders develop strains of the popular type of farmed fish, Nile tilapia, which grow extremely large, very quickly and are resilient to the environmental challenges of global warming. 

Using selective breeding without a complete reference genome, the Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) programme, led by the research institution WorldFish (CGIAR), has produced an elite strain that is now available worldwide. 

Dr Wilfried Haerty, study author and group leader at the Earlham Institute, explained: “A reference genome provides a full, annotated catalogue of all the genes in an organism. This crucial resource is the basis for modern breeding programmes. WorldFish, who are leading on further developments of GIFT, can now use the reference genome as the baseline to work from when looking to breed beneficial traits.” 

Native to northern Africa, Nile tilapia is the most popular species used in aquaculture. With 4,514,615 t produced in 2020, it is the third most  farmed finfish species worldwide, after grass carp and silver carp.

The GIFT strain was developed through a combination of commercial and wild Nile tilapia strains and crosses with other species. By examining the genomes of closely related species, researchers were able to show the degree to which genetic material may have been transferred across species in the past - and identify the specific regions in the GIFT genome.

Dr Diego Robledo, aquaculture genetics group leader at the Roslin Institute, said: “The insights offered by development of the entire genome of this key fish species will enable research towards ensuring sustainably produced supplies, to support a healthy source of nutrition for growing populations.”

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.