Salmon Genome Project (SGP)

Genome projects in farm animals aim at identifying genes or areas of the genome responsible for traits of economic importance in order to implement this into breeding and management of the genetic resources. This project will develop the basic tools neces sary to introduce modern genetic technique into management and breeding of Atlantic salmon. The challenge for the future is to be able to utilise the information that accumulates in genomic research and to deduce genetic function for sequenced genes. Eve n after sequencing a total genome, understanding of gene function and how genes interact remains to be deduced. The proposed project will combine research in molecular genetics with bioinformatics in order to expand our knowledge on salmon and will focus on genome organisation and gene function. This will be achieved through developing genetic and physical maps and gene sequencing in tandem with the development of tools for handling/interpretation of the data generated. A combination of molecular genetic s and bioinformatics is crucial to identify gene/areas in the genome of importance for disease resistance, reproduction and for other traits of interest. The result will be implemented into the breeding schemes, to ensure novel and better treatment regime s and tothe management of biological resources.