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Healthy Fish: Genomics Research on Atlantic Salmon Project (GRASP)

B.C. salmon are known around the world for their quality, but now they are also known for their contribution to science. Biologists William Davidson (SFU) and Ben Koop (UVic) began studying salmon genes to investigate the basis for evolution. But what they found could make a big splash in many areas.

Salmonids have twice as much DNA as their closest relatives, providing a great deal of valuable information. Conservation biology, environmental monitoring, and the study of evolution can all draw from this knowledge of salmon DNA. For instance, Davidson and Koop’s data will help reduce the impact of aquaculture on wild salmon.

By sharing their findings with other leading researchers, Davidson and Koop are creating an international consortium of scientists from countries including Norway, the US and the UK. “We’re able to provide raw resources that an entire research community can use,” said Davidson. The world’s research community is looking at B.C. salmon as more than just a tasty meal, but as a key to unlocking puzzling scientific questions.

For more information, please visit:

http://www.genomebc.ca/research_tech/research_projects/fisheries/grasp.htm
http://web.uvic.ca/cbr/grasp/

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