The comprehensive leaflets compile published information from previous international research projects, but also information from national projects, which would not have been available to a wider community without AquaTrace. For those of you who will participate in the upcoming EAS (European Aquaculture Society) meeting in San Sebastian in October, there will be a poster presenting the leaflets and the ability to speak with one of the authors, Terje Svåsand.
I am also happy to announce that our online questionnaire on breeding practices in European Aquaculture enterprises has received a lot of positive attention and has been filled out by a very large number of companies. The survey will provide a valuable asset to fish breeders and policy makers in order to provide an overview of how practical fish breeding takes place across the sector in Europe.
The preliminary results look very interesting – but you will have to wait until this autumn to hear more about the outcome of the survey of breeding practices.
One of the most daunting tasks in relation to taking on a project like this is the collection of tissue samples for DNA analysis of wild and aquaculture specimens of the three marine species. Therefore, I am extremely happy to say that due to the committed collective action of the consortium, we have completed the sampling and to a very large extent have been able to achieve the geographical and production coverage initially planned. As the samples are now at our disposal, we are able to proceed with optimization of the DNA extraction, marker development and genotyping.
The project also entails genetic analysis of archived samples of turbot, sea bass and sea bream. These highly prized samples will assure both an optimal geographical coverage and unique information on potential temporal genetic changes in both wild and aquaculture populations. However, the DNA from such samples is partly degraded, which is not compatible with standard RAD (Restriction site associated DNA) analysis.
Accordingly, to make full use of the samples available, we have shifted from a two-step to a one-step marker development and genotyping strategy. We are now using ddRAD (double digest RAD) sequencing and simultaneous genotyping of all samples.

This method will be faster, more robust to DNA quality and allow more specimens to be genotyped than originally foreseen. Trial runs have been very positive and we are now looking forward to starting the bulk genotyping this autumn.
Finally, I would just like to highlight progress with the common garden experiments for the model species (Atlantic salmon and brown trout). For both species the first round of experiments has been successfully terminated. Fish of wild and farmed origin were crossed, and juveniles from multiple families subjected to a variety of treatments and measuring of important life-history traits. Tissue samples have been taken and are now being genotyped in order to identify the parental origin and investigate the genetic background of the observed trait differences. Everything has been running extremely smoothly thanks to the dedicated researchers in charge, but also very much because of the facilities and staff at Matre research station in Norway, which is a fantastic asset to the project.
Speaking for the consortium as a whole I think we are extremely pleased with the progress of the project. The few bumps on the way so-far have all been relatively minor. However, progress does not come automatically but is achieved through a dedicated effort and hard work by the consortium members. This autumn will be extremely exciting but also slightly nerve wrecking as most of the genotyping of the marine species will be undertaken. We look forward to presenting the outcome of these analyses and other intriguing results to you in the next newsletter.