It is expected that Seriola species will be among the first marine fish permitted for offshore culture in the United States. In order to benefit the expected growth of Seriola culture, the Southwest Fisheries Science Center - in collaboration with Iowa State University - has started developing genomic resources for the California Yellowtail, Seriola dorsalis , and the Almaco Jack, Seriola rivoliana . These efforts have included genome assemblies, genetic diversity studies, parentage and spawning dynamic analyses, transcriptomic studies , sex-marker development, and genome-wide association studies to identify markers or genomic regions associated with deformities and improved cold tolerance. These genomic tools can be used to improve Seriola farming through enabling broodstock selection, which utilizes variation existing in wild populations, or through the more efficient selective breeding. A project is also ongoing to apply the Offshore Mariculture Escapes Genetic/Ecological Assessment (OMEGA) model to simulate farm scenarios being considered for Seriola dorsalis off the coast of Southern California. This predictive model was designed to evaluate genetic impacts associated with farmed fish escapement. By utilizing the OMEGA model, researchers, management agencies, and the aquaculture industry will be able to better mitigate the risk of escapees from offshore culture facilities, and more effectively plan responsible culture operations (including breeding program design) that may be acceptable in a given scenario.
Our progress, to date, on these projects will be briefly described in this presentation, along with a short discussion of some of the collaborative projects that have come out of the biennial Seriola Workshop held at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center.