Catalina Sea Ranch has teamed with from USC’s Molecular and Computational Biological Sciences Department for innovating and accelerating the science of selective breeding. Advanced computational technologies take a unique approach for reducing the lengthy and tedious selective breeding process. There is no genetic engineering; only the adaption of recent scientific short cuts for eliminating undesired genetic characteristics rather than breeding for desired traits.

Our research will identify genetic traits for overcoming challenging environmental conditions and meeting market requirements employing molecular and computational technologies for accelerated genetic gains in mussels. The technology could be transferrable to selective breeding of other broadcast-spawning bivalves for delivering gains by shortening growth cycles, improving yields and increasing uniformity. There is also the potential for specific, high-value markets requiring consistency in size, shape, coloration and greater Omega-3 content. Cutting-edge molecular and computational technologies promise a breakthrough for the advancement of the global sustainable shellfish aquaculture industry.

Catalina Sea Ranch has teamed with the University of Southern California to produce high performing bivalve shellfish. Our research will identify genetic traits for overcoming challenging environmental conditions and meeting market requirements with selective breeding that has occurred in other primary plant and animal production industries. No GMO, only accelerated natural selection using molecular and computational technologies for producing genetic gains in bivalve shellfish.

The technology could be transferrable to selective breeding of other broadcast-spawning bivalves for delivering gains by shortening growth cycles, improving yields, and increasing uniformity. There is also the potential for specific, high-value markets requiring consistency in size, shape, coloration, and greater Omega-3 content. Cutting-edge molecular and computational technologies promise a breakthrough for the advancement of the global sustainable shellfish aquaculture industry.

The aquaculture industry has been slow to adopt quantitative genetics and selective breeding as compared with the plant and farm animal industries. Poultry and swine growth rates have increased 350 and 250% respectively, over their 1940 levels. The shellfish breeding program at Cawthron Institute in New Zealand has resulted in yield gains of up to 20% per generation over the past seven years.