Biotechnology can help us save the genetic heritage of salmon and other aquatic species

Nina Fedoroff; Tillmann Benfey; L. Val Giddings; James Lichatowich; Thomas Lovejoy; Jack Stanford; Russ F. Thurow; Richard N. Williams

doi:10.1073/pnas.2202184119

Treesearch

Biotechnology can help us save the genetic heritage of salmon and other aquatic species

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Nina Fedoroff, Tillmann Benfey, L. Val Giddings, James Lichatowich, Thomas Lovejoy, Jack Stanford, Russ F. Thurow, Richard N. Williams

Year:

2022

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2202184119

Source:

PNAS. 119(19): e2202184119.

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Download (PDF 1.05 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/64267.pdf

Abstract

Salmon are iconic keystone species across the northern Pacific and Atlantic basins. Salmon is also a prized human delicacy. Wild salmon populations have been decimated by a combination of overharvesting, dams, and water diversions. Efforts to increase salmon abundance through fish farming and hatcheries have failed to stem the decline, instead exposing wild populations to diseases, pests, and the debilitating genetic effects of interbreeding with partially domesticated farm escapees and hatchery releases (1).

For additional information on this publication, please see this ITIF blog: "Salmon Salvation? The Promise of Biotechnology in Aquatic Conservation Biology"

Keywords

biotechnology, genetic heritage, salmon, aquatic species

Citation

Fedoroff, Nina; Benfey, Tillmann; Giddings, L. Val; Lichatowich, James; Lovejoy, Thomas; Stanford, Jack; Thurow, Russell F.; Williams, Richard N. 2022. Biotechnology can help us save the genetic heritage of salmon and other aquatic species. PNAS. 119(19): e2202184119.