From: "John Liu" [liuzhan@auburn.edu]
To: "aquaculturegenomics" [aquaculturegenomics@acesag.auburn.edu]
Cc: "Grant Burgess" [Grant.Burgess@newcastle.ac.uk]
Subject: [aquaculturegenomics] Aquaculture genomics Newsletter 19
Date: Tur, 8 May 2008 14:43:53 -0500
PAG Aquaculture Genomics Workshop planning under way: Planning
activities are already on the way for the 2009 PAG Aquaculture Genome
Workshop to be held January 10-14, 2009. Dr. Yniv Palti of the National
Center for Cool and Cold Water Aquaculture will be our organizer for
this Workshop. If you have any suggestions on the format of the
Workshop, please contact Dr. Palti (Yniv.Palti@ars.usda.gov).
Dr. John Benzie appointed as interim coordinator for shrimp genome:
Dr. John Benzie of Moana Technologies, Hawaii has been appointed as
the interim coordinator for Shrimp Genome of the Aquaculture Genome
Project under the USDA National Animal Genome Project NRSP-8.
Please join me to welcome Dr. Benzie for this new function. He has been
serving as our industry rep in the last a few years as well.
Aquaculture Stakeholder Meeting: An aquaculture stakeholder meeting
was held in April 15 and 16th in Kansas City, Mo. A large number of
aquaculture industry members were present in the meeting. The meeting
was conducted in whole sessions as well as commodity-based and
science-based breakout sessions. The most significant issues facing the
aquaculture industries were discussed, and the corresponding resolving
measures were proposed. A large number of aquaculture researchers and
extension specialists were also present in the meeting. NRSP-8
Aquaculture Genome Industry Representative Dr. Nagaraj Chatakondi
was in the meeting. Leaders of the USDA ARS and CSREES were
present in the meeting. Among many ARS and CREES leaders were Dr.
Steve Kappes, Deputy Administrator of USDA ARS Animal Production and
Protection, Dr. Meryl Broussard, Deputy Administrator of USDA SCREES
Plant and Animal Systems, and Dr. Jeff Silverstein, USDA ARS National
Program Leader for Aquaculture.
Major Progress in oyster genomics: A team led by Pat Gaffney has
completed fingerprinting of a BAC library made with DNA from a fourth
generation inbred male. Construction of BAC contigs-based physical map
is well under way.
Oyster Genome Consortium is distributing BAC pools and
Superpools: distribution of BAC pools and superpools are under way
among the members of the Oyster Genome Consortium for associating
markers from the genetic map with BAC clones and the physical map via
PCR;
Tiling path of the oyster genome are being selected: A proposal was
submitted by Pierre Boudry and Pat Gaffney to French National Genome
Center in Evry, Franceto to do end-sequencing of the oyster BAC library
used for the construction of the physical map in order to select for the
minimal tiling path in preparation for genome sequencing.
Major progress of JGI oyster EST and BAC sequencing project: The
Joint Genome Institute of DOE has sequenced 60 BACs for oyster and
over 20,000 ESTs. Additional ESTs (~60,,000) will be completed soon.
EST sequencing of oyster larvae and hemocytes: Genoscope has
completed the first step (i.e. 30,000 ESTs) of an EST sequencing project
led by Pascal Favrel. Sequences will soon be submitted to GeneBank.
China is planning sequencing the oyster genome: A proposal has
been submitted to the Beijing Genomics Institute, China, to sequence the
genome of the Pacific oyster. Assumed starting date is August 2008;
Oyster Researchers to develop SNP technology in oysters: Dr.
Dennis Hedgecock is heading up a team of Pat Gaffney, Ximing Guo, and
Kim Reece to submit a proposal to USDA Animal Genome Tools &
Resources Program to develop a high density SNP linkage map for the
Pacific oyster.
JGI to complete catfish EST project: The Joint Genome Institute of
DOE is completing the EST sequencing project. To date, over 380,000
ESTs have been produced for catfish, and the entire project is projected
to finish in July 2008.
Dr. Rexroad to head the National Center for Cool and Cold Water
Aquaculture: Dr Caird E. Rexroad has been selected to be the new
Center Director and Research Leader for the National Center for Cool and
Cold Water Aquaculture located in Lee Town, West Virginia.
Postdoctoral Fellow Position in Aquaculture Quantitative Genetics
Available: Flinders University and SARDI are seeking a high calibre
research scientist to lead their research in aquaculture genetics within
the newly formed Australian Seafood Cooperative Research Centre
(www.seafoodcrc.com). This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading
role in the development of genetic programs for a range of aquaculture
species in Australia. The CRC has an active research program in
aquaculture genetics and the involvement of the incumbent will be
focused on genetic management and improvement of species such as
Yellowtail Kingfish, Abalone and Barramundi. The position will be based
with the School of Biological Sciences at Flinders University. The key
R&D skills required of the incumbent will be a detailed knowledge of
quantitative genetic theory and practice and direct experience of the
implementation of selective breeding programs. The successful applicant
should also be able to demonstrate the ability to prepare and submit
research and development proposals in consultation with industry sectors
and/or companies within these sectors; investigate quantitative genetic
and associated issues and their impact on production; and to communicate
the results of research to relevant industry groups. The applicant will
require high level science skills (with a focus on quantitative
genetics), such as innovation, breeding program and experimental design,
data analysis, the interpretation and reporting of results, and
effective communication, as well as strong technical know-how and
knowledge of commercial breeding programs in commercial agriculture
(aquaculture experience desirable but not essential). In addition the
incumbent may be required to assess and help develop collaborative
educational and training opportunities based around the teaching
program at Flinders University (including the supervision of honours and
postgraduate students) and the education and training programs of the
Seafood CRC, and to contribute to relevant discussion groups, meetings
and teaching. The position is available on a fixed-term, full time basis
until for 3 years (with the possibility of extension depending on
funding). Closes: 5.00pm, Monday 19 May 2008. Applications must address
the specified selection criteria. Detailed position information
(including selection criteria) and essential information for
intending applicants are available via the website:
http://www.flinders.edu.au/employment or from www.seafoodcrc.com or by
contacting jobapplications@flinders.edu.au. If you require further
information on the position, please contact graham.mair@flinders.edu.au.
19