Experts - Genetics

My primary research focus revolves around the repetitive DNA sequences in the genomes of diverse bivalve species, during which I have characterized a broad range of satellite DNAs and transposable elements, and investigated their structure, function, localization, organization, evolution, and influence on the overall architecture of the genome. I am also engaged in the study of the entire satellitomes and repeatomes of oyster species of the Ostrea and Crassostrea genera. Understanding the mechanisms of rapid adaptation and resistance of invasive species is of particular importance in conditions of environmental changes, which will have significant consequences for native, less adaptable species. For that reason, my research interests also include the comparative analyses of native vs. invasive oyster species, the role of repetitive sequences in their genome architecture, search for the basis of the adaptive advantages of the invasive species, development of molecular markers for the discrimination of native/invasive species, etc.

E-Mail: esatovic@irb.hr
Web: https://www.irb.hr/eng/Divisions/Division-of-Molecular-Biology/Employees/Eva-Satovic-Vuksic

I am broadly interested in the evolutionary ecology of aquatic invertebrates. My areas of expertise are (a) historical phylogeography, and (b) the reconstruction of evolutionary change with genomic and morphological time series. The European oyster is one of my model systems. Using ancientDNA approaches, I aim to understand how and why the European oyster genomic diversity has changed over time, and how this change may relate to its decline. My immediate goal is to reconstruct the natural distribution of genomic diversity and particular local adaptations, a baseline that could be useful to restoration projects across Europe.

E-Mail: ewers-saucedo@zoolmuseum.uni-kiel.de
Web: www.ewers-saucedo.net

Atlantic Shellfish Ltd. has been breeding O. edulis since 1969, by using 22 breeding ponds in Cork Harbour, capable of producing 100 tonnes / year of marketable oysters. The ponds are used to produce spat, which are then grown and fattened in the North Channel of the harbour. The company mainly supplies the restaurant market, with fully grown, well graded oysters, packed to the customers need. Atlantic Shellfish also is running the Loch Ryan wild native oyster fishery in South West Scotland, which has a sustainable, natural production of O. edulis which is free from Bonamia. These are mostly harvested for the restaurant market also. The company has depuration tanks in London, and is able to supply the UK market overnight with O. edulis and C. gigas, along with exports from Heathrow.

E-Mail: tristan@oysters.co.uk
Web: www.rossmoreoysters.com

E-Mail: Sylvie.Lapegue@ifremer.fr
Web: http://annuaire.ifremer.fr/cv/16212/

I am a marine biologist, specialised in Marine Ecology, currently PhD student at the Institute of Marine Sciences of Portsmouth (University of Portsmouth, UK). My research involves the hatchery production of the native oyster O.edulis as spat-on-shell for restoration in the Solent. I am investigating the genetic implications surrounding the employment of locally adapted broodstock from disease-affected areas, for the hatchery production of native oyster seed for restoration purposes, monitoring the genetic diversity and potential disease-resistance during the whole production process. I am also investigating the mechanisms of competitive exclusion of C. fornicata, assessing the factors responsible for the inhibition of O. edulis natural recruitment in the Solent. During my most recent work experience, I've been running an aquarium based experiment to investigate the role of microplastics as pathogen vectors. All my previous experiences include projects related to the biodiversity and conservation fields of study.

E-Mail: monica.fabra@port.ac.uk

Developing the science, networks and communication to allow the scale-up of shellfish reef restoration to address habitat destruction on an ecologically meaningful scale. This includes developing the primary science to support restoration and quantifying the ecosystem services provided by the restored habitat, translating that science into formats accessible to a variety of practitioners and facilitating knowledge exchange across a range of projects, geographies and taxa.

E-Mail: BHANCOCK@TNC.ORG

Research scientist within Ifremer since 1994, Pierre Boudry develops studies on genetics and genomics of marine molluscs exploited by fisheries or aquaculture. He focusses on population genetics (diversity, adaptation) and genetic improvement (domestication, selective breeding) of bivalves.

E-Mail: pboudry@ifremer.fr
Web: https://annuaire.ifremer.fr/cv/15809/