Genetic diversity in oysters ...

• Main Author: English, Louise
• Format: Thesis
• Language: unknown
• Published: University Of Tasmania 2023
• Subjects: Pacific; Crassostrea gigas
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.25959/23234891; https://figshare.utas.edu.au/articles/thesis/Genetic_diversity_in_oysters/23234891

This project examined the effects on genetic diversity of oysters by hatchery techniques and selective breeding. The edible oyster industry in Australia comprises of two main species: Crassostrea gigas and Saccostrea glomerata, which are produced by hatcheries or natural spatfall, respectively. This study examined the levels of genetic diversity as a result of unintentional selection in C. gigas, and as a result of intentional selection (a selective breeding program to increase meat weight) in S. glomerata. This study has implications for aquaculture species worldwide as it examines the levels of genetic diversity in introduced (eg C. gigas) and a previously declining, native (S. glomerata) species, which comprise two of the main groups of species utilised for aquaculture. The oyster aquaculture industry in Tasmania is based on Pacific oysters, C. gigas, and derived from imports of Japanese oysters made some 40 years ago. Fears were held that introduction and subsequent domestication had eroded the genetic ...