Center for Aquaculture Technologies opens Shrimp Genetics Innovation Center in California

The Center for Aquaculture Technologies (CAT) has opened its Shrimp Genetics Innovation Center in San Diego, California, U.S.A.

CAT is a full-service contract research and development organization working on applied technologies to improve productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in the aquaculture industry.

The facility features a genome-editing lab and additional tank space, quadrupling CAT’s shrimp research capacity, according to the organization.

“With this investment, we have further solidified our position as a leader in the delivery of impactful genetic solutions to help shrimp producers feed the world more efficiently,” CAT CEO John Buchanan said in a press release.

Buchanan said CAT’s goal with the center is to accelerate “next-generation breeding through the application of innovative genome editing techniques.”

“Genome editing represents the next frontier in genetic improvement; it allows for the precise and rapid recreation of changes that would occur in nature. CAT is committed to helping shrimp producers do more with less through the development and application of genome editing technology and methodology, which can solve problems that conventional breeding methods are unable to address and substantially accelerate the pace of genetic improvement,” CAT said in a press release.

The Shrimp Genetics Innovation Center is co-located with the CAT Finfish Genetics Innovation Center, allowing for cross-discipline study and exchange, according to the center’s facility manager, Matt Stone.

“The increase in rearing and research capacity means we are even better prepared to deliver innovations to boost efficiency in the shrimp industry through genome editing,” Stone said. “Our team is excited to be working in this new space and looks forward to helping clients achieve their goals.”

In 2021, CAT announced a partnership with Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.A.-based NEOGEN Corporation to deliver high-quality genotyping services specifically tailored to aquaculture producers.

Photo courtesy of Center for Aquaculture Technologies