1. the characterization of growth factors, such as myostatin, in finfish and shellfish,
   
2. the isolation of novel genes controlling bivalve reproductive maturation
   
3. determination of causes of disease and the pathogenic mechanisms in the development of disease in fish and bivalves.
   

Approaches used in these studies involve gene discovery through subtractive cloning, functional genomics, transgenesis, as well as traditional physiological experiments and clinical and histopathological evaluations of tissues. Sensitive molecular and protein based assays are being developed for the detection of diseases such as Dermo and nodavirus, and prescriptions for their management; and the etiology and abatement of diseases such as lobster shell disease and QPX are being investigated. Examples of whole animal aquaculture research being conducted on

1. genetic analysis of wild cod stocks for aiding the management of the fishery, and the potential development of captive cod broodstock
   
2. the design and implementation of recirculating culture systems for live feed production to feed larval marine organisms
   
3. selectively breeding bay scallops to improve growth and survival, and assigning pedigree via microsatellite genetic markers
   
4. methods for cageless ranching of fish in the open ocean
   
5. improving methods for rearing research animals such a zebrafish, toadfish and cuttlefish
   
6. pathogenesis of bivalve disease cause by agents such as QPX and Dermo
   
7. determination of the basis for disease resistance in bivalves
   
8. development and testing of indigenous plant-based diets for growing tilapia to feed malnourished people in Haiti.
   

Laboratory of Scott Lindell

Laboratory of Roxanna Smolowitz

Bill Mebane, Aquatic Facilities and Engineering