Project Leaders:    
Ben Koop, William Davidson, Simon Jones, Grant Murray

Lead Institutions:    
University of Victoria, Simon Fraser University, Fisheries & Oceans Canada, Vancouver Island University

Research Funding Program:    
Applied Genomics Innovation Program

Project Website:
Genomics in Lice & Salmon

This project will use genomics to understand the host-pathogen interaction between different salmon and louse species and will address the controversy associated with the transfer of lice infections from farmed to wild salmon stocks.

Sea lice infections of salmon populations can threaten this important economic and environmental resource in British Columbia.  The production costs of Canadian farmed salmon can soar up to $35 million per year to control these infestations. Two types of louse can infect salmon and other species (Lepeophtheirus salmonis and Caligus spp.) and have the capacity to cause significant salmon mortality, particularly in young fish. The factors that influence louse infection can depend upon environmental or individual genetic variables that are important to understand in order to develop therapeutic strategies.

Identification of genetic markers in lice will enable the examination of population characteristics including migration patterns, origins, and selection that will in turn provide information about the genetic factors that influence the host-pathogen response.  The researchers will also address the controversy surrounding the impact of salmon fish farms on wild salmon population.

The team of researchers will use microarray technology to examine gene expression patterns of both salmon and louse to identify which genes undergo significant changes in expression during infection. New salmonid genomic resources have just been developed through current Genome BC studies but microarrays for louse species must be developed. The team will identify common genetic elements required for infection that could provide potential therapeutic targets that affect both species of louse. The analysis of gene expression patterns in both host and pathogen will provide important insight into the host-pathogen interaction including the identification of resistant strains of salmon and more virulent strains of louse. This genomic strategy can also be employed to investigate the environmental variables that influence infection in order to potentially limit infection in farmed salmon populations. This research will not only benefit agencies that regulate salmon fishing, but will also improve scientific communication and understanding of the sea lice/salmon controversy.