November 24, 2025
Vancouver, BC – As ocean temperatures continue to rise, the stress of climate change is affecting marine life and their food sources and throwing fragile ecosystems into crisis. This isn’t just an ecological problem. It impacts the livelihood of Indigenous communities and poses a direct challenge to BC’s $1.1 billion fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Genome British Columbia (Genome BC) is funding four targeted genomics research projects in response to this challenge. These projects use genetic information as a powerful predictive tool to enable proactive management and targeted conservation efforts.
“We have a strong dependence on fisheries and aquaculture, for our health, culture and economy,” said Dr. Federica Di Palma, Genome BC’s Chief Scientific Officer and Vice President, Research and Innovation. “Genomics gives us the depth of understanding we need to manage and protect these systems, ensuring they can continue to thrive alongside us.”
Four projects targeting fish resilience, immunity and food systems
Each of these four projects will answer critical questions about how ecosystem changes affect fish health and what we need to do to improve conservation and fisheries management.
Project 1: The applied genomics of river-type sockeye salmon
What can we learn from genetic information on wild sockeye salmon to help with fisheries management?
Wild sockeye salmon populations are in steep decline, with warming waters and drying streams killing migrating fish in some rivers and years. Yet, some sockeye continue to adapt, such as by finding new habitats. Studying these populations may provide information that fishery managers can use to balance harvesting needs in tandem with the preservation of vulnerable populations.
A team led by Dr. Jonathan Moore from Simon Fraser University, Dr. Eric Rondeau from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Dr. Matthew Sloat from the Wild Salmon Center is addressing this challenge. By analyzing 400 sockeye genomes across BC’s watersheds, they hope to find genetic markers that may contribute to salmon resilience.
This research involves identifying genetic signatures for “adventurous” river-type salmon populations that have adapted to spawn in rivers instead of lakes and migrate to the ocean after a short rearing period. The researchers will also investigate the genomic basis of migration timing. “Fish that shift to earlier or later migration can avoid stressful summer temperatures,” stated Dr. Sloat.
Understanding the genetic diversity of salmon can help fishery managers make crucial decisions, such as where and when to harvest. “This information can contribute to conservation and natural resource management in an era of rapid climate change,” said Dr. Sloat.
Project 2: The impact of increased ocean temperatures on the pathogen Aeromonas salmonicida and on sablefish immunity
How do increased water temperatures affect fish immunity?
Sablefish, or black cod, is distributed throughout the north Pacific Ocean and is highly valued as a protein source. However, wild sablefish populations have been declining for decades and warmer marine environments may leave them vulnerable to bacterial diseases. Conversely, pathogens like Aeromonas salmonicida benefit from the warmer waters; they can grow faster at higher temperatures and can become more abundant and sometimes more virulent.
Dr. Amy Long and Dr. Kyle Garver from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Dr. Gregg Morin from the Genome Sciences Centre will expose sablefish to Aeromonas salmonicida at average and extreme ocean temperatures. The team will study how water temperature can affect fish immune response, whether the bacteria benefit from higher temperatures, and if any bacterial changes cause it to be more dangerous to fish.
“This will generate insights into fish immune responses and bacterial growth in warming waters. These are critical first steps in developing disease prevention strategies that can help keep our fishery industries economically and sustainably secure,” said Dr. Long.
Project 3: Climate effects on zooplankton resilience
What is leading to the presence of zooplankton with lower nutritional value?
Fish are only as healthy as their food. Zooplankton is the foundational nutrient source for many commercial fish. Changes in zooplankton communities can have cascading effects on the entire marine ecosystem. In the northeast Pacific Ocean and the Strait of Georgia, new, warmer-water zooplankton species with lower nutritional value are appearing.
Dr. Mary O’Connor and Dr. Jessica Garzke from the University of British Columbia, and Dr. Akash Sastri from Fisheries and Oceans Canada aim to create databases of zooplankton omics information and measure their lipid profiles — a key indicator of metabolic health — to determine which species are best adapting to warming.
“Understanding how climate change affects zooplankton metabolism will enhance our ability to manage marine ecosystems,” said Dr. Garzke. “It’s also important to fishery management as a measure of food quality.”
Project 4: How the microbiome impacts survival and adaptation to environmental changes
Can microbiomes help species survive and adapt to global warming?
Evolution typically takes generations, but microbial life adapts quickly. Researchers are investigating whether the microbiome—the trillions of microorganisms living within an individual —can be a rapid lever for climate adaptation.
Dr. Mitra Tabatabaee and Dr. Dina Navon from the University of the Fraser Valley are studying the threespine stickleback fish, commonly found in British Columbia. They will use this species as a model to explore the potential influence of microbiome diversity on physiological adaptation and survival under stressful temperatures.
The possible impact of this research extends beyond fisheries. To Dr. Tabatabaee, understanding microbiome influences in fish is just the beginning. “Microbiomes are also an integral part of human biology. This study may someday lead to potential strategies for our own health and resilience to climate change.”
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About Genome British Columbia
Genome BC is a not-for-profit organization that has advanced genomics research and innovation for 25 years, growing a world-class life sciences sector in BC and delivering sustainable benefits for British Columbia, Canada and beyond. Genome BC has attracted over $1.1 billion in direct co-investment to the province, which has contributed to funding more than 600 genomics research and innovation projects. These initiatives enhance healthcare and address environmental and natural resource challenges, improving the lives of British Columbians. Genome BC also integrates genomics into society by supporting responsible research and innovation and fostering an understanding and appreciation of the life sciences among educators, students and the public.
Contact: Genie Tay, Communications Specialist, Genome BC
