"Doing CRISPR".

Area of Science:

• Marine biotechnology
• Aquaculture genetics
• Gene editing technologies

Background:

• Salmon farming is a significant Norwegian industry facing expansion limitations.
• Escaped farmed salmon pose a genetic threat to wild populations.
• The Atlantic salmon genome offers new avenues for aquaculture innovation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the application of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing for producing sterile salmon.
• To explore the ethical, safety, and legal implications of genome editing in aquaculture.
• To analyze the collaborative research landscape between science and industry in Norwegian aquaculture.

Main Methods:

• Ethnographical observation of research communities.
• Interviews with scientists and industry stakeholders.
• Assessment of CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing procedures in salmon aquaculture.

Main Results:

• CRISPR-Cas9 can effectively prevent germ cell formation, leading to sterile salmon.
• The study examines the societal and ethical dimensions of gene-edited salmon.
• It describes the collaborative dynamics within the Norwegian aquaculture science sector.

Conclusions:

• Genome editing offers solutions to aquaculture bottlenecks like genetic introgression.
• Ethical and societal considerations are crucial for the acceptance and implementation of gene-edited salmon.
• Understanding the scientific community's role is vital for the future of the industry.