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"Doing CRISPR": The novel case of Atlantic salmon, science and industry
1Universitetet i Bergen, Det Matematisk-naturvitenskapelige Fakultet, dorothy.dankel@uib.no.
Summary
Genome editing using CRISPR-Cas9 can create sterile salmon, addressing genetic impacts on wild populations. This technology, however, raises ethical and societal questions for the Norwegian aquaculture industry.
Area of Science:
- Marine biotechnology
- Aquaculture genetics
- Gene editing technologies
Background:
- Norway's salmon farming industry is a significant economic driver.
- The Atlantic salmon genome provides tools to address industry challenges.
- Escaped farmed salmon pose a genetic threat to wild populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the use of sterile salmon produced via genome editing to mitigate genetic introgression.
- To examine the scientific communities and collaborations behind gene-editing applications in Norwegian aquaculture.
- To assess the societal, ethical, and legal implications of genome editing in salmon farming.
Main Methods:
- Ethnographic observation and interviews.
- Analysis of CRISPR-Cas9 applications in salmon aquaculture.
- Assessment of research collaborations and scientific fact-production.
Main Results:
- CRISPR-Cas9 enables the production of sterile salmon, preventing germ cell formation.
- This technology addresses genetic introgression and precocious maturation issues.
- The study describes the current state of CRISPR gene-editing in Norwegian science-industry collaborations.
Conclusions:
- Genome editing offers solutions for salmon aquaculture but necessitates careful consideration of ethical, safety, and legal aspects.
- Understanding the scientific communities involved is crucial for assessing the societal impact of these technologies.
- The research highlights the interplay between scientific advancement and industry application in Norwegian aquaculture.