Acronym NA
Category
Marine Biotechnology
Title Reducing the impact of pathogens and disease in the Irish oyster industry to support the sustainability and growth of the sector Programme National Programme
Instrument (FP6)
Contact Type (FP7)
Strand (Interreg)
NA
Theme (FP7)
Activity Area (FP6)
Regional Area (Interreg)
Action (COST)
NA
Specific Programme (FP7)
NA
Funding source National Coordinator NA Coordinator email NA
Coordinator institution
UCC - University College Cork (Ireland)
Institutions involved
NA
Start year 2014 End year 2018 Funding (€) € 592,141 Website NA Summary Food Harvest 2020 forecasts a 78% increase in aquaculture volume production in Ireland by 2020. The shellfish industry is an important part of this sector with the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas being the main oyster species produced. The aims of this study are to ameliorate the impact of pathogens and disease in the Irish oyster industry that are threatening our ability to reach these targets. Since 2008, mortalities occurring in Ireland have been associated with a newly emerged herpesvirus variant. Since 2012, pathogenic strains of the bacterium Vibrio aesturianus have also been identified in Irish oysters having already caused mortalities in France. In this study, the role of these pathogens in mortality events will be investigated through field surveys at several culture sites. Any pathogens identified will be characterized using molecular based studies and pathogenicity investigated using diagnostic techniques and laboratory trials. The role of environment and other hosts at culture sites will be determined to help inform management. Modified husbandry methods to help reduce mortalities and other control methods such as the use of antiviral compounds will be assessed. Policy guidelines will be produced to help reduce the impact of losses in this industry, ultimately helping to grow the sector.
Keywords
Mollusc;
Shellfish;
Open sea aquaculture;
Bivalve;
Oyster;
Disease;
Marine Region
76
Not associated to marine areas
0
Marine Region Map
