Oyster

The Rutgers 250 All-Star Variety for August is the ‘triploid’ oyster! The oyster breeding program is at the forefront of genetic research to develop a superior oyster for aquaculture. This includes the production of oysters that grow faster, are resistant to disease, have better meat quality, and are better for the environment. Ximing Guo, oyster breeder, is concerned by challenges facing the world, such as pollution, over-fishing, climate change, and new diseases. These challenges are causing oyster populations to decline, so Dr. Guo is doing research to 1. help oyster fisheries, 2. sustain the oyster industry, and 3. support aquaculture development worldwide.

Rutgers shellfish research mainly takes place in centers within the Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory, a station of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and an institute of the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. This dual role between research and outreach permits shellfish scientists to draw upon the strengths of both programs to fulfill its mission in support of aquaculture.

Sources

Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory

Ximing Guo – Genetic Advancement of Aquaculture