Projects
Domestication genes in Atlantic salmon - identification of markers
Identification of genetic and epigenetic genomic markers of domestication in Atlantic salmon for use in assessing introgression of farm genes into wild populations. Led by the Rivers and Lochs Institute in collaboration with partners in UK, Norway, Ireland, and Canada, this project is jointly funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and the Natural Environment Research Council.
DNA methods for seabed monitoring and aquaculture management
Development and testing of DNA-based metagenomic methodologies for seabed monitoring below cages to support aquaculture management. Led by the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) in collaboration with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) and Mowi.
Genomic analysis of population connectivity in the Scottish marine protected areas network
This project uses genomic methods to explore the population connectivity of species found in Scottish waters; the flame shell Limaria hians, and two species of razor clam, Ensis siliqua and Ensis arcuatus. With Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers we can explore connectivity, and hopefully go on to look into local adaptation of these species to further explore the driving factors for differentiation within Scottish waters. This project is funded by the SUPER Doctoral Training Partnership through the Natural Environment Research Council, and is a collaboration between the Rivers and Lochs Institute at the University of the Highlands and Islands and Scottish Natural Heritage.
Atlantic salmon stock assessment: integrating genetics
Ways of integrating genetic estimates of breeder numbers into Atlantic salmon abundance/conservation limit assessments are being researched and an integration framework developed. Led by the Rivers and Lochs Institute and Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) in partnership with the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board and the Spey Foundation.
Arctic Char and climate change: implications for wild and farmed populations
NextGen sequencing mitogenome data is being combined with existing life history data in model-based analyses to generate insight into the effects of climate change on the Arctic char of Nordic and other northern countries. Led by Matis in collaboration with partners including the Rivers and Lochs Institute.
River Garry Atlantic salmon restoration project
An integrated programme of science is being undertaken in support of adaptive management initiatives to restore the salmon stock of the upper River Garry, a tributary of the River Ness, following its prolonged decline. Led by the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board and Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) with support from the Rivers and Lochs Institute, Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage.
Elm in the Highlands
Current status and potential management responses to Dutch elm disease.
eDNA assessment of the distribution, abundance and reproductive behaviour of Pearl Mussels in Scotland
This project is focused on the design, optimisation, and application of environmental DNA to aid the conservation of the endandered freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera), now mostly extinct in much of mainland Europe and England. By sampling water from rivers, and filtering and analysing it, researches hope to develop an alternative monitoring solution to detect the presence of freshwater pearl mussels and gather information about the size or state of the population. The process can then be applied more widely as part of conservation management to facilitate optimisation of traditional surveying, provide data on otherwise hard to survey variables such as reproductive timings and larger spatial distribution, and allow data collection in otherwise impossible to survey sites.
Development of a Slender Naiad eDNA survey
Development of a surveying and monitoring methodology to detect and aid conservation of the endangered aquatic macrophyte, Najas flexilis (Slender Naiad), involving the collection and extraction of eDNA from freshwater lochs, and targeted Najas identification. Led by the Rivers and Lochs Institute, with funding from Scottish Natural Heritage.