AquaChile develops new tech to genetically enhance tilapia, salmon

AquaInnovo, a research and development extension of aquaculture giant AquaChile, has constructed a technology geared toward genetically improving tilapia, as well as a digital chip aimed at analyzing the genetic make-up of select Atlantic salmon in an effort to make the species more resistant to disease.  

According to a report from Diario Financiero, the chip technology works by inspecting and evaluating fish DNA, picking out genotypes that signify certain fish as more resistant to diseases, including septicemia rickettial salmonidea and sea lice.  AquaInnovo is also looking to develop a similarly optimized technology for tilapia. 

The project has received nearly USD 2.5 million (EUR 2.3 million) in investments, including 50 percent funding from Corfo, a unit of the Chilean government. 

In the future, the company is looking to export these technologies to places known for their extensive tilapia aquaculture sectors, such as Brazil, Costa Rica and Colombia