Directorate considering support for embryo R&D
The Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management (DN) is considering offering economic support to Cryogenetics AS for development of freezing technology for embryos from Atlantic salmon.
Earlier this year, Cryogenetics published news about a revolutionary breakthrough for cryopreservation of cod embryos. The company now wants to develop a freezing method adapted to Atlantic salmon embryos.
In a letter to Cryogenetics, DN states that their priority is to maintain biodiversity and in this case the genetic variation of the salmon stock. They agree that a salmon embryo cryopreservation project will involve high risk, but it is an important and pioneering work with consequences for traditional preservation of biological material. They hope that the same approach, which has been tested on zebrafish and cod, can be adapted to Atlantic salmon.
Also stated in the letter is that DN wishes to join the project and consider allocating funds in their budget for 2011.
(Source:Intrafish.no)