Improving the quality and productivity of aquaculture products through genomic selection
My research focuses on accelerating selective breeding in aquaculture species through cutting-edge genomic approaches. As global demand for sustainable sources of animal protein and high-quality fats increases, improving the quality and productivity of farmed fish through breeding has become a central research challenge. Aquaculture is still a relatively young industry—less than a century old—and most farmed species retain a high level of genetic diversity. This means they hold enormous potential for rapid genetic improvement through selective breeding, even without relying on advanced bioengineering tools such as genome editing. However, only a few aquaculture species have been successfully improved through breeding programs that have long been standard in agriculture and livestock. Japan, despite being a leading fisheries nation, still lags behind other countries in adopting these technologies. Recently, genomic selection based on comprehensive genome information has emerged as a powerful method that can dramatically shorten the breeding cycle and enhance accuracy. We are conducting research to implement this next-generation breeding technology in aquaculture. At the same time, certain species present biological challenges that hinder its application. My scientific interest lies in overcoming these challenges by integrating approaches from basic biology with applied breeding science.
Educational approach
Contributing to aquaculture development through quantitative genetics, genetic breeding, and bioinformatics
As a faculty member at the Fisheries Laboratory, I supervise practice courses for students from the Department of Agriculture and general seminars for students from Komaba campus during summer semester.
In practicums for students from the Faculty of aquatic biology, students learn the fundamentals of genetics—including quantitative genetics, genetic breeding, and population genetics—through experiments and discussion.
In other practical classes, students learn about the complexity of coastal environments and their role as sites of biological production through activities such as marine environment survey, fishing, and plankton observation in Lake Hamana.
As a part of MSc course, I have engaged in intensive courses on quantitative genetics and genetic breeding in aquaculture, supporting students with focused, specialized content.
Companies engaged in fisheries-related businesses have shown great interest in selective breeding, and we have conducted multiple collaborative studies with them.
Fisheries-oriented companies have demonstrated a strong intere st in selective breeding, leading to multiple collaborative research initiatives with these industry partners.
We receive job inquiries from major companies every year, with particular demand for individuals capable of genetic analysis through bioinformatics and trained in both the basics and applications of quantitative genetics and genetic breeding.
Each year, leading companies express strong interest in recruiting individuals with expertise in bioinformatics-driven genetic analysis of large-scale genomic datasets, as well as a robust understanding of both theoretical and applied aspects of quantitative genetics and genetic breeding.
Students at the Fisheries Laboratory participate in actual selective breeding projects to acquire company-required knowledge and skills in these fields, while also pursuing research based on their individual academic interests. At our fisheries laboratory, students take part in real selective breeding projects, through which they develop the knowledge and technical expertise required in the aquaculture industry, while also pursuing independent research driven by their own academic interests.
Vision for industry-academia collaboration
We welcome collaborative research on selective breeding of aquaculture species
In aquaculture, responsible production that not only ensures economic efficiency but also meets consumer needs and aligns with SDGs, such as reduced fishmeal use and lower environmental impact, is required.
Selective breeding plays a pivotal role in overcoming these challenges.
Selective breeding is often perceived as an outdated practice of visually selecting individuals with superior growth or disease resistance based on appearance, relying heavily on experience and intuition.
However, it has now been systematized as a technology based on cutting-edge bioinformatics and predictive science.
No craftsmanship is required in this process.
The success of selective breeding projects in countries with less advanced husbandry techniques proves this point.
Recently, the introduction of genomic selection methods has dramatically shortened the duration of selection.
It has also become possible to select for traits that cannot be evaluated in live fish, such as gonadal weight and fillet color.
It has also enabled selection for traits that cannot be assessed in live fish, such as gonadal weight and fillet color.
We support several selective breeding projects, particularly those centered on genomic selection.
In collaboration with the Nagasaki Prefectural Institute of Fisheries, we successfully doubled the average size of tiger pufferfish milt (from 67g to 120g) within two generations while maintaining low levels of inbreeding.
We welcome such collaborative research projects on the premise that part of the results will be published in scientific papers.
