Invertebrate Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis for Aquaculture
This project exploits potentially lucrative niches within the European invertebrate aquaculture sector, environmental monitoring and conservation programmes.
Project leader
Dr Gary Caldwell
Description
Human in vitro fertilisation has led to the development of cutting edge technologies used to determine egg and sperm quality.
Researchers apply IVF technology successfully to other vertebrates. This is especially in relation to sperm quality.
But there is currently no facility in Europe for accurately determining invertebrate sperm quality.
The project uses a state of the art IVF sperm monitoring system to exploit lucrative niches within the following:
- The European invertebrate aquaculture sector
- UK and Ireland government environmental monitoring and conservation programmes
- European research frameworks by screening for male sperm quality and health
This service will be specifically targeted towards:
- The invertebrate aquaculture industry. It is expanding globally both in volume and range of species cultured. It has a vital role in preventing the over exploitation of threatened species in the wild. The programme will contribute towards increasing the quality of males used in aquaculture breeding programmes throughout Europe.
- Governmental environmental monitoring programmes. Focusing on impacts of endocrine disrupters. Improve the effectiveness of conservation measures for endangered native species. Also control measures for invasive species.
- European academic research sector. No facility exists in Europe to monitor invertebrate sperm motility and health accurately.