Genomics of the Atlantic salmon in Denmark

What is this project about?

The aim of the project “Strengthening the Danish Populations of Atlantic Salmon – increasing populations, genetic resources and recreational fishing” (SDPAS – check the project website) is to empower the population of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in Denmark and assure that it can become a self-sustainable population in the long-term. We are doing this by working on different aspects around the habitat/genetics/behavior of this species. I am involved in the genetics part.

Salmon individual captured in a Danish river in mid-20th century.

What is the aim of the project?

We aim to better understand how the population in Skjern river and other Western rivers in Denmark have been evolving since the beginning of last century with all the management strategies that have taken place, and taking advantage of the improvements in technology, especially in genetics-genomics. In doing so management of the population will be better adapted to assure a healthy and self-maintained wild salmon population.

Why is this project interesting?

This is a really interesting project from the point of view of conservation. Firstly, it serves as an example on how we can apply genetics for real management. Secondly, it deals with a population (the Atlantic salmon in western Jutland) that was about to get extincted in the 80’s, and it was literally saved from the blink of extinction (you can read all about the history of the Atlantic salmon in Denmark here). Also, we’ll be studying the population at different points in time – some of the samples actually date many years back! Working with the so-called ancient DNA is another exciting point of this project.

How will we do it?

For this study, we’ll be using the advances in genetic technology that have been developed in the recent years. These advances in technology have made it possible to sequence and study the genomes of many species of animals and plants, commonly referred to as Next-Generation sequencing (NGS). Many new techniques for genetic sequencing have been developed and it is now possible to target specific regions of the genome and sequence them. This technique, known as capture sequencing, is the tool that my colleagues and I at DTU Aqua are using to study the genetics of these populations. Capture sequencing involves isolating chosen regions of the genome that are of interest and study them in detail.

More information about the project:

This interdisciplinary project is being carried out by local and governmental institutions, i.e. DTU Aqua and the Danish Center for Wild salmon (Danmarks Center for Vildlaks) and was funded by Innovationsfonden, Ringkøbing Skjern Kommune and Herning Kommune.