© Scottish Sea Farms
Undertaken by a consortium led by Esox Biologics – a biotech company which uses genomics to prevent the spread of infectious disease in aquatic livestock – the goal is to establish the UK aquaculture industry’s first Regulatory Science and Innovation Network (RS&IN).
The network will establish dialogue with Fish Health Inspectorate, Marine Directorate, CEFAS and DEFRA to assess the use of whole-genome metagenomics – an innovative technology that identifies every micro-organism in a sample by sequencing its unique genetic code, thereby enhancing health management in aquaculture and reducing analysis costs.
Existing methods for pathogen detection rely on PCR; a sensitive but limited approach as each test may detect only a single pathogen. Single-target methods mean the cost of pathogen detection scales linearly with each pathogen screened. Health managers and veterinarians frequently monitor a select-few pathogens when they suspect disease.
The project brings together key partners across multiple sectors:
- Academia: University of Glasgow
- Fin-fish Production: Kames Fish Farming, Bakkafrost Scotland, Scottish Sea Farms.
- Aquatic Veterinary Medicine: Aquatic Vets Ltd
- Consultancy: Aquatic Consultancy Services and the British Trout Association.
- Biotechnology: Esox Biologics Ltd
Regulatory approval
Launching on 1 February, the project will establish an approved framework for utilising whole-genome metagenomics in aquaculture.
Currently, the absence of standardised regulatory guidance prevents reproducibility and consensus, limiting the technology’s adoption. By working alongside regulators, the RS&IN will create a roadmap for regulatory approval, ensuring that pathogen detection in aquaculture meets robust scientific and policy standards.
Known as their ‘Detect’ platform, Esox Biologics launched whole-genome metagenomics for aquaculture in March 2024 and are servicing clients across the UK and Europe, analysing the microbiomes in water, swab and sediment samples. Due to its infancy, whole-genome metagenomics does not have a standardised method approved by regulators and guided by policy.
The new network will trial the use of whole-genome metagenomics on samples collected at key production sites along the west coast of Scotland.
They will then present these findings to the relevant regulators and together build a roadmap for the adoption of whole-genome metagenomics as an approved pathogen detection tool in aquaculture.
As Matthew Pope, managing director of Esox Biologics, explained to The Fish Site: “This funding from Innovate UK demonstrates the government’s desire to support the development and implementation of innovative technologies. Whole-genome metagenomics will enhance health management and disease prevention in aquaculture, but many technical and regulatory hurdles must be addressed first. This funding will foster conversations between the regulators and industry and enable crucial datasets to be gathered which will inform new policy.”
A conference in Oban
The RS&IN will host a conference in Oban, in June 2025, to share project developments and discuss next steps. Members of the aquaculture industry and policymakers are encouraged to participate.
You can secure your spot now by visiting https://www.esoxbiologics.com/contact and completing the form. Alternatively, you can email inquiries@esoxbiologics.com
