The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.

The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.

The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.

The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.

The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.

The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.

The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.

The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.

The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.

The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.

The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.

The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.

The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.

The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.

The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.

The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.

The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.

The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.

The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.

The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.

The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.

The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.

The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.

The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.

The project was designed to explore the application of surrogate technology as an alternative broodstock system for the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT). Surrogate technology, also known as germ cell transplantation, uses germ cells from a donor species, in this case SBT, and transplants them into a host species, the surrogate. The germ cells can migrate and form part of the host’s gonad, resulting in the production of the donor sperm and egg by the host gonad.

We have explored the suitability of the Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) as a surrogate for SBT. Over 12,000 YTK larvae were injected with SBT germ cells, and 3-4 weeks after transplantation we could observe the migration and colonisation of the SBT cells (which are labelled with red florescence dye for ease of detection) to the YTK genital ridge, confirming SBT cells responded to YTK migration cues. Transplanted larvae were raised and samples assessed a few months later, however so far we could not detect SBT cells in the maturing YTK, indicating that whilst SBT germ cells respond to the YTK migration cues we cannot confirm proliferation of the germ cells in the YTK host at this stage. About 100 YTK approaching one year of age are maintained at CST and will need to be examined for the presence of SBT sperm or eggs once they reach sexual maturity.