The research was conducted as a direct consequence of the 2016 Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) outbreak TAS which decimated parts of this State’s Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) industry and caused numerous flow on effects throughout the entire Australian industry. The project was aimed to allow continuation and improvement of the work that had been undertaken prior to the 2016 outbreak, which was not only a major disruptor to the industry but also the breeding program. New techniques needed to be established to allow continued breeding in TAS in the new POMS paradigm and operations were required to be established in SA due to the biosecurity restrictions brought about by the TAS outbreak. Aspects of the project also looked to increase the rate of genetic gains for POMS resistance by developing additional supporting technologies.
The project was conducted across multiple areas that reflected the objectives of the project. Researchers worked collaboratively to conduct research across breeding strategy development, capacity building in SA, genetic improvement, laboratory and field challenges, accelerated maturation and developing an identification tool.