In order to conserve biodiversity stakeholders can use either a “living gene bank” (live animals in captivity) or a cryopreserved genetic source. Dane Roberts (pictured below right, a Masters graduate student in Dr. Pitcher’s lab (pictured below left)) recently visited the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Coldbrook Biodiversity Facility in Nova Scotia in order to learn about both options. In collaboration with DFO, they helped conduct experiments to compare fresh and cryopreserved endangered Atlantic salmon offspring from the inner Bay of Fundy in order to inform management decisions.
Through this experience, Dane was able to learn highly valuable applied skills from leading industry professionals. Additionally, he was able to be involved in immensely impactful research directed towards the conservation of a fish that is now listed as endangered on the East coast of Canada.
