Ohio yellow perch farmers using genetics to improve efficiency

Tor-Eddie Fossbakk Aquaculture scientists from Ohio State University are analyzing the genetic traits of yellow perch lines. They are cross-breeding those exhibiting high-growth rates and little genetic similarities. The goal for the research project is to genetically improve yellow perch broodstock - a species that lags in growth. After two years of research, data of first generation crosses have shown the fish grew 28 to 54% faster than the unimproved fish. The OSU scientists have been able to develop genetic charts and compare the genetic fingerprint of the offspring, so that traits for improved growth is kept intact for breeding the next generation. So far, researchers have distributed nearly 60,000 improved perch fry and fingerlings to Ohio farmers using this method. According to the 2005 USDA Census of Aquaculture, yellow perch accounted for the largest portion of food fish sales in Ohio with 25 farms. The production was valued at USD 222,000. The average price was USD 6.86/kg (USD 3.12/lb). Ohio ranks first in the nation in sales of yellow perch. It is considered a very important part of Ohio's robust aquaculture industry. The industry has nearly doubled from nearly USD 1.8 million in 1997 to over USD 3.3 million in 2006.