In 2016, the Canadian Rivers Institute’s Genomics Laboratory opened at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John. This state-of-the-art genomics lab specializes in Aquatic Molecular Ecology and Ecological Genomics. The lab is equipped to perform DNA isolation and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparation, as well as bioinformatics. The Lab’s mission is to address basic and applied questions in conservation, fisheries management, evolution and ecology. Dr. Scott Pavey is the Lab’s director, as well as a Professor at the University of New Brunswick and a Canada Research Chair.
The lab is currently working on the following projects:
genotype-by-sequencing (GBS) to determine the genetic basis of study phenotypes
identification of unique adaptations in local fish species
sequencing barcode regions to identify species for microbiomes or insect community identification
environmental DNA (uses small tissues and cells suspended in the water to identify species in a lake or river)
targeted resequencing of candidate genes of many individuals simultaneously
The Lab’s research is used to conserve biodiversity, make aquaculture more sustainable and improve the management of fisheries.