‘Contributions to varietal improvement for superior traits of aquacultured abalone recognized

Lee Je-hee, professor in the Department of Aquatic Life Medicine, has recently received one of the most renowned prizes at the 2021 Oceans and Fisheries Technology Commercialization, a convention hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Institute of Marine Science & Technology Promotion.

The program of the convention included the 7th Marine Science & Technology Award, where Lee was presented the Best of the Best Prize in the industrial promotion category for his recent development of a varietal improvement platform for superior traits of aquacultured abalone.

The platform was developed for the purpose of introducing genome-based varietal improvement technologies so that abalone, which are vulnerable to the environment and diseases, can feature thermal tolerance and fast-growing traits.

Specifically, the aquatic life medicine specialist established the database on transcriptome of three abalone varieties and analyzed related genetic resources. The database was advanced through a further genomewide analysis of the abalone varieties. The researcher then established a methodology for the family analysis using microsatellites (MS) as markers. He also analyzed the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the varieties to develop a 70K-level SNP chip for abalone varieties. The MS markers and the 70K SNP chip were used to analyze the genetic traits of the abalone varieties, especially relevant to fast growth and thermal tolerance. Finally, strategies to select parent shellfish and breed them were systemized for the reproduction of the next generations based on their genetic traits.

During the development of the platform, eight of Lee’s articles were published on SCI-level journals. He also succeeded in registering two national patents, applying for the registration of three more patents, singing three contracts for technology transfer, and commercializing the related technologies in 11 items. The commercialization of the platform resulted in the sales revenue worth 417 million won.