The Canadian subsidiary of the Center for Aquaculture Technologies (CAT) has become an independent company as part of a move to optimise technical specialisation.
CAT, headquartered in California, will maintain its focus on aquaculture genetics whilst CATC will continue to prioritise health and nutrition at its two sites in Prince Edward Island, Canada. The two sister companies will remain integral parts of the Cuna del Mar portfolio.
“The realignment empowers CAT to pursue innovation in genetic improvement with singleness of purpose and strategic focus,” said John Buchanan, chief executive of CAT.
“We are excited about the opportunities in bringing our genome editing technologies to commercial impact while honouring environmental stewardship.”
CAT says it has invested heavily in commercialising genome editing, particularly through developing techniques to produce completely sterile fish.
It says that the rising demand for genetic solutions has brought about its Next-Gen Breeding strategy which combines expertise in editing and its associated tools with wider experience in genomics and breeding.
The newly created CATC will be headed up by chief executive, Myrna Gillis. “The realignment presents us with a unique opportunity to deepen our expertise in health, nutrition, diagnostics, and specialty feed production while forging new pathways for research and development,” she said.
CATC says it will retain its focus on health and nutrition research for aquatic animals, supported by diagnostic services and a commercial-scale feed extruder.
