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This article was originally published by Genome Atlantic on June 26, 2025. We are sharing the full text here for reference. All rights remain with the original publisher. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 26, 2025

Halifax, NS – MSX is a deadly oyster disease – harmless to humans but fatal to oysters. In Canada, it was first detected in Cape Breton’s Bras d’Or Lake in 2002, and in Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick in 2024. The disease is a serious threat to the Canadian Eastern oyster industry. Today, Genome Canada announced a four-year, $3.1 Million project led by Genome Atlantic in partnership with Génome Québec, to develop MSX-resistant oyster broodstock – a long-term solution that will help safeguard the industry and sustain it for generations.

The project was announced as part of a Government of Canada Canadian Genomics Strategy biotech investment of more than $6 million – matched by an additional $12 million in co-investment – to five public-private R&D projects across Canada – aimed at accelerating commercialization and adoption of genomics-driven biotechnology

In collaboration with New Brunswick oyster hatchery L’Étang Ruisseau Bar/Mallet Oysters and Université Laval in Quebec, Accelerating the development of MSX-resistant oysters in Eastern Canada will use advanced selective breeding and genomic tools to tackle the growing crisis. By analyzing oyster DNA for key traits, genomics can identify natural resistance to MSX and enable earlier, faster selection of resilient broodstock – accelerating the development of disease-resistant oyster seed. The project is co-led by L’Étang Ruisseau Bar/Mallet Oysters, with co-owner Dr. Martin Mallet the company’s research lead, and by Dr. Jean-Sébastien Moore, Canada Research Chair in Integrative Biology of Northern Aquatic Resources at Université Laval.

“Ultimately, oysters will only be able to thrive if they’re resistant to MSX,” said Dr. Mallet. “By adding genomics to our breeding program, we can develop resistant seed much faster than by natural selection alone and get that seed into growers’ hands sooner.”

“This project builds on years of collaboration between Mallet Oysters and Université Laval and is a perfect example of how genomic data and expertise can be leveraged quickly to address emerging issues that are of concern for Canadians,” said Dr. Moore.

“This project represents a major step forward for the sustainability of Atlantic Canada’s oyster industry,” said Genome Atlantic President & CEO Dr. Steve Armstrong. “By speeding up the development of MSX-resistant seed, we’re equipping growers with a timely and powerful tool to protect their livelihoods and build long-term resilience.”

In addition to Canadian Genomics Strategy investment through Genome Canada, the project is supported by Genome Atlantic, Génome Québec, L’Étang Ruisseau Bar/Mallet Oysters, Université Laval, Government of New Brunswick, and University of Chile.

Genome Atlantic is a not-for-profit corporation that helps Atlantic Canada realize the economic and social benefits of genomics. Working with private and public sector partners, it has helped enable more than $165 million in genomics R&D across the region. genomeatlantic.ca.

Media Contact: Charmaine Gaudet, 902-488-7837 / cgaudet@genomeatlantic.ca

Source: Genome  Atlantic. Original article available here.