Phenotypic sex in salmonids is determined primarily by a genetic male heterogametic system; yet, sex reversal can be accomplished via hormonal treatment. In Tasmanian Atlantic salmon aquaculture, to overcome problems associated with early sexual maturation in males, sex-reversed females are crossed with normal females to produce all female stock.

06/01/2013

We studied the expression of 28 genes that are involved in vertebrate sex-determination or sex-differentiation pathways, in male and female Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in 11 stages of development from fertilization to after first feeding. Gene expression was measured in half-sibs that shared the same dam.

12/01/2015

Tasmanian salmon typically mature after only one winter at sea, in contrast to northern- hemisphere populations where the majority take two ‘sea-winters’ to mature. The Tasmanian fish still reach 3 – 5 kg during this period due to the favourable effects of higher temperature on growth, however, the less desirable outcome of early maturation is the compression of the harvest season.

12/01/2006

Ambient environmental conditions mean that the Tasmanian salmon industry will always suffer from high maturation rates due to its high water temperatures and increased light intensity. Additional artificial lighting in Tasmania has been shown to reduce maturation by up to 30%; increase growth rates significantly; and delay maturation by 8 weeks (Porter et al., unpublished).

06/01/2009