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ARS Scientists at the National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center Are Breeding New Generations of Atlantic Salmon

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A Day in the Life at the National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center

Brian Peterson, Research leader
Photography by Jim Pattiz

U.S. salmon production is constrained by a lack of genetic improvement, disease, and production efficiency. Producers must culture salmon of North American origin, and salmon genetic research is vital for improved native stocks. ARS’s National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center, in Franklin, ME., provides a state-of-the-art facility to study, enhance, and improve all life stages of the Atlantic salmon. Here, researchers address genetic improvement, growth and development; health; and sustainable production systems for Atlantic salmon and other cold water marine finfish species.

Buildings of the ARS National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center and University of Main Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research as seen from the air.

Aerial view of USDA-ARS National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center and University of Maine Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research on the Taunton Bay in Franklin, Maine. (D4785-1)
Chris Introne, wearing waders and gloves, holds a male Atlantic salmon.

Animal caretaker, Chris Introne holds one of the high-breeding-value Atlantic salmon males being used as part of the selective breeding program. (D4787-1) 
Chris Introne holds a female Atlantic salmon while Ryan Hasty and Melissa Milligan use a pit tag reader to identify the salmon.

A female Atlantic salmon is identified using a pit tag reader imbedded under the skin of the fish by (left to right) animal caretaker Chris Introne and biological science technicians Ryan Hasty and Melissa Milligan. The fish will be spawned and crossed with a male Atlantic salmon. (D4760-1)

Cages containing Atlantic salmon eggs in an iodine bath

Fertilized Atlantic salmon eggs are given an iodine bath to kill any virus or bacteria that might be on the eggs. After this step eggs are put into incubation prior to hatching. (D4792-1)
A scientist and three technicians collect fin samples from an Atlantic salmon laying on a table.

Scientist and technicians collect fin samples from Atlantic salmon that will be used for DNA analysis. (D4757-1)