Matís publishes a booklet on DNA research on marine animals.
Matís has developed over 30 methods for genetic analysis of animals. There is a lot of development work behind each analytical method, where an attempt is made to combine as many genetic markers as possible into one disappearance (multiplex). This saves both time and costs when multiple samples are analyzed. In some cases, there is no genetic marker for the species. In those cases, it is necessary to start developing new genetic markers. At Matís, new genetic markers have been developed for many species of marine animals (cod, herring, lobster, mussels and salmon) and in other species, known genetic markers have been changed to make the work more efficient. Several of these methods have been described in peer-reviewed scientific articles.
In population analysis studies, variability in the genotypes of animals from different areas is examined, cf. the example of the cod above. The international community (eg the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea; ICES) calls for information on strains in genetic diversity. Successful decisions have already been made based on genetic data, as the example of the redfish below shows (see the section Genetics proves its value).
In fisheries management, it is very important to know whether there are variable stocks or stock units of a certain type when allocating fishing licenses. In this area, genetic analysis can be a key tool. It is very important for Icelanders to be able to define the stocks that belong to Iceland and can therefore be classified as a resource for Icelanders. If Iceland joins the European Union, this is even more important than ever. It should therefore be a priority in Icelandic marine research to define the genetic resource that belongs to the country. It is also in accordance with international conventions that Iceland has signed to guarantee the conservation of its genetic resources.
The brochure can be found here.
Anna Kristín Daníelsdóttir, Director of Safety, Environment and Genetics, provides further information. Additional information can also be found here.