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New Cryo-preservation method provides 94% fertility results on Coho
eggs (see further down).
Global Invention: Cryo-preservation of fish embryos
– an ideal solution for preservation and safe distribution of fish genes
The Norwegian company Cryogenetics Ltd. has made a significant breakthrough by inventing a method for
cryo-preservation of fish embryos down to -130° C (-202° F) . This is a major achievement as the world’s scientific
community has pursued a method for cryo-preservation of fish embryos over several decades without success.
The Cryogenetics Ltd. scientific team, lead by Dr. Elisabeth Kommisrud
approached the task of establishing protocols for cryo-preservation of fish embryos. A Atlantic cod embryo was
cryo-preserved, thawed and developed normally before hatching. The fish was named «Coddy». Trials were repeated,
optimized and patent applications were filed to protect the invention.
Due to factors such as global warming, pollution and over-fishing, several of the world’s fish stocks are facing low
numbers and could soon to be extinct. Cryogentic’s Ltd.’s new technology may be adapted to suit cryopreservation of
embryos from several fish species and thereby save a stock for future use. A frozen embryo can at a desired point of
time be thawed and continue its natural development. Due to the large egg production in most fish species, a significant
number of offspring can be produced at spawning. For example, an Atlantic Salmon will typically produce between
8.000 and 12.000 eggs per female salmon.
The new technology from Cryogenetics Ltd. also gives rise to the possibility of limiting the spread of diseases in fish
farming, since selected genetic material can be transferred between regions with different health status in a more
controlled and safe way than today.
Cryogenetics Ltd. is anticipating this invention for cryopreserving fish embryos to have a wide area of application for
companies and research institutions working with fish. Breeding companies, R&D companies, vaccine producers and
public conservation programs can dramatically reduce costs and increase opportunities through this method.
Cryogenetics Ltd. will seek partnership with strong R&D groups to develop and adapt the technology for major fish species.
The company is actively supported by Innovation Norway.
For further information please contact:
Managing Director: Jørn Ulheim
R&D Director and Inventor: Dr. Elisabeth Kommisrud
NEW CRYO-PRESERVATION METHOD PROVIDES 94% FERTILITY RESULTS ON COHO EGGS.
CRYOGENETICS Ltd. based in Norway and TRI-GEN FISH IMPROVEMENT LTD. based in Agassiz, B.C. has during a joint
project established an innovative cryo-preservation protocol for milt from Coho salmon. During a two-step trial period
in the fall of 2009, milt from 25 males were cryo-preserved comparing existing/public methods to the Cryogenetics method.
A total of 20.000 eggs where fertilized and incubated to provide significant numbers to the tests. The Cryogenetics method
provided a 94% average. This is by far the best known results obtained by using cryo-preserved coho milt to fertilize eggs.
The project will continue in 2010 to verify these results, and to continue the work on establishing similar methods for milt
from Chinook and Sockeye Salmon. It is expected that the cryo-prerservation technologies will have a positive impact on
how breeding companies and conservation authorities can safely store and later use genes.
Cryogenetics Ltd. specializes in developing cryo-preservation technologies for fish milt and embryos, and provides
commercial products on milt from Atlantic Salmon, Rainbow Trout and Cod. The company issued a press release in January
2010 informing of the breakthrough of cryo-preserving a Cod embryo down to 130 C.
TRI-GEN Fish Impovement Ltd. specializes in research, development and management of Coho salmon, Chinook salmon,
Atlantic salmon and Rainbow trout broodstock programs throughout the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada regions.