Aquaculture America 2026

February 16 - 19, 2026

Las Vegas, Nevada

Add To Calendar 19/02/2026 14:45:0019/02/2026 15:05:00America/Los_AngelesAquaculture America 2026FINE-SCALE GENETIC MONITORING OF EASTERN OYSTER POPULATION STRUCTURE IN TEXAS FOR AQUACULTURE, FISHERIES MANAGEMENT, AND RESTORATIONConcorde AThe World Aquaculture Societyjohnc@was.orgfalseDD/MM/YYYYanrl65yqlzh3g1q0dme13067

FINE-SCALE GENETIC MONITORING OF EASTERN OYSTER POPULATION STRUCTURE IN TEXAS FOR AQUACULTURE, FISHERIES MANAGEMENT, AND RESTORATION

Christopher M. Hollenbeck*, Allison R. Weber, Alexandra M. Good, Joseph L. Matt, David S. Portnoy, and Keisha D. Bahr

 

*Texas A&M – Corpus Christi/Texas A&M AgriLife Research

6300 Ocean Drive

Corpus Christi, TX, 78412

christopher.hollenbeck@tamucc.edu

 



In Texas, eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) comprise two genetically distinct populations that co-occur within a dynamic transition zone along the mid-Texas coast, creating challenges for fisheries management, restoration, and the recently legalized oyster aquaculture industry. This presentation summarizes results from a multidisciplinary effort to develop and apply fine-scale genetic tools and physiological assays to inform adaptive management of Texas oyster resources. Using a high-throughput, low-cost SNP-based genotyping panel, a reef-scale population genetics analysis was conducted to characterize the spatial extent of the north-south genetic transition zone. Experimental crosses derived from northern and southern source populations were used to explore differences in physiological performance across temperature and salinity treatments. The results of the project provide tools and data for developing practical strategies for long-term genetic monitoring of wild populations for fisheries management, verification of broodstock origin for aquaculture, and improved matching of oyster genotypes to local environmental conditions for reef restoration projects.