Conservation genomics: why?

Abstract

Rapid developments in DNA analysis technologies have occurred over the past five years, now enabling in-depth analysis of the genome of virtually any species. These advances hold huge potential for improving management tools in species of conservation interest and/or for promoting sustainable use of commercially important species, but currently, there is skepticism within the conservation community as to whether the field of conservation genomics will ever progress beyond academic research. In my presentation, I will outline why I believe it should, and how this might be achieved by presenting examples of genomics approaches that are being used to develop new cost-efficient genetic tools for management of salmonid fish species. If time remains, I will also discuss the challenges of bridging the "conservation genomics gap" that can come about due to differences between the needs of academic and applied research and consider possible solutions.