
San Diego, USA – The global growth of the shrimp industry is placing significant pressure on producers to enhance efficiency and reduce mortality, presenting them with ongoing challenges. To facilitate research aimed at delivering impactful solutions, The Center for Aquaculture Technologies (CAT) is delighted to announce the opening of the Shrimp Genetics Innovation Center.
This state-of-the-art facility features a cutting-edge genome editing lab and tank space, effectively quadrupling CAT’s shrimp research capacity. The facility’s opening sets the stage for revolutionizing shrimp genetic performance and accelerating next-generation breeding through the application of innovative genome editing techniques.
Genome editing represents the next frontier in genetic improvement; it allows for the precise and rapid recreation of changes that would occur in nature. CAT is committed to helping shrimp producers do more with less through the development and application of genome editing technology and methodology, which can solve problems that conventional breeding methods are unable to address and substantially accelerate the pace of genetic improvement.
Matt Stone, Facility Manager, looks forward to benefiting clients, stating, “The increase in rearing and research capacity means we are even better prepared to deliver innovations to boost efficiency in the shrimp industry through genome editing. Our team is excited to be working in this new space and looks forward to helping clients achieve their goals.”
Dr. John Buchanan, CEO, touched on the broader impacts of this move, stating, “With this investment, we have further solidified our position as a leader in the delivery of impactful genetic solutions to help shrimp producers feed the world more efficiently.”
By opening this facility at their San Diego location, the staff of the Shrimp Genetics Innovation Center can benefit from a synergistic relationship with CAT Finfish Genetics Innovation Center.
The new facility is dedicated to the memory of Dr Richard H. Towner, an exceptional researcher in the field of genetics who served as a trusted advisor to CAT. Dr Towner’s invaluable contributions to the aquaculture industry and his mentorship of numerous researchers have greatly propelled advancements in the field.
About The Center for Aquaculture Technologies
Driven by passion, purpose and results, the team at the Center for Aquaculture Technologies (CAT) offers an industry-leading, comprehensive suite of aquaculture genetic solutions and health and nutrition research services. We are committed to delivering results that our customers can use to achieve lasting, sustainable success in efficiently feeding future generations. Our team of world-class experts is ready to help, offering end-to-end solutions, tailored to your needs.

Editor at the digital magazine AquaHoy. He holds a degree in Aquaculture Biology from the National University of Santa (UNS) and a Master’s degree in Science and Innovation Management from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, with postgraduate diplomas in Business Innovation and Innovation Management. He possesses extensive experience in the aquaculture and fisheries sector, having led the Fisheries Innovation Unit of the National Program for Innovation in Fisheries and Aquaculture (PNIPA). He has served as a senior consultant in technology watch, an innovation project formulator and advisor, and a lecturer at UNS. He is a member of the Peruvian College of Biologists and was recognized by the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) in 2016 for his contribution to aquaculture.