Gill health challenges are increasingly shaping the future of Atlantic salmon farming in the UK. Rising sea temperatures, evolving pathogens, and environmental stressors are driving higher incidences of Amoebic Gill Disease (AGD) and Complex Gill Disease (CGD). For farmers, the consequences are significant: reduced growth rates, increased operational costs, and elevated mortalities during the marine production phase.
As these pressures intensify, Benchmark Genetics is stepping forward with science‑driven solutions that strengthen resilience and support long‑term sustainability across the sector.
Genetics at the Core of Sustainable Salmon Production
Benchmark Genetics supplies high‑performing salmon ova to more than 40 countries, delivering robust biological performance across both land‑based and marine environments. Biosecurity, year‑round availability, and trait selection tailored to specific regional challenges form the backbone of of our product portfolio.
One of today’s key challenges is gill disease — a multifactorial issue requiring both precision science and close industry collaboration. Benchmark Genetics has positioned genetic resistance and genomic selection as essential tools for helping farmers mitigate disease impacts and safeguard fish welfare and robustness.
Four Years of Focused Research on Gill Health
Over the past four years, Benchmark Genetics’ R&D team has led a strategic research initiative dedicated to improving gill health in Atlantic salmon. Working closely with leading academic partners, including the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture and with frontline salmon producers, the program has advanced both scientific understanding and applied breeding outcomes.
The research has resulted in:
- Optimised disease‑challenge models that more accurately reflect marine conditions
- Field‑performance testing across commercial farms
- Targeted phenotyping supported by advanced genomics
- Evidence that selective breeding can reduce susceptibility to CGD, despite it’s complex and multifactorial nature
“Benchmarking the performance of genetics tailored to local environmental conditions is key to bolstering our genetics products,” says Dr. Andrew Preston, Head of Product Development at Benchmark Genetics.
Turning Research into Real‑World Impact
The insights generated through this multi‑year initiative have already been translated into applied breeding programmes. Benchmark Genetics has launched commercial products specifically incorporating gill‑health‑related resistance traits for customers in the UK market.
“We have translated these research findings into applied breeding programmes and a commercial product including gill health resistance for a customer in the UK market. Validating them under commercial conditions represents a crucial step for us and our farming partners,” says Kate Furhovden Stenerud, CCO at Benchmark Genetics.
These advances contribute to cumulative genetic gains strengthening resilience across multiple salmon generations and giving farmers a more predictable and secure production foundation.
A Collaborative Path to Healthier Fish and Sustainable Growth
While genetics play a critical role in reducing disease susceptibility, Benchmark Genetics emphasises that success depends on pairing improved genetic stock with strong on‑farm practices and vigilant fish health management. Combining selective breeding, environmental monitoring, and responsible husbandry creates a holistic approach to tackling gill disease challenges.
Gill health will remain a priority as marine conditions continue to change. Benchmark Genetics is committed to ongoing innovation, close customer collaboration, and delivering genetic solutions that support the welfare, performance, and sustainability of the UK’s salmon farming sector.
Read the full publications in Fish Farmer’s Review 2025, pages 10–11: here https://www.fishfarmermagazine.com/e-editions/fish-farmer-2025-review-yearbook
