Completely Farm-Bred Unagi, a World First

JoshuaInNippon writes "Japanese scientists at the National Research Institute of Aquaculture, Fisheries Research Agency have reported that they successfully completed an artificial cultivation cycle for unagi, or eel — a world first. Unagi is a traditional delicacy in Japan, and can commonly be found in baked form at sushi restaurants. The fish has long been caught either matured, or still young and then fattened on farms. Sadly, as a result, natural stocks of unagi have plummeted in recent years. However, the research news indicates a future method to completely farm breed the tasty creature in mass quantity. Good news for sushi lovers, Japanese businesses, and wild eel alike."

Comments

Re:Maybe, maybe not

[ushering05401]

The AC is probably referring to the infections that the farmed salmon have transmitted to nearby wild populations. I don't know if transmission is via escape or simple proximity, but there has been some noise about the issue.

Just like with the meat industrial complex animals, the farmed salmon require high doses of meds because of the unnatural and crowded living environment, and this has resulted in some aggressive infections for which the wild population is unprepared.

Re:Maybe, maybe not

[NoMaster]

Or the genetic impacts on wild salmon (naturally selected for overall fitness) of interbreeding with escaped farmed salmon (human selected for fast growth rates). It's actually a fairly nasty problem for wild stocks, and is being extensively researched.