Of particular interest to both the aquaculture and wild capture industries is whether there are
sub-populations of abalone that demonstrate some innate resistance to infection/disease or that are
capable of developing resistance. Identification of these sub-populations could prove useful to both
the farming and the wild-capture sector.
In a controlled culture population it may be possible to breed for a more AVG-resistant population that
would be able to respond better should a disease outbreak occur. Potential AVG resistance between
different wild populations could also be inferred since the parents of the farmed bred lines have come
from different wild sources and we will be able to use knowledge of their ancestry to determine if there
is any evidence for population differences. In addition, should any zones of the natural population be
at low densities such that re-stocking either from cultured seed or by movement of natural stock from
other zones be required, it will be critical to know if there is innate resistance prior to translocation of
any stocks. If sub-populations in the wild are found to be more resistant and others more susceptible,
this may influence management of these zones and restrict movement of stock within and between
zones. If genetic resistance is identified in greenlips, the next step would be to confirm this in blacklips
and hybrids, and then search for genetic markers associated with resistance/susceptibility to be able
to identify individuals and sub-populations that are more resistant or susceptible. Moreover, this study
will be the first examination of virus resistance in a gastropod and might provide us with information on
future events. Identification of mechanisms of resistance to infection/disease was identified as a
priority in the draft national abalone health work plan. Identification of resistant family line(s) would
allow further research on mechanisms of resistance (future proposal).