Data driven genetic improvement: Max Coulter on driving the next generation of digital breeding tools at Xelect
As aquaculture breeding programmes generate ever increasing amounts of genetic, phenotypic and operational data, the ability to transform this information into actionable insights is becoming increasingly important. Digital tools help breeding teams monitor genetic progress, improve programme visibility and make better-informed decisions across the breeding cycle. To support its continued investment in digital innovation, Xelect has […]
Inside the Xelect Lab: Quality Assurance Drives Higher Genetic Returns
Aquaculture breeding programmes rely on accurate and reliable data to achieve the highest rate of genetic progress. Maintaining high-quality laboratory standards is therefore critical to selective breeding success. In Xelect’s state of the art laboratory, quality underpins every step of our laboratory workflow. Danielle MacRae, Scientific Officer at Xelect, tells us more. Why quality […]
Inside the Xelect Lab: What SNP Markers Are and Why They Matter in Aquaculture?
This is the second article in our Inside the Xelect Lab series, where we take a closer look at the science behind what we do. In our first article, we introduced the lab and how it supports aquaculture genetics programmes around the world. In this article, Dr Paolo Ruggeri, Senior Scientific Officer at Xelect, takes […]
Inside the Xelect Lab: Powering World Leading Aquaculture Genetics
At Xelect, we believe that great genetics start long before a breeding value is calculated, or a selection decision is made. Behind every dataset, every breeding programme, and every breakthrough is a team of lab specialists in molecular biology, population genetics and bioinformatics. This exceptionally dynamic team works seamlessly together to transform raw tissue samples […]
Driving Genetic Progress in Seabass Farming: New Milestones with Valle Ca Zuliani
Our breeding programme managers Dr José Mota-Velasco and Angel Carrasquillo recently visited with our partners at Valle Ca Zuliani, a leading European seabass juveniles provider committed to advancing high performance genetics for the Mediterranean aquaculture sector. Advancing Genetics Through Collaboration and Innovation Valle Ca Zuliani has been collaborating with Xelect since 2024, and together we’ve […]
Genotype-by-Environment Interaction: Turning Climate Uncertainty into Aquaculture Resilience
Climate change is no longer a distant challenge for aquaculture; it is an operational reality. Around the world, farms are already feeling the impact of more frequent and severe environmental stress events. Fluctuations in temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and other key water parameters are affecting performance, stability, and predictability. At Xelect, and particularly in my role […]
Xelect Welcomes Habitat as a New Genetics Partner for Coho (Silver) Salmon
Xelect is pleased to announce a new partnership with Habitat, an innovative aquaculture company focused on developing next-generation, land-based systems for salmon.Under this collaboration, Xelect will work with Habitat to deliver a bespoke breeding programme, supporting Habitat’s long‑term vision for sustainable, land‑based aquaculture. Founded in 2017, with its first production batch in 2018, Habitat has built its […]
Driving Aquaculture Genetic Innovation in Africa: A Strategic Visit to Rock Springs Fish Farm
Aquaculture in Africa is entering a critical growth phase. With rapidly expanding populations, increasing demand for affordable animal protein, and continued pressure on capture fisheries, the continent faces both a challenge and an opportunity: to scale sustainable, productive aquaculture systems that can supply high‑quality fish to regional markets. At Xelect, we believe genetics is a central […]
Introducing Dr Marie Smedley: Leading Xelect into the Future of Aquaculture Genetics
Dr Marie Smedley stepped into the role of Global Head of Xelect in mid-2025. While she’s been leading the team for several months, we’re excited to officially introduce her and share her vision for the future of Xelect. Marie brings extensive experience in aquaculture genetics and strategic leadership. With a strong academic foundation in marine […]