Whole genome sequencing of Parastichopus tremulus

Parastichopus tremulus is a common holothuroid in the North Atlantic ocean. P. tremulus sea cucumbers can be found from around 20 meters with the majority of the population at about 200-400 meters. It is an underutilized species with great commercial potential. Moereforsking (MF) is in the forefront of research on P. tremulus, both on farming and development of high value products. By using P. tremulus as a model organism the project goals were to establish molecular and bioinformatic tools for sustainable development of marine resources and health related research in Moere and Romsdal. This effort included whole genome sequencing of P. tremulus using single molecule sequencing. The research infrastructure and methods in biotechnology established at Moerelab in the project enables MF to participate in new areas of research.