International Journal of Marine Science, 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 1-14 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ijms 11 information, this hybrid vigor can be better mined and utilized. First, through genome comparison, this study can identify complementary alleles between parental species. For example, this study found that green abalone and black abalone have different alleles in some growth-related genes and each has its own advantages. Then, when both alleles are present in the hybrid offspring, a superposition effect may occur to improve the trait. This study can select parent combinations in a targeted manner to maximize hybrid vigor. Genomic analysis can also be used for background selection and backcross breeding of hybrid offspring (Xiao et al., 2021; Sui et al., 2024). If the offspring produced by hybridization have undesirable traits, they can be tracked by molecular markers, and the unwanted chromosome fragments can be eliminated by backcrossing while retaining beneficial genes. This is similar to the molecular design breeding idea in crops, and can also be tried in abalone breeding. In the disease-resistant breeding of farmed abalone, genomic technology has brought new methods. Whole genome association analysis (GWAS) or artificial selection experiments can be used to find the unique genetic variants in disease-resistant abalone. For example, if the genomes of surviving and dead abalone are compared after the abalone is infected with pathogens, it is possible to find sites related to disease resistance. The genes near these sites are likely to be candidate genes for disease resistance. With this genetic information, we can introduce disease-resistant genes into the farmed abalone population through hybridization. If policies allow, gene editing methods can also be used to directly improve them. At present, researchers have established a CRISPR/Cas9 editing platform on the wrinkled abalone, which can knock out or knock in certain genes. In the future, this method can be used to verify whether certain genes are useful, and it may also develop into a new breeding method. However, when using these technologies for hybridization or improvement, we must also be careful not to only pursue disease resistance. We must avoid excessive selection, which will lead to a decrease in genetic diversity, which will make abalone more susceptible to disease or worse adaptability to the environment. Genomic tools can also be used to monitor these risks. The addition of genomic technology makes abalone breeding more scientific and more targeted. After figuring out which genes are related to disease resistance, stress resistance, and fast growth, we can combine the genes that perform well from different abalone varieties to breed new varieties with stronger comprehensive abilities. 6.3 Implications for abalone resource conservation and climate adaptation The whole genome study of abalone is not only helpful for aquaculture, but also useful for protecting wild abalone resources. Genomic data can help to formulate conservation plans more scientifically. For example, by analyzing the genomes of abalone in different regions, we can see how big the genetic differences are between them. If the differences are obvious, they can be divided into different conservation units (evolutionarily significant units, ESUs) and managed separately. For abalones such as the black abalone (H. cracherodii), which are already rare, genome studies have found that their populations are too small and their genetic diversity is also declining. This shows that when protecting them, in addition to protecting their habitats, some abalone should be artificially propagated and released to increase genetic diversity and reduce the risk of inbreeding. The genome can also help find which abalone individuals have good genes for adapting to the environment. For example, if the seawater in an area is getting hotter and hotter, abalone with "heat-resistant genes" can be preferentially selected for release to increase their chances of survival. Now, climate change is having an increasing impact on coastal ecosystems, and abalone is one of the species that bears the brunt. We can use genome monitoring methods to see if the genes of abalone have changed with environmental changes. For example, by comparing the DNA of abalone collected at different times, we can see whether the alleles of certain genes have become more or less, so as to understand whether they are adapting to higher water temperatures or seawater acidification. This method can be used as a "genetic early warning indicator" to help predict the future of abalone and facilitate early protection measures. Genomic technology can also be used in law enforcement and management. The problem of abalone smuggling and illegal fishing is now serious. We can use genetic fingerprints to determine which species the abalone products are and where they come from. In this way, law enforcement agencies can more effectively combat illegal trade (Vargas-Peralta et al., 2022).
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