Research Output and Activities

Professor Dean Jerry’s research has been instrumental in the creation of genetic technologies, computer-based tools and the knowledge base to enhance selective breeding programs in aquaculture. His lab has developed genetic marker systems to genotype eight important farmed aquatic species, as well as comprehensive genomes for four species. He has led teams that have developed computer-vision machine learning technologies to industrially acquire phenotypes of aquaculture individuals, as well as new diagnostic tests to detect and monitor important pathogens. Over 70 graduate students have been trained under his supervision, many of whom now work globally in breeding companies and research institutions. He has published 200+ scientific articles and secured over $41 million in research funding while collaborating with 27 companies and governments across nine countries. Given that most of his research collaborations are with industry participants research outputs are generally quickly disseminated and translated into industry use.

Advancement of Knowledge

The genetic technologies developed by Professor Jerry’s team have significantly advanced knowledge in aquaculture genetics and are directly used in industrial applications, specifically in applying genomics for selective breeding of globally important aquaculture species. His lab’s work informs breeding programs for various species, including pearl oysters, marine shrimp, groupers, red snapper and barramundi. His team’s close collaboration with industry stakeholders ensures that knowledge developed is shared and translated quickly in practical settings, improving both research and industry practices.

Implementation

Professor Jerry’s lab offers commercial services for DNA pedigreeing, genetic audits of broodstock, and breeding program designs. He has translated numerous technologies into commercial products/practice, including an 8,000 SNP array (licensed to Illumina Inc.), and eDNA tests for invasive pests and rare species, DNA-based suites for pedigree determination, early prediction of genetic growth diagnostics and applied breeding program design and implementation. These services have been directly utilised by companies and institutions in various countries to optimize selective breeding programs, leading to increased efficiency and sustainability in aquaculture production. He also helped found two aquatic pathogen diagnostic labs (one in Australia and the other in Singapore) that use research outputs from his group and offer commercial services to the aquaculture industry to help manage their biosecurity on-farm. In recognition of the impact of his research, the Australian Research Council Engagement and Impact Assessment in 2018 assessed his industry research collaborations the top tier of “High Impact” and further recognition of impact of his research is that he was a 2024 Finalist in the Life Sciences Queensland Award for Service to Rural and Regional Industries.

Legislation and Policy

Professor Jerry’s research work influences standards and guidelines within aquaculture industries regarding biosecurity and genetic management. His collaboration with government institutions helps shape best practices for sustainable aquaculture.

Economic Benefit

The genetic technologies developed by Professor Jerry’s team have had significant economic impacts, improving the efficiency and productivity of aquaculture industries worldwide. He produces the essential genetic knowledge required for selective breeding by aquaculture companies. Several of those he has collaborated with have grown from small companies to, in some cases, globally-leading breeding companies using genetics to improve their stocks. The licensing of technology such as SNP arrays are used worldwide in advanced shrimp breeding by companies improving their breeding lines.

Community Benefit

Professor Jerry’s research not only benefits the aquaculture industry but also contributes to food security and sustainability in tropical regions. The training of graduate students and his leadership of postdoctoral research fellows and his team of aquaculture experts ensures that the next generation of aquaculture scientists is well-prepared to tackle future challenges in the industry.

Publications

Domingos, J. A., Smith-Keune, C., Robinson, N., Loughnan, S., Harrison, P., & Jerry, D. R. (2013). Heritability of harvest growth traits and genotype–environment interactions in barramundi, Lates calcarifer (Bloch). Aquaculture, 402–403,66-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2013.03.029.

Jerry, D. R., Jones, D. B., Lillehammer, M., Massault, C., Loughnan, S., Cate, H. S., Harrison, P. J., Strugnell, J. M., Zenger, K. R., & Robinson, N. A. (2022). Predicted strong genetic gains from the application of genomic selection to improve growth related traits in barramundi (Lates calcarifer). Aquaculture 549, 737761. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2021.737761

Marc, Adrien F., Guppy, Jarrod L., Goldsbury, Julie, Rudd, Donna, Cate, Holly S., Paris, Damien B.B.P., and Jerry, Dean R. (2024) Characterization of sperm quality in captive-bred barramundi (Lates calcarifer): Effect on spawning performance and paternal contribution in mass-spawning events. Aquaculture, 585. 740717. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2024.740717d

Moran, Megan N., Jones, D.B., Jensen, S.A., Marcoli, R., and Jerry, D. R. (2023) Optimising commercial traits through gene editing in aquaculture: Strategies for accelerating genetic improvement. Reviews in Aquaculture 16, 1127-1159. https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.12889

Saleh, Alzayat, Hasan, Md Mehedi, Raadsma, Herman W., Khatkar, Mehar S., Jerry, Dean, and Rahimi Azghadi, Mostafa (2024) Prawn morphometrics and weight estimation from images using deep learning for landmark localization. Aquacultural Engineering, 106. 102391. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaeng.2024.102391