Lab work in Onagawa

From left: Tohoku University (TU) Associate Prof. Dr. Minoru Ikeda, TU Vice President Prof. Akihiro Kijima, Dr. Eguia, and TU Assistant Prof. Dr. Manami Kanno in front of the Onagawa Field Science Center AQD scientist Dr. MRR Eguia analysed shrimp and mudcrab samples for microsatellite marker variation in the Onagawa Field Science Center (OFSC) in Tohoku University (TU), Onagawa, Japan from May 8 to June 3, 2009.

Dr. Eguia’s month-long stay was an offshoot of her 3-day visit last October 2008 during the World Fisheries Congress, where she did preliminary microsatellite marker analysis trials at the OFSC, which prides itself of advanced genetic marker analysis facilities and equipment.

Despite the absence of an official MOA between AQD and Tohoku University, the OFSC faculty, led by Dr. Eguia’s former professor Dr. Minoru Ikeda and thesis evaluator (now TU Vice President) Prof. Akihiro Kijima, allowed the use of their equipment, disposables, and some reagents at no cost.

According to Dr. Eguia, the month-long laboratory analysis, which was part of her GOJ-TF funded research, has
somehow shortened the period devoted to the study. She also cited the quick procurement of reagents/chemicals in Japan which would take at least 2 months in the Philippines.

Aside from the laboratory work, Dr. Eguia was also able to discuss plans for other areas of research collaboration with
the OFSC faculty.

“AQD can do future work with their research faculty in the application of genetic markers not only in aquaculture but mainly in stock enhancement as the PFSC is strong in population/evolutionary genetics work.”