Commercialization of Bacteriophages against the Larval Shellfish Pathogens, Vibrio tubaishii and Vibrio coralliilyticus

The overall objective of this Phase II project is to advance the development of our phage preparation (VTP-200) for reducing V. tubiashii- and V. coralliilyticus-associated mortality of larval oysters to the point when subsequent regulatory approvals and eventual commercialization should be feasible. If the results of the studies proposed in this application support our Phase I findings that phage biocontrol is effective in significantly reducing larval shellfish mortalities, then we will have a strong basis for moving forward with a Phase III SBIR project and product commercialization. The main thrusts of a Phase III proposal will be to further scale-up phage production for commercial distribution and to complete the process of obtaining regulatory approvals for marketing VTP-200. At the end of Phase III, it is anticipated that a new product will be commercially available to fight V. tubiashii and V. coralliilyticus contamination in hatcheries to significantly reduce shellfish mortalities. This new technological development is expected to increase productivity of the hatcheries and reduce interruptions in supply of shellfish seed for commercial shellfish growers. Ultimately, it will provide a more steady supply of shellfish to the consumer.