Harmonisation of Diagnostic Techniques and Disseminating the Information for Fish Diseases Control in Aquaculture Education TR/06/A/F /EX1-0064

The Objectives of The Project

 Improving the harmonisation of diagnostic techniques in fish diseases  The integration of available investigative techniques with diagnostic pathology and epidemiology  To get acquinted with the application of EU directives on diagnostic techniques and control measures for fish diseases  To evaluate possibilities of ICT utilization in diagnostic laboratories and learning to obtain benefits from ICT in fish diseases

 To develop synergy and collaborate with other Laboratories  To discuss new developments in the area of fish diseases  To provide a forum for exchanging knowledge regarding the disease situation in the various Member States  To blend theory with practical experience through applied training  To exchange ideas with participants from diverse backgrounds  To disseminate the current knowledge of solution for fish disease control in aquaculture education  Wide-ranging integration of European ideals into aquaculture education, Incorporation of the most up-to-date industrial practices and research findings into aquaculture higher education curricula  Generally increased awareness of the lifelong learning in the aquaculture sector and improved motivation to learn

National Needs  increase the understanding of the current status of fish diseases relating diagnose, quarantine, control, research and training in EU countries  integrate the most current information on various aspects of transboundary fish diseases in EU and non-EU countries  inform about application of EU legislation on fish disease control

Sectoral Needs  provide the improving training in diagnostic skills harmonised with EU on fish diseases to students, as a part of further capacity building in fish health management in aquaculture sector of Turkey  need for hands-on, aquaculture sector-oriented training  learn emerging technologies from recognized experts

In Brief  The promising future of aquaculture in the world may be stunted by the lack of disease control, particularly in developing countries.  To prevent this, training of scientists and technicians, improving of diagnostic techniques, harmonisation of diagnostic methods and information exchange systems are needed.

 Knowledge of fish diseases and diagnostic techniques differ markedly among the countries, thus EU countries established the reference laboratories for fish disease diagnose and control.  Turkey should be integrated to this structure, and secondly, the knowledge of diagnosing techniques should transfer into aquaculture education.  Fish diseases diagnostic methods in Turkey seem to be insufficient although Turkish aquaculture sector is rapid with steadily increasing production.

 Participation of higher, and continuing education systems in Turkey must be utilized in order to effectively train scientific and technical staff to support a healthy and productive industry.  Laboratory–based training during aquaculture and fisheries education appear to have some weakness.  Knowledge on fish diseases, fish health management and diagnostic skills are therefore of particular importance for successful aquaculture however, there is a substantial lack in all these fields of expertise throughout Turkey.

 Turkey should be informed about implementation of EU directives or recommendations and how to apply these directives at regional or local levels.  Turkish aquaculture sector urgently needs a long-term approach to fish disease control management.  An expanding aquaculture industry will require trained personnel.  Graduates employed in aquaculture sector are not well-educated with respect to fish disease diagnose and control.

 The transfer of appropriate knowledge on fish disease to current and potential aquaculturists will be a critical component of any effort to establish the aquaculture industry in Turkey.  There must be a support structure within Turkey to identify grower and processor problems and provide the research linkage for innovations and improvements essential to keep Turkey aquaculturists competitive.