NAA
Aquatic Animal Health Committee
Convenes in Denver

CHARLES TOWN, WV - The first meeting of the Aquatic Animal Health Policy Development Committee was held November 16-17 in Denver, Colorado.

Established by the National Association of State Aquaculture Coordinators (NASAC) and the National Aquaculture Association (NAA), the committee’s objective was well-defined in the development of a mission statement --- "Develop and promote a coherent national aquatic animal health management program that well serves commercial aquaculture interests."

The diversity of aquaculture was clearly shown by the variety of concerns expressed during the committee meeting. Chaired by Dr. Randy MacMillan of Clear Springs Foods, Inc., the committee is comprised of Dr. Bob Busch, Salmonid Breeders Association; Dr. Bob Goetz, Striped Bass Growers Association; Dr. Don Lightner, University of Arizona; Dr. Myron Kebus, Wisconsin Aquatic Veterinary Service; Roscoe Perham, AquaFuture Inc.; Dr. Roxanne Smolowitz, University of Pennsylvania; Dr. David Wise, Mississippi State University; and Dr. Roy Yanong, University of Florida.

"Ensuring the presence of a strong and reliable fish health program will be necessary in future years to establish and maintain both domestic and international trade," said Dr. MacMillan. "However, the diversity of aquaculture industries in the United States makes a one-size-fits all approach untenable for fish health management. The services needed for ornamental fish destined for the aquarium trade is very different from that of catfish or trout to be eaten domestically. Similarly, broodfish require different consideration than foodfish of the same species."

To focus and clarify the efforts of the committee, a strategy plan was developed during the meeting. Steps toward program development are as follows:

1. Maximize species group input through extensive information dissemination and feedback through committee members.

2. Review existing programs and define aquaculture needs.

3. Define specific federal or state actions needed to meet aquaculture industry needs.

4. Obtain consensus of major aquacultural organizations regarding government service or regulatory needs.

5. Develop strategy for national program implementation.

6. Execute strategy.

The Denver meeting was coordinated by NASAC members Tom Ellis of North Carolina and Jim Rubingh of Colorado. The committee is scheduled to reconvene in February at the Aquaculture ‘98 Conference in Las Vegas. The focus of the meeting will be to review OIE and APHIS programs and to establish a time line for various committee actions.