Merry Christmas from all the AquaTT Staff and Directors

We wish to express sincere thanks to our directors, project partners and colleagues for their hard work with us through 2005 and wish you all a very Happy Christmas and prosperous 2006.

Best Wishes,

From
Staff - David Murphy, Erin McVeigh and Lorraine Rafferty
Directors – Declan Clarke, Gavin Burnell, John Coleman, Mark Norman, Margaret Eleftheriou, Doug McLeod and Reid Hole

Education

AQUALABS - "Quality of Fish Products" - Cork, Ireland 12th - 17th December 2005

The fourth of the Marie Curie funded AQUALABS Training Course Series took place in Cork, Ireland from the 12th – 17th December. The course had 25 participants from 15 countries worldwide – Bulgaria, Finland, Spain, France, Canada, Australia, Chile and Turkey to name but a few. The six day training course provided an opportunity for students and researchers to share, explore and identify new laboratory techniques and research developments. The focus of this training course was Quality of Fish Products. This informative training course took place at the Aquaculture & Fisheries Development Centre (AFDC) at University College Cork (UCC). This outstanding university has a well established reputation as a centre of excellence in aquaculture research in Ireland. The centre supports, stimulates and promotes the development of aquaculture through research, training and consultancy for both public and private sector clients, nationally and internationally.

Lorraine Rafferty, Project Officer.

Source: AquaTT

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AQUALABS - "Design and Operation of Recirculation Technologies" - Wageningen, the Netherlands 27th February - 3rd March 2006

The call for participation in a new and exciting laboratory-based training course “Design and Operation of Recirculation Technologies� was launched at www.aquatt.ie The course, the sixth in the AquaTT-led, Marie Curie funded series known as AQUALABS, will be hosted at Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands. Targeted at PhD level students and early-stage researchers, 30 funded places are available on the course and thus, all interested parties are invited to apply early in order to be able to benefit from this generous offer.



The course will review principles, concepts and operation of commercial aquaculture recirculating systems. The objective is to examine and convey aspects of recirculation technology of importance to the design and evaluation of new and existing fish farm installations. Emphasis will be placed on the provision of opportunities for gaining hands-on experience in the design, evaluation and operation of recirculation systems. Aspects of farm management and routine-based operations at fish farms using recirculation systems will also be addressed.

The recirculation course will consist of lectures, practical exercises and field visits. Students selected for the course will create practical exercises in a web-based environment in preparation for the course. The teaching material will also be made available through this web-based environment. The lab/field exercises include - Waste Production Calculations, Field trip to commercial recirculation farms (technical visits), Farm design data analyses, Practicals showing relations between biomass, fish species, water exchange, ventilation, energy consumption etc.

The closure date for applications is indicated absolutely as January 13, 2006. The complete application form with training course programme and guidance notes are available to download on the AquaTT website. Please send complete applications (application form, motivation letter, recommendation letter, CV and Proof of Identity) via e-mail to lorraine@aquatt.ie

Source: AquaTT

For further information visit: www.aquatt.ie or contact: Lorraine Rafferty, Project Officer, AquaTT at lorraine@aquatt.ie

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AQUALABS - "Aquatic Animal Disease Diagnostics" Response - Stirling, Scotland 15th - 20th January 2006

The application process is now closed for the fifth in the AquaTT-led, Marie Curie funded series known as AQUALABS. The overall response for this new and exciting laboratory-based training course “Aquatic Animal Disease Diagnostics� has been overwhelming. AquaTT received over 130 applications for this course, of which 30 will be selected, from applicants worldwide.

This positive response demonstrates that there is a demand for this educational course providing state-of-the-art training in Aquatic Diagnostics such as molecular methods (PCR, RT-PCR and reverse cross dot blot PCR) and IFAT immunohistochemistry (IHC) and ELISA techniques. The course, through the media of formal lectures, practical demonstrations, and case studies, hopes to give participants an understanding of the role and context of diagnosis of aquatic animal diseases

Source: AquaTT

For further information visit: www.aquatt.ie

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Carrasea project launches its own Web site - November 2005

Carrasea project launches its own Web site The Carrasea project, funded by the AquaReg Programme, evaluates the carrageenan production potential of Galician and Irish populations and contributes to increasing the knowledge of the carrageenan seaweed resources available for commercial exploitation in both regions

Source: AquaReg

For further information visit: http://www.aquareg.com/AquaReg/AquaWeb.nsf/ShowNews?OpenForm&ID=DDCB465537D90809C12570B900632ED5&L=E

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Source: Eucenter

For further information refer to the following link: http://www.eucenter.org/index.php?action=trainings&process=detail&checksum=156794

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Marine Algae Culture: Techniques, Uses and Development Perspectives - Zaragoza, Spain 22nd - 26th May 2006

The advanced course on Marine Algae Culture will take place at the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Zaragoza (IAMZ) of the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM), and will be given by well qualified lecturers from research centres, universities, and private companies in different countries. The course will be held over a period of 1 week, from 22nd to 26th May 2006, with morning and afternoon sessions.

The course will present basic and applied aspects of both micro- and macroalgae (seaweeds) cultivation and uses. Internationally recognized speakers will address the biology of cultivated algae, the traditional and most novel algae cultivation approaches and techniques (including integrated systems with algae, fish and shellfish culture), and the global situation of algae industry and its prospects. The programme will combine review lectures with current case studies.

The course is designed for a maximum of 25 professionals with a university degree. It is mainly designed for policymakers, technical advisers, researchers and producers involved in aquaculture, food and feed industries, etc.

The deadline for the submission of applications is 6th March 2006

Source: CIHEAM - Instituto Agronómico Mediterráneo de Zaragoza

For further information visit: www.iamz.ciheam.org or e-mail the Institute at iamz@iamz.ciheam.org

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Collaboration

30th Virginia Law of the Sea Conference Law, Science & Ocean Management - Dublin, Ireland 12th - 14th July 2006

The Annual Virginia Conference is the leading international conference on the law of the sea and ocean policy. Each conference builds international understanding on the role of law in ocean governance. Click here for previous conferences.

In July 2006, the Marine Law and Ocean Policy Centre at the National University of Ireland, Galway, will co-host the 30th Virginia Law of the Sea Conference to mark the 10th Anniversary of Ireland’s ratification of the Law of the Sea Convention.

The 2006 Conference, which is sponsored by the Marine Institute in Ireland, the Law of the Sea Institute of Iceland and the Centre of Oceans Law and Policy at the School of Law, University of Virginia, will review a range of contemporary issues in marine scientific research, new technology and the law of the sea.

Source: National University of Ireland, Galway

For further information visit: http://mri.nuigalway.ie/marinelaw/2006LOSCONFERENCE.html#intro or contact Naomi Foley, Marine Law and Ocean Policy Centre, Martin Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway at n.foley1@nuigalway.ie

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Announcements

Oi 2006 - The World's Largest Marine Science & Ocean Technology Meeting - London, United Kingdom 21st - 23rd March 2006

The Oi06 conference is entitled 'The Global Ocean Forum', with the conference committee made up of a cross section of individuals from exhibitors, operators, research establishments and government agencies, to ensure the topics cover the full range of international science, research and commercial issues.

This premier exhibition and conference will be held at the ExCeL (Exhibition Centre London) in Docklands, hard by the Thames and the Royal Victoria Dock. Scheduled for 21-23 March 2006, Oi06 attracts a truly global audience of policy makers, industrialists, senior government representatives, decision-makers, researchers, directors, managers, scientists, engineers and manufacturers involved in every aspect of the oceanographic community. These key players will gather to discuss present and future trends of the industry, and to view the launch of new technologies, equipment, and services that will be showcased.

Source: Spearhead Exhibitions Ltd.,

For further information visit: http://www.oi06.com/

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FENACAM 2006 - Latin-American event on shrimp farming - Natal, Brazil 21st - 24th March 2006

FENACAM 2006, the biggest Latin-American event on shrimp farming will take place in Natal, Brazil the 21st - 24th March 2006. The event will enable producers, suppliers, importers, exporters, and shrimp experts to network and exchange information. FENACAM will also feature the latest innovations and applied technology presented through talks with famous, national and international experts and professionals.

Source: FENACAM

For further information contact FENACAM at fenacam@fenacam.com.br or visit: www.fenacam.com.br

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AquaSur 2006 - Puerto Montt, Chile 22nd - 25th March 2006

The 4th AquaSur - the most important aquaculture exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere - will take place on March 22 - 25, 2006. The exhibition will be held at the nautic sports centre Club Deportes Náuticos Reloncaví in Puerto Montt city, housing over 600 companies throughout the four days of exhibition.

Source: TechnoPress

For further information visit: http://www.aqua-sur.cl/ or contact: Karen Rosenberg at krosenberg@technopress.cl

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AQUA2006 provides special focus for aquaculture producers - Firenze (Florence), Italy from 9th - 13th May 2006

As part of an exciting and comprehensive programme for the AQUA2006 meeting, to be held at the Fortezza da Basso Convention Centre in Firenze (Florence), Italy from May 9th -13th, 2006, the AQUA2006 Steering Committee, lead by Patrick Sorgeloos, has put together a special ‘Farmers Day’ on May 11th targeted towards Italian aquaculture producers and a ‘Producer Session’ on May 12th focussing on quality for the consumer.

Organised in partnership with the Associazione Piscicoltori Italiani (API), the ‘Farmers’ Day’ will take place on Thursday, May 11th. It will focus on providing a predominantly Italian producer audience with the latest information regarding the market of the main species cultured in Italy, notably in freshwater (trout, eel, sturgeon) and marine (sea bass, sea bream), and with attention also focused on molluscs (clams, oysters, mussels, octopus) and ‘new’ species (sole, other bream species, tuna). Simultaneous interpretation will be provided.

The ‘Producer Session’ on Friday, May 12th will provide an overview of all aspects of quality provision for the consumer, as well as insights into consumer perception of farmed fish and shellfish. Taking place just after the 2006 European Seafood Exhibition (ESE) in Brussels, it will provide participants at that event with a short 90 minute trip to Firenze to benefit from both ESE and AQUA2006.

The Farmers Day and the Producer Session are just two of the events being organised within the framework of AQUA2006.

Source: EAS

For further information visit the following links: www.easonline.org and www.was.org or contact:

AQUA2006 Conference Director - John Cooksey at worldaqua@aol.com
AQUA2006 European Sales - Mario Stael at mario.stael@scarlet.be

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XII International Symposium Fish Nutrition & Feeding - Biarritz, France 28th May - 1st June 2006

The 12th International Symposium Fish Nutrition & Feeding will take place in Biarritz, France from the 28th May to the 1st June 2006. The major objectives and themes of the symposium will include:

- Basic Nutrition and metabolism of aquatic animals
- Recent advances in molecular approach to nutrition of fish
- Development of sustainable aquafeeds - alternatives to fish meal and fish oil
- Nutritional strategies for modulation of farmed fish quality and safety
- Nutritional strategies for management of aquaculture wastes
- Nutrition, immune response and health

The second announcement and call for papers is now open. Interested Candidates can submit their abstract though the website - http://www.st-pee.inra.fr/btz06/ or via e-mail - isfn06@st-pee.inra.fr before the deadline 28th February 2006.

Source: Scientific Secretariat, 12th ISFNF

For further information visit: http://www.st-pee.inra.fr/btz06/

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Other/Vacancies

Post your student placement, MSc/ PhD positions and temporary/permanent vacancies in Aquaculture, Fisheries and Marine Science on WWW.PISCESTTJOBS.COM

AquaTT's human resource service PISCES TT Jobs (www.piscesttjobs.com), which has more than 550 registered candidates with comprehensive CVs, has recently been revamped with innovative features such as e-mail alerts for all registered candidates when a new vacancy is posted. This is an exciting and valuable free online service for employers and potential employees in aquaculture and related science sectors. Using a secure and innovative site format, employers and job searchers can post job vacancies and CVs, respectively, thus facilitating human resource development in the industry.

Upon registration, employers can post and instantaneously edit job vacancies, including permanent, temporary, MSc/PhD and student placement positions. Companies and farms will only receive CVs of those applicants who are qualified for the position requirements. To ensure privacy and lessen the hassle of unsolicited calls and queries, company/organisation contact details will not be published online. Companies can also post positions on the website with their contact details if they wish to handle the applications and queries.

Prospective employees can use the online registration facility to obtain a username and password, post and edit their employee profile, upload a CV and apply online for positions. The website will soon host a number of new sections such as the Career Centre with CV tips and interview techniques and preparation.

If you are interested in posting a job vacancy or registering for the service, please contact Lorraine Rafferty at lorraine@aquatt.ie

AquaTT, the European Network for Education and Training, is providing the site as an additional service to compliment their flagship project, PISCES TT, found on the web at www.piscestt.com, host to a comprehensive education database, occupational profiles, virtual tours, a discussion forum, and marine sciences activities for children.

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AquaBy-Products Website - December 2005

AquaBy-Products is a "Business to Business" website putting seafood and aquaculture companies in touch with other businesses who collect, process and use waste and by-products. This site, run by IFA Aquaculture, has partners in Norway (Norske Sjømatbedrifters Landsforening) and Spain (Centro de Investigacions Marinas) and has been set up with assistance from the Interreg III project "Aquareg". The overall aim is to provide a forum where fishing, aquaculture and processing companies can meet with appropriate waste processors to find solutions and maximise the value of fish by products.

Source: IFA Aquaculture

For further information visit: http://www.aquabyproducts.com

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Student Corner

Aquaculture in the Balearic Islands - Miguel Brunet

I am a graduate in Oceanography, from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Canary Islands). It is an interdisciplinary five year degree programme incorporating biology, chemistry, geology and physics. I also have a one year master degree in Environmental studies from the University Complutense of Madrid. I am specialising in marine Resources, mainly aquaculture, and my work experiences have predominantly been in this area.

Since completion of my degrees, I have worked fifteen months in the private company as a hatchery technician for a company based in Mallorca and belonging to Marine Farms (Norway) and also for the Marine Resources Section of the Government of the Balearic Islands, which primarily involves research in fisheries and aquaculture environmental impact.

Last year, I completed a MedVeg European project focusing on the effects of nutrient release from Mediterranean fish farms on benthic vegetation in coastal ecosystems. Recently, I was awarded a grant to research the fisheries activity in the North of Mallorca. This incorporates work that the Government is doing to protect different marine areas for the future.

I am also trying to start another research project for the same institution highlighting the on-growing of a new aquaculture species: Octopus vulgaris. I have travelled to Vigo (North West Spain) to identify practical information about cage types, manipulation, feeding, and more.

A main challenge I have encountered in this sector is the availability of juveniles (farmed and wild of this new species). The life cycle of Octopus vulgaris is not yet entirely understood, therefore the overall production of juveniles is quite low. At present, wild juveniles, caught by fishermen, are used for on growing purposes. However, the amount caught is not sufficient for the fish farmers. This availability is not a problem in Mallorca because fishermen catch large quantities of juveniles, but the weight is not high enough for commercial purposes. The aim of this research is compare different diets, separate males from females, stock different densities, etc. to identify the increase of weigh per month and also the quality of the product depending on these parameters.

The fisheries sector in the Balearic Islands, mainly in Mallorca, is in danger. There is an exploitation of stocks and the fishermen are increasingly concerned about their future. A possible alternative could be aquaculture in small fish farms. The Balearic Islands main economic input is tourism and it is difficult to increase the aquaculture sector because of the perceived associated environmental and visual impact. However, the situation in other parts of Spain is different, where the aquaculture sector is expanding and the fish farms are more widespread in society.

In my opinion the research on the on growing of Octopus vulgaris in Balearic Islands will help the fisheries sector provide an alternative for the fishermen and preserve at the same time natural resources in the region.

If you would like to write an article for the student corner please contact Lorraine Rafferty at lorraine@aquatt.ie

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About AquaTT

AquaTT through its extensive network has realised that essential information on upcoming changes is not being effectively disseminated to all parties. Thus, AquaTT is producing this free news service "TRAINING NEWS" specifically for the Aquaculture industry. The newsletter is intended to keep you informed of developments in Education & Training and related areas. Support material will be available on the new European Education Forum website www.piscestt.com . All old Training News will be archived on the piscestt site.

The main target audience for this newsletter is teachers, trainers and students in the aquaculture area but will also be of interest to policy makers, companies and associations.

AquaTT welcomes any feedback regarding content, presentation and user-friendliness of the newsletter. Please forward this mail to any colleagues that may be interested. Please submit any relevant information for dissemination in the newsletter.

DISCLAIMER: AquaTT provides this newsletter as a free service to interested parties. Most of the information is provided by AquaTT. Where it is not, the source of the news is provided in the text of the news brief or else AquaTT attributes the news to the coordinating body as the "Data Source Provider". In no way does this newsletter, by promoting events not coordinated by AquaTT, intend to wrongly or inappropriately claim projects, news, etc. as its own nor is it responsible for incorrect information provided from other sources. "Training News" is a promotional tool and forum for both AquaTT and other organisations.

UNSUBSCRIBE: If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter please reply to this mail with “UNSUBSCRIBE� in the subject header.

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