The Aquatic Animal Health and Biosecurity Coordination Program (AAHBCP) was established to ensure the productivity and profitability of aquatic animal industries and to protect aquatic environments through research and development.
The AAHBCP plays a pivotal role in leading national aquatic animal health and biosecurity-related research. It guides FRDC-funded R&D to address priorities identified through industry consultation and the objectives of the national strategic plan for aquatic animal health, AQUAPLAN.
The AAHBCP also engages with industry sectors and research and diagnostic agencies to identify aquatic animal health and biosecurity related priorities.
The AAHBCP is managed by an expert steering and scientific committee who identify and prioritise the R&D needed to support the sustainable growth of the Australian seafood industry.
AQUAPLAN
AQUAPLAN is Australia’s National Strategic Plan for Aquatic Animal Health. The strategy outlines the objectives, projects, emergency preparedness and response arrangements for the management of aquatic animal health in Australia.
AQUAPLAN was developed and formally endorsed by the Commonwealth and State/Territory governments and the private sector. The development of AQUAPLAN and the implementation of its projects are overseen by the Ministerially appointed Fish Health Management Committee (FHMC).
Members
- Nick Moody (Chair)
- Ben Diggles
- Cecile Dang
- Francisca Samsing Pedrals
- Ian Anderson
- Ingo Ernst
- Jacqueline Morris
- Julie Petty
- Steve Percival
- Tracey Bradley
AAHBCP Contact
Nick Moody, Program Leader – (E: Nick.Moody@csiro.au)
Jacqui Morris, Program Coordinator (E: Jacqui.Morris@csiro.au)
FRDC Management Contacts
Wayne Hutchinson – FRDC Portfolio Manager
(T: +61 2 6122 2153; E: Wayne.hutchinson@frdc.com.au)
Carolyn Stewardson – FRDC Portfolio Manager
(T: +61 2 6122 2119; E: Carolyn.stewardson@frdc.com.au)
Additional information
The AAHBS produces a Health Highlights Newsletter:
Aquatic Animal Diseases Identification Field Guide 5th Edition
The Aquatic Animal Diseases Identification Field Guide 5th Edition has been developed to aid the identification of aquatic diseases in Australia.
The field guide is also available as a mobile app, allowing users to search and learn about aquatic animal diseases that affect finfish, molluscs, crustaceans and amphibians. The app can be freely downloaded through the App Store or Google Play.
Animal Health Training Scheme
The Aquatic Animal Health & Biosecurity Training Scheme is supported by funding from the FRDC on behalf of the Australian Government.
The aim of the training scheme is to improve knowledge and skills in aquatic animal health management to support Australia’s fishing and aquaculture industry, including the aquarium sector. Funding is available on a competitive basis to support individuals and groups to either undertake training activities or to provide the opportunity for training activities to others. The training is usually short and focused. Training activities may be undertaken within Australia or overseas.
For those seeking funds to provide training, innovative activities with a wide reach are encouraged and may include sponsoring visiting experts or hosting master classes and short courses.
The next Call for Applications will be circulated via the Health Highlights mailing list and FRDC News in June 2023.
AAH Training Scheme Final Reports from recipients of the joint funded scholarship provided by DAWE and FRDC:
- December 2019 - Maximiliano Canepa
- November 2019 - Peter Mohr
- April 2019 - Torin Philpot
- March 2019 - James Wynne
- January 2019 - Chloe English
- October 2018 - Kelly Condon
- August 2018 - Lynette Williams
- August 2018 - Robert Jones
- July 2018 - Erin Kelly
- April 2018 - Steven Clarke
- January 2018 - Zoe Spiers
- August 2017 - David Cummins
Related Websites
- Reporting Disease Outbreaks
- Aquatic Animal Health
- OIE Manual of Diagnostic Tests for Aquatic Animals
* Sixth Australasian Scientific Conference on Aquatic Animal Health & Biosecurity - 3-7 July 2023 *Registrations are now open for the Sixth Fisheries Research Development Corporation (FRDC) Australasian Scientific Conference on Aquatic Animal Health & Biosecurity will be held on Gimuy-Walubara Yidinji and Yirrganydji Country in Cairns (http://www.pullmanhotels.com/gb/hotel-2901-pullman-reef-hotel-casino/index.shtml), Queensland, Australia – gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree rainforest on 3-7 July 2023. Keynote speakers are as follows:
The conference provides a forum for presentation of research, diagnostic, epidemiology, management, and policy issues encompassing all areas of aquatic animal health and biosecurity. The proposed program will in part depend on the range of topics received as abstracts but it is expected to include sessions on:
More information available from the website. Contact Jacqui.Morris@csiro.au if you require further information. |
Related projects
2021-120: |
Minor use permit for toltrazuril in marine and freshwater finfish |
Current |
2021-101: |
Minor use permit for oxytetracycline in marine and freshwater crustaceans |
Current |
2021-071: |
Minor use permit to sedate finfish using APVMA registered products containing isoeugenol |
Current |
2021-061: |
Development of a guideline to investigate and understand disease outbreaks of unknown cause. |
Current |
2021-048: |
“Ready, set, go!” preparing for emergency disease outbreaks in aquatic animals |
Current |
2021-027: |
Minor use permit for erythromycin in finfish |
Current |
2020-052: |
Aquatic Animal Health and Biosecurity Subprogram: Strategic planning, project management and adoption |
Current |
2019-089: |
Evaluation of point of care (POC) tests for White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) |
Current |