There are technicians in various locations within Australia who have a diverse range of skills and experience in the aquatic animal health area. These skills are valuable to all involved and perhaps they should be demonstrated/discussed and information exchanged in an informal but structured forum.
As the “aquatic” discipline does not involve as many people as the terrestrial laboratory field there is not as much exchange of information, techniques and outputs. Some staff feel that they are on their own and are even intimidated to ask or don’t know where to go or whom to ask for input or assistance. Although not all aquatic techniques are “unique” there are some aspects specific to aquatic technical skills and procedures. Providing the opportunity for aquatic animal health technical staff to interact, establish networks and exchange ideas and information would enhance Australian laboratories’ capabilities to provide high quality services to stakeholders.
This group would provide valuable technical knowledge, additional sources of information and mentoring to other laboratory technicians, students and staff at teaching institutes.
The funds are requested to assist technical staff to travel to the AAHS Cairns conference (July 2009) to particiapte in a technical forum and a workshop to be held in March 2010.