Regional Workshop for WOAH National Focal Points for Aquatic Animals IV Cycle: Empowering Aquaculture for a Sustainable Future

From October 18 to 20, 2023, Chioggia, Italy, hosted the Regional Workshop for WOAH National Focal Points for Aquatic Animals IV Cycle. This significant event brought together National Focal Points from 38 countries, creating a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing on critical issues in aquaculture. The workshop’s focus was on understanding fish disease control, welfare standards, biosafety, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and the contribution to WOAH’s Aquatic Animal Health Strategy.

The outcomes of the event

The workshop yielded a range of positive outcomes, significantly advancing the field of aquaculture:

1. Increased knowledge of new fish diseases: participants left the workshop with an enriched understanding of emerging fish diseases, facilitating early detection, prevention, and effective management.
2. Enhanced awareness of welfare in aquaculture: the workshop emphasized the significance of animal welfare in aquaculture practices, encouraging the development of more humane and sustainable systems.
3. Improved aquaculture health management: a better understanding of health management in aquaculture allows participants to make informed decisions, develop effective strategies, and ensure the welfare of aquatic animals.
4. Strengthened knowledge of biosecurity: biosecurity is a critical component of disease prevention. The workshop provided participants with insights into biosecurity measures to protect aquatic animals from diseases.
5. Heightened focus on AMR issues: addressing AMR is vital for the long-term sustainability of aquaculture. Participants gained knowledge about responsible antimicrobial use and strategies to combat AMR.
6. Implementation of best practices: the workshop encouraged the implementation of best practices, enabling countries to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of their aquaculture sectors.
7. Fostering knowledge sharing: the event served as a platform for national Focal Points to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices, fostering international cooperation and collaboration.

The Regional Workshop for WOAH National Focal Points for Aquatic Animals IV Cycle stands as a testament to the collective commitment to advancing the health and welfare of aquatic animals. The outcomes of the event, including increased knowledge, the implementation of best practices, and knowledge sharing, have not only benefited the participants’ countries but also contributed to the overarching goal of WOAH’s Aquatic Animal Health Strategy. This workshop demonstrated the power of international cooperation in addressing critical challenges in aquaculture and ensuring the well-being of aquatic animals on a global scale. As the aquaculture industry continues to grow and evolve, events like these serve as a crucial cornerstone in fostering a sustainable and responsible approach to aquatic animal health and welfare.