This report summaries the proceedings of the 21st meeting of the Regional Advisory Group on Aquatic Animal Health, held 17-18 November 2022. The role of the group is to review trends in disease and emerging threats in the region, identify developments in global disease issues and standards, to evaluate the Quarterly Aquatic Animal Disease Reporting Program and to provide guidance on regional strategies to improve aquatic animal health management.

With the implementation of the new aquatic animal disease reporting in the Asia Pacific region from January 2021, and in lieu of the published QAAD Reports (last issue published was 4^th quarter of 2020), NACA is publishing reported aquatic animal diseases submitted by countries in the Asia-Pacific region. This report covers the fourth quarter of 2022 and the original and updated reports can be accessed from the QAAD page. 

The 13th APMBC and 5th ANZMBS conference are combining to engage marine biotechnologists, industry, investors, and policy makers in current marine biotechnology research, and industry development in the Asia-Pacific region. The conference will be held from 2-6 October 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. This provides a great opportunity to participate in the growth and future development of the marine biotechnology industry in the region and globally. A key objective of the joint Conference is to encourage academic-industry partnerships across the region. Abstract submissions and early bird registrations are now open!

In June, China will open its doors to the world through the Global Seafood Fair. With over 50,000 visitors and a strong buyer presence, the fair is an excellent opportunity for businesses to showcase their products. The event will feature over 1,000 exhibitors and more than 10,000 products for buyers to choose from. Attendees can also participate in several industry-focused events, including the Global Shrimp Industry Development Summit Forum, the Overseas Seafood Products Digital Trade Forum, the Tilapia Industry Chain Summit, and the China Aquatic Prepared Dishes Development Summit.

In this issue:

Webinar on fish welfare: What we need to know? Artemia side event at the FAO Sub-Committee on Aquaculture; Handbook for Artemia pond culture in Bangladesh; NACA YouTube channel: @aquacultureasia; Reported aquatic animal diseases in the Asia-Pacific region during the third quarter of 2022; 13th Asia-Pacific Marine Biotechnology Conference, 2-6 October 2023, Australia; Global Seafood Trade Fair, 28-30 June, Guangzhou, China.

With the implementation of the new aquatic animal disease reporting in the Asia Pacific region from January 2021, and in lieu of the published QAAD Reports (last issue published was 4th quarter of 2020), NACA is publishing reported aquatic animal diseases submitted by countries in the Asia-Pacific region.  This report covers the third quarter of 2022 and the original and updated reports can be accessed at the QAAD page. 

Update: The forum will now be held on 13 December and and updated conference agenda is available below. Please register your attendance using the form linked below. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants before the meeting, thank you.

A free online forum will be organised by the Agriculture Trade Promotion Center, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, and Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, and NACA. The forum aims to strengthen international exchange and cooperation in aquatic trade, promote high-quality development of fisheries, disseminate advanced concepts, technologies, and models of aquaculture in the Asia-Pacific region and Silk Road countries, and promote the health and sustainable development of global fisheries. Participation is free but registration is required.

On 28-29 November FAO and NACA collaborated on a virtual workshop to develop a regional strategy for aquatic organism health, using a progressive management pathway for improving aquaculture biosecurity. The workshop was held under the auspices of the project “Responsible use of fisheries and aquaculture resources for sustainable development component 3: Biosecurity and health management”. The workshop involved 31 experts from 16 countries, including national focal points, FAO and NACA. The objectives of the workshop were to: Present and analyse country responses to a self-assessment survey on biosecurity and health management capacity and performance; to provide guuidance to country participants on conducting a SWOT analysis; and to prepare a detailed plan for Phase II of the initiative.

With the implementation of the new aquatic animal disease reporting in the Asia Pacific region from January 2021, and in lieu of the published QAAD Reports (last issue published was 4th quarter of 2020), NACA is publishing reported aquatic animal diseases submitted by countries in the Asia-Pacific region.  This report covers the second quarter of 2022 and the original and updated reports can be accessed at the QAAD page.