Foreword
The Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia–Pacific (NACA) and the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (AGDAFF) are pleased to introduce this field guide. The result of a collaborative activity among a number of fish health experts from various organisations in the Asia–Pacific region, it is aimed at improving the ability to diagnose diseases of significance to aquaculture and fisheries in the region. NACA appreciates the leadership provided by AGDAFF in developing and publishing this field guide. Drawing extensively on experience and research activities in aquatic animal health management, both in Australia and other countries in Asia–Pacific, the guide joins the growing body of practical knowledge published for Asia–Pacific aquaculture and fisheries. The guide provides fisheries and aquaculture managers, recreational fishers, border protection staff, environmentalists, students of aquatic animal health, and fisheries management with a reference guide to support decisions on aquatic animal health.
Many people and institutions have contributed to the field guide, including those from industry, fisheries and scientific research institutes, and government agencies of the Asia–Pacific region (including Australia and New Zealand), Canada, Denmark, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. I would particularly like to acknowledge the initiative of Alistair Herfort (AGDAFF) and Chadag Mohan (NACA), who teamed up to provide the management and expertise to develop the field guide.
On behalf of NACA, I thank them for their efforts and commend the field guide to you.
Sena De Silva
Director General
Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia–Pacific.
