Good health

With a special issue devoted to fish health, it was hard to know where to start. Current research covers so much ground and moves so fast that only an expert eye could put the subject into some perspective. Fortunately, the original fish vet, Professor Ron Roberts, agreed to write an introduction to our feature, setting the scene for a world of scientific discovery that has been transformed in the fifty years since he began his career as a fish pathologist.

We also have contributions from the Roslin Institute on genetic markers, from the Scottish Association of Marine Science on harmful algal blooms, and from Aberdeen University on the development of parasite vaccines. Improvements in sea lice treatments are outlined by Ian Armstrong of Aqua Pharma, while scientists from Stirling describe how caterpillars can provide insights into fish diseases.

The Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre highlights its exciting new project involving the vaccination of cleaner fish, a collaboration between researchers and businesses that will bring long-term benefits for the Scottish economy, says the SAIC’s Heather Jones.

The latest work of the European Association of Fish Pathologists is explained by Professor Patrick Smith, one of Fish Farmer’s distinguished editorial advisers. And the big pharmaceutical companies share details of their new products.

This month, Fish Farmer will be in Trondheim for Aqua Nor, the biggest aquaculture show in the world. This promises to be a forum for the exchange of ideas and the striking of deals - as well as a global networking opportunity. See you there!