Over 260 specialists in fish biology from 34 countries, including a large delegation from Brazil and Scandinavia, gather at the University of Aberdeen on Sunday 23 July for the start of a 3-day international congress to tackle the problems facing the world’s natural fish populations.
Hosted by the University of Aberdeen, this is the first time that the American Fisheries Society has held a meeting in Europe as part of a world-wide forum to discuss fish biology at a period when fish stocks are under increasing pressure while aquaculture is increasing as a source of food for man.
“Fish manage spectacular athletic feats. They swim up fast rivers and live in waters almost devoid of oxygen equivalent to life at the summit of Everest. These life styles involve all the animals’ life-support systems. Some of the presentations will describe how their hearts work under such conditions and what makes fish living in the black water of the Amazon so special. Stress in fish in such conditions shares features with stress in people – can we learn stress reduction from fish?”
Professor Houlihan continued: “Salmon production is big business yet we are still dealing with fish that are close to their wild compatriots. Salmon may grow like chickens in the sea but they are more wild than cultured. They more we know about their biology, how they resist disease and grow fast, the better we can
adjust their conditions in fish farming. It is certainly of benefit for us to keep our salmon happy if we are to satisfy the increasing demand for healthy fish as healthy food.”
Don MacKinlay of Fisheries and Oceans, Vancouver, one of the Congress organisers, said: “I am confident this Congress will be best one yet because of the co-operation of the University of Aberdeen. All the papers to be presented at the Congress have been published on the Internet and almost all of those attending the congress will be presenting papers. It will be very much a scientific meeting of scientists for scientists.”
Professor Tony Hawkins, Director of the Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen and organiser of one of the main topics, “Atlantic Salmon: a Species in Crisis”, added: “FRS is delighted to take part in the Fish Biology Congress. It is important that fish biologists share information at a time when there is pressure, world-wide, on fish stocks.”
The Congress is being held in the Fraser Noble and Meston Buildings on the University Campus and begins at 8.00am on Monday 24 July, 2000.
Further information from:
Professor Dominic Houlihan, Tel: 01224 272081
Christine Cook, Executive Director of Public Relations, Tel: 01224 272013
University Press Office on telephone +44 (0)1224-273778 or email a.ramsay@admin.abdn.ac.uk.