Biography:

Maciej Zalewski is Professor of Lodz University, Department of Applied Ecology and Director of European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology of the Polish Academy of Sciences. His research interests evolved from fish bioenergetics towards river ecosystems ecology, where he proposed the “Abiotic-Biotic Regulatory Concept” that defines hierarchy of factors determining structure of water communities along river continuum in different geographic zones. This theorem laid down foundations for a new paradigm for environmental sciences enclosed in Ecohydrology. He initiated the development of the Ecohydrology concept under the framework of UNESCO-IHP program and is a respected international expert in this field. As the expert of UNESCO Prof. Zalewski supported establishment of Centres for Ecohydrology in Portugal, Indonesia, China, Argentina and Ethiopia.rnProfessor Zalewski is a lecturer in national and international teaching programmes. He has been a chairman and keynote speaker of over 100 international scientific conferences and symposia and is an author of numerous publications and book chapters. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of international journal of Ecohydrology & Hydrobiology, and member of editorial boards of Ecological Engineering, Brazilian Journal of Biology, Fisheries Management and Ecology journals. He is a leader of numerous scientific national and international projects. Currently holds h Index of 24 and is cited more than 2035 times in various scientific publications (according to Scopus) Professor Zalewski is a member of environmental scientific committees of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and member of the Advisory Board of the Polish Ministry of Environment. He served, among others, as the national representative for Polish government in the OECD Export Credits and Environment treaty negotiations, as a member of the Scientific Council of Regional Office for Science and Technology for Europe (ROSTE), chairman of the Working Group "Fish and Land/Inland Water Ecotones" of UNESCO MAB (Man and Biosphere) programme, chairman of the Working Group “Physical Habitat Modification and Freshwater Fisheries” of FAO EIFAC (European Inland Fisheries Advisory Commission) programme, member of the Council of the National Centre for Research and Development in Poland, representative of Poland at the Thematic Working Group in Environment of the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI ENV TWG), representative of Poland in Thematic Process for 7th World Water Forum in Korea, chairman of the Steering Committee of UNESCO-IHP’s (International Hydrological Programme) "Ecohydrology" Programme and a member of the drafting taskforce for the EU Joint Programming Initiative (JPI) for water and the current UNESCO-IHP programmes.

Abstract:

A global need for increased and sustainable healthy food production together with a global decline in fishery stimulate dynamic development of aquaculture. However, in many situations this development negatively impacts water quality in lakes, reservoirs, rivers and even some coastal waters. rnEcohydrology provides a holistic framework for understanding and management of hydrological cycle and biological processes at catchment scale. It allows not only for elimination of environmental risks generated by aquaculture but also amplification of opportunities by identification of optimal areas for its development in a river basin. Following the Ecohydrology theory, in-depth understanding of water-biota interplay creates a background for development of efficient ecosystem biotechnologies and cost-effective system solutions for mitigation of negative impacts of aquaculture. This in turn will creates opportunities for further sustainable development of aquaculture.rnEcohydrology as an integrative environmental science provides opprtunity for upgrading the five sustainability dimensions which are: water resources, biodiversity, ecosystem services, resilience and cultural heritage (WBRSC) and thus, the sustainable management framework for aquaculture. Simultaneous consideration of all the five elements realised with the use of ecohydrological biotechnologies will provide an important stimulus in creating the sustainable future we want.

Biography:

Barbara Montwill is the expert on FDA regulatory policy with regards to food safety of aquaculture products. She received her M.Sc. in marine biology from the University of Gdansk in Poland. Her professional career started at the Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Science, where she conducted studies of the marine ecosystem in an area of environmental biology, ecotoxicology, and biogeochemical cycles. Her work at USFDA involves the formulation of polices and guidance on issues pertaining to aquaculture, particularly chemical contaminants and animal drug residues in seafood. She is engaged in the evaluation and audits of aquaculture food safety programs. She is also provides training to aquaculture community. She participates in works of international and professional organizations (FAO COFI, Codex, and ISO) providing technical input on the subject of seafood safety.

Abstract:

Seafood is the most important food commodity consumed globally, accounting for nearly 20% of animal source food. It is forecasted that the world’s population will require 232 million metric tons (MT) seafood by 2030, around 62 million MT more than the planet can expect to produce. rnThe aquaculture production is expected to continue its growth contributing significantly to the global seafood trade and providing around 109 million MT while wild fisheries will stay stable with production of 61 million MT. However, achieving a higher aquaculture production level to meet the future raising global demands cannot compromise seafood safety and quality. The aquaculture expansion, associated with increasing intensification and diversification, might require the use of veterinary medicines to prevent and treat disease outbreaks, assure healthy stocks and maximize production. rnIt is essential to protect animal health and ensure good animal welfare through the prevention, control and treatment of conditions that cause animal suffering. The use of appropriate antimicrobial treatments is one of the effective management responses to emergencies linked to infectious epizootics. But, routine or systemic use of drugs to compensate for poor hygienic conditions or management practices can lead to problems related to increased frequency of bacterial resistance and the potential transfer of resistance genes from the aquatic environment to other bacteria. Furthermore, imprudent use of antimicrobials may also result in the occurrence of their residues in aquaculture products and, as a consequence, bans of those products by importing countries and economic losses. The judicious and responsible use of veterinary medicines is an essential component of successful commercial aquaculture production systems.rnThis presentation will introduce the audience to the regulatory structure in the United States that applies to use of animal drugs in aquaculture.rn

Biography:

Debashish Mazumder is a Senior Research Scientist in the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) with more than 20 years of experience in aquaculture and aquatic ecology. He also holds adjunct academic positions at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Macquarie University (both within Australia) and Beijing Forestry University, China. His area of expertise includes using nuclear and isotopic techniques to quantify the impacts of water management, land use and climate variability on the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems and to maximise the benefit of aquaculture operations. From 1990 to 1999, he worked with the WorldFish Centre to improve the production and management of aquaculture in Bangladesh. Since 2006, he has been collaborating with universities and government agencies in Australia, PNG, Malaysia and China on various environmental and aquaculture projects. He is an Associate Editor of WETLANDS, and published a significant number of peer reviewed journal papers and scholarly book chapters on stable isotopes.

Abstract:

Water is a vital resource that is under ever increasing demand from population, industry growth, agricultural development and environmental allocations that are crucial to sustain the natural ecosystems upon which we all rely. Understanding source, fate of energy and nutrients in aquatic ecosystems is fundamental for the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture operations. I will present findings from my collaborative works with multiple government agencies and universities where nuclear and isotopic techniques have been used in freshwater and marine environments including aquaculture to solve problems that challenges the sustainability of these resources. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic techniques helped identify nutrient sources for fish in rivers, wetlands and estuaries. It also helps determine how nutrient sources change as a result of anthropogenic and climatic conditions, which is important when making management decisions. Isotopic work in a temperate river in Australia identified how the niche diversity of fish was constrained due to habitat modification and discontinuity in river connectivity. Isotopic application in coral habitats identified the functional role of coral and their links with other species in marine environments. The isotopic applications in oyster larvae production in the hatchery in New South Wales, Australia and inland finfish aquaculture at PNG suggest operational costs can be reduced by carefully utilising production inputs, or changing the ingredients used in feed formulations. These results provide insight for further applications of isotopic and nuclear techniques to determine whether management practices affect the valuable nutritional quality of fish.

Biography:

Christopher Brown completed his PhD at the University of Delaware, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of California, Berkeley. His academic appointments include two tenured professorships; he is now the Science Leader WorldFish, Bangladesh and South Asia

Abstract:

Aquaculture is ingrained in Bangladesh culture, as reflected in extensive public and commercial culture and favorable patterns of governance. Farmed fish contribute substantially to the customary diet, recently favoring increasing proportions of farmed vs. wild-captured fishes. National aquaculture productivity has increased steadily, resulting in a move upward in international rankings; FAO statistic recently showed Bangladesh as the #5 ranked farmed fish prodcuer, accounting for 2.6 % of global production. rnSteadily increasing fish yields have been supported by continuous cultural and technological developments. Integrated culture operations, family household aquaculture involving women and children, and management of previously unused areas have contributed to growth in production. Booming shrimp and prawn culture is transitioning to reliance on hatchery-based operations using PCR screening for pathogen management. Genetic selection programs have produced improved strains of Nile tilapia (e.g. the GIFT strain), and similar efforts are underway for Rohu and other carp species. Marine aquaculture remains underdeveloped, and is a likely focus of ongoing efforts to meet growning demands for human nutrition. Increased population and urbanization as forecast suggest that sustained aquaculture development will be critically important.rnFishes cultured in fresh water have generally poorer nutritional profiles than wild-caught marine fishes, and nutritionally-based aquaculture is under development. The mola (Amblypharyngodon mola) and other small indigenous species (SIS) are eaten whole, thereby making excellent contributions of protein, desirable minerals, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. These fishes figure importantly in addressing nutritional deficiencies, and patterns of increasing culture and consumption of SIS in Bangladesh are likely to continue.rn

Biography:

I have been working as a Senior Research Fellow (Senior Associate professor position) in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) since 2010, and have been involved in teaching/supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students in various fields of marine sciences, fisheries and aquaculture as well as conducting research on “Biology, ecology, diversity, breeding, seed production, culture and biochemical composition of sea urchins, sea cucumbers and fishes”. Meanwhile, I am involved in some international collaborative research work on marine biology, fisheries and aquaculture with scientists of different institutes, including Smithsonian Institution (USA), Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (Australia), Sultan Qaboos University (Oman), Kindai University, Japan, Sinop University (Turkey) etc., while others are under the process of establishment. Before that I had obtained my M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Marine and Environmental Sciences from University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan (1995-2001), where I also did two years (2003-2005) JSPS postdoctoral research on “marine biology, reproduction, fertilization, hybridization, speciation and aquaculture in the Indo-Pacific sea urchins”. I also worked in the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama, and USA for two years (2007-2009) in the same field with Atlantic sea urchins as the Smithsonian postdoctoral researcher. In addition, I worked as a Chief Researcher in the Ocean Critters Ranch, Inc., Crowley, Texas, USA on “breeding and propagation of various marine ornamental fishes and corals”. Moreover, I worked as a senior scientist in Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute during 1988 to 2007 in various fields of Breeding Biology, Nursing, Aquaculture and Fisheries Management. My expertise areas broadly lie in Marine and Freshwater Biology, Limnology and Aquatic Ecology, Reproductive Biology and Fertilization kinetics, Population dynamics, Breeding, Nursing and Seed Production, Aquaculture and Conservation, and Taxonomy and Evolution. My multidisciplinary research and educational backgrounds provide me a unique and novel perspective in conducting research work in a diverse field of Aquatic Biology and Ecology, Marine and Environmental sciences, Fish Nutrition, Aquaculture and Fisheries Sciences, and Biodiversity conservation, and thus enable me to coordinate with scholars in different academic disciplines. Besides, I have work experiences in organizing/conducting training courses, workshops, grant writings, academic seminars and so forth. I am committed to working with my students and maintaining professional relationship with many of them years beyond the classroom. Through my research works, I have published 110 scientific papers in international and nationally reputed high impact journals. I have written 2 books and 12 book chapters. A good number of scientific papers have also been presented and published in international conferences, symposia and workshops. I have also been serving as editors and editorial board members of some reputed journals and proceedings.

Abstract:

Echinoids or sea urchins (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) constitute a group of exclusively marine invertebrates inhabiting the intertidal down to the deep-sea trenches around the world. The gonad of sea urchin, usually referred to as "Sea urchin Roe”, is culinary delicacies in many parts of the world. The roe of sea urchins is considered as a prized delicacy in Asian, Mediterranean and Western Hemisphere countries and have long been using as luxury foods in Japan. Japanese demand for sea urchins raised concerns about overfishing, thus making it one of the most valuable sea foods in the world. The population of the Asian Pacific Region has been using it for long time as a remedy for improving general living tone and treatment for a number of diseases. Gonads of Sea urchin are also rich in valuable bioactive compounds, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and β-carotene. PUFAs, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5) (n-3)) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA C22:6 (n-3)), have significant preventive effects on arrhythmia, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. β-Carotene and some xanthophylls have strong pro-vitamin A activity and can be used to prevent tumor development and light sensitivity. Sea urchin fisheries have expanded so greatly in recent years that the natural population of sea urchins in Japan, France, Chile, the northeastern United States, the Canadian Maritime Provinces, and the west coast of North America from California to British Colombia have been overfished to meet the great demand. Not surprisingly, the decrease in supply and the continued strong demand have led to a great increase in interest in aquaculture of sea urchins. Most, if not all, sea urchin fisheries have followed the same pattern of rapid expansion to an unsustainable peak, followed by an equally rapid decline. World landings of sea urchin, having peaks at 120,000 mt in 1995, are now in the state of about 82,000 mt. However, over half this catch comes from the recently expanded Chilean fishery for Loxechinus albus. In Europe, the sea urchin stocks (Paracentrotus lividus) of first France and then Ireland were overfished in the 1980s to supply the French markets. However, these decreasing patterns clearly reflect the overexploitation of most fishery grounds and highlight the need for aquaculture development, fishery management and conservation strategies. While the wild stocks decline, high market demand for food, nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals, increases the price of the product and thus, culturing is most likely to become commercially viable. As this review shows, there have been dramatic progresses in the culture techniques of sea urchins in the last 15–20 years; we can conclude that currently the major obstacles to successful cultivation are indeed managerial, cultural, conservational and financial rather than biological. Therefore, the fate of the sea urchin fishery is closely connected to that of the fisheries, whose fortune will ultimately depend upon the stock enhancement, culture improvement, quality roe production and market forces that will ultimately shape this growing industry in a sustainable manner.

Biography:

S.M Nurul Amin has born at Mymensingh district in Bangladesh in 1971. I completed B.Sc (Hons.) in Marine Science from the University of Chittagong (CU), Bangladesh and stood first class first place in order of merit in 1992. he received Ph. D in Aquatic Biology from the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in 2008. Then he was engaged as a Postdoctoral Researcher with UPM for two years (March 2009 to February 2011). His current position is Senior Lecturer with the Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, UPM (February 2011 to present). rnHe have 19 years of teaching and research experience in Fishery Science, Aquaculture and Aquatic Biology. By this time, 19 students (17 Master and 2 Ph.D students) were graduated under my supervision. Consequently, He have been involved in conducting 23 research projects and 4 consultancy projects funded by different national and international organizations (1998-2015). Throughout my career, He have won several international and national awards for his innovative research and teaching contributions. Simultaneously, He have published 132 articles in referred journals, 13 refereed proceedings, 32 book of abstracts and six (6) books. His current h-index is elevan (12) in Google Scholar and Seven (7) in SCOPUS and total citations number is 564

Abstract: