| About DIPNET | ||
| Why DIPNET? | Work packages | Partners |
Why DIPNET?
Pathogens are inherent biotic components of many aquatic ecosystems which under some circumstance can cause disease, but often remain latent and causing little harm. Farming creates a favourable environment for the transmission and expression of disease through high stocking densities and other stressors. Thus infection of micro-organisms that may cause no clinical disease in wild populations may result in new diseases emerging in farmed aquatic animals. Likewise, introduction of new species for restocking and aquaculture purposes can be a threat to wild population. An example of this is the translocation of flat oysters from California to Europe. This resulted in spread of disease including a protozoan parasite, Bonamia ostreae, which has contributed to the decimation of the native European oyster in Europe (Grizel, 1997).
Aquaculture is recognised by the EU to significantly improve the socio-economic situation of coastal communities (COM 2002-511 final) and its sustainable development enjoys Commission support. The Commission services have therefore identified the need for scientific support in order to further develop the Union’s policy to:
The DIPNET project, therefore, addresses these important issues, which are instrumental for responsible exploitation of aquatic living resources and the preservation of biodiversity alike, and will provide sound scientific background and recommendations for future science-based good management practices and public regulations.
Work packages
The DIPNET project will produce a scientific review of current knowledge in the field, stimulate the exchange of knowledge and scientific opinion, and identify needs for future research and management action all of which are essential issues related to the development of policy and legislation both on European and national level. The project is organised in five work packages:
WP1 will focus on a literature review of disease interactions and pathogen exchange between farmed and wild aquatic animals. Two workshops will be organised to facilitate information exchange and discussion, to be documented through workshop reports. A final scientific report with bibliography will be produced and published at the end of the project.
In WP2, a scientific review will be produced on risk assessments and modelling in aquatic animal health. Based on the material collected, an introductory risk assessment seminar, specifically targeted at potential users will be held.
In WP3, a review will be produced on current activities and methods for fish disease epidemiology, and a corresponding seminar will be organised.
WP 4, which focuses on network building and knowledge dissemination, contains the task of producing this project web page with scientific bibliography, as well as 6 or more project leaflets, posters or presentations. This work package aims to establish E-mail groups totalling 100-200 information providers and information users, supplying regular news updates. At the end of the project, a collection of newsletters and distributed information materials will be available.
WP5 is devoted to the scientific project co-ordination and liaison with the policy-makers of the European Union. Besides administrative deliverables, a document containing a proposed policy implementation plan (PIP) will be produced, with recommendations and suggestions for follow-up on national and European level.
Partners
| Partner | Representative | Work Package |
| IFREMER Institut Français de Recherche pour l’Exploitation de la Mer Laboratoire Génétique et Pathologie, DRV/RA B.P. 133, 17390 La Tremblade, France |
Dr. Laurence Miossec | WP 5 Scientific coordinator |
| VESO Veterinærmedisinsk Oppdragssenter AS Postboks 8109 Dep. 0032 Oslo, Norway |
Dr. Paul J. Midtlyng Ms. Aase Helen Garseth |
WP 4 Network building and knowledge dissemination and WP 5 Project management |
| FRS Fisheries Research Services, Marine Laboratory Aberdeen PO Box 101, 375 Victoria Road Aberdeen, AB11 9DB, Scotland |
Dr. Rob Raynard | WP 1 Review of disease interaction and pathogen exchange |
| CEFAS The Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science Barrack Road The Nothe, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK |
Dr. Edmund Peeler | WP 2 Risk assessment and modelling of pathogen exchange |
| UZ Universidad de Zaragoza, Lab. de Ictiopatología, Fac. de Veterinaria Miguel Servet 177 50013 Zaragoza, Spain |
Dr. Ignacio de Blas | WP 3 Infectious disease epidemiology in wild populations |
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