International experts Francesc Padrós and Kim Thompson from the EU-funded Cure4Aqua project recently attended the Aquatic Animal Health Research Prioritisation Workshop in Paris. As invited experts, Padrós and Thompson contributed to discussions aimed at identifying key research priorities in aquaculture to improve the management of aquatic animals’ diseases globally.
The workshop was organised by the World Organisation for Animal Health (
WOAH) in collaboration with the Strategic Alliances for the Coordination of Research on the major Infectious Diseases of Animals and Zoonoses,
STAR-IDAZ International Research Consortium on Animal Health.
Taking place at WOAH headquarters in Paris, France, the workshop, part of Activity 4.5 of the
WOAH Aquatic Animal Health Strategy 2021-2025, aimed to identify key research priorities in aquaculture that will deliver lasting benefits for managing aquatic animal diseases worldwide. Experts from around the world gathered to address challenges such as disease prevention, fish welfare, and sustainable health management.
Highlights included insightful opening remarks from Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran, WOAH’s Director General, alongside experts from the
Aquatic Animal Health Standards Commission. A comprehensive overview of the current research landscape set the stage for a series of interactive workshops, focusing on research needs for control strategies, diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics.
Through panel discussions, breakout workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions, participants identified innovative research priorities, including the identification of priority diseases affecting major finfish species like salmonids, carp, and catfish. Other areas of focus included developing diagnostic tools for these diseases, addressing urgent needs for vaccine and therapeutics, tackling antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture, improving fish welfare practices, and finding practical solutions to enhance the resilience and sustainability of global aquaculture.
Reflecting on the event, Cure4Aqua’s Thompson commented:
“With the continued growth of the aquaculture sector, discussions at the workshop reinforced the need for collaborative research and policy development to improve fish health and welfare standards. Cure4Aqua was pleased to contribute to these important conversations and remains committed to advancing sustainable aquaculture practices.”
As part of the programme, Padrós delivered a presentation on fish welfare, highlighting its growing importance in aquaculture. His presentation covered key areas such as scientific advancements, practical implementation, and public awareness, emphasising the role of fish welfare in ensuring a sustainable and ethical industry. He also introduced Cure4Aqua as a key reference project in this field, dedicated to fish health and welfare.
Additionally, Thompson and Padrós participated as facilitators and experts in three separate world-café discussions during the Aquatic Animal Health Research Prioritisation Workshop. These discussions encouraged open dialogue on:
- Challenges in aquatic animal health
- Regional and global research networks on aquatic animal health
- Research needs in epidemiology and control strategies
Overall, the Aquatic Animal Health Research Prioritisation Workshop highlighted the critical importance of global collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by the aquaculture industry. Cure4Aqua remains dedicated to its mission of improving fish health and welfare whilst supporting the sustainable development of aquaculture.