The kick-off meeting of the AquaVET project (Knowledge Exchange in Aquatic Animals Medicine and Ecosystem Health in the Mediterranean and Sub-Saharan Regions) was held at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) campus in El-Alamein, Egypt, from July 13 to 15.
Professors Tatjana Dobroslavić and Vlasta Bartulović participated online.
The goal of the AquaVET project is to bridge the gap between aquaculture and veterinary medicine in Egypt and Nigeria through the development of the first interdisciplinary master’s degree program in Aquatic Animals Medicine and Ecosystem Health (AQAMEH).
One of the main challenges facing the aquaculture sector in both countries is the outbreak of aquatic animal diseases, caused by high exposure to agricultural and industrial pollutants and the spread of various pathogens, leading to high fish mortality and economic losses in fish farms and hatcheries.
To support the public and private sector efforts to address these problems, the scientific community in Egypt and Nigeria is expected to play a key role by conducting further research on aquatic animal diseases.
The project brings together an international team of experts with the aim of closing this knowledge gap and producing highly qualified specialists ready to work in the national and international labor markets.
