Aquaculture research gets its focus
Since 1999 European nations have been making explorative findings in EC funded research programmes concerning the control, regulation and monitoring of marine aquaculture activities. In answer to the flood of information these investigations has produced, it was felt that a concerted effort was required so as to make maximum effect of appropriate measures, gain insight into the bigger picture, and utilize correctly the information gained. It was understood that proper scientific guidelines would need to be established based on these findings. Guidelines that would control strategies and practices that have either a direct impact on, or a bearing to marine aquiculture. The principal tenements of these guidelines would consider social, economic and policy forming issues that would yield the best environmental practices based on the understanding of such factors as the impact of industrial or social effluents on marine life and habitats, organic and inorganic nutrients and the effect of environmental controls already implemented. As a direct result of this concerted effort the MARAQUA (Monitoring and Regulation of Marine Aquaculture) web site was established. Its primary function isn't to produce new research material, but to review the data already gained, and to establish the fundamental guidelines needed to instigate proper and appropriate monitoring, control and regulation of activities influencing marine aquaculture. Additionally, it also serves as a central dissemination point for the information it has, providing a registry of experts in the field, topical papers of research, current news on workshops and seminars as well as a comprehensive listing of additional links to augment its information coverage and a biannual electronic newsletter for those interested.