This topic was awkwardly defined as a discussion of the issues faced by administrators of aquatic businesses, which rely upon aquatic animal medicine, with regard to personnel training, public relations, facilities and overall organization. In preparing to make this presentation I found it not exactly clear at all what the issues of the needs are. In fact it appears to me after some review, discussion and consideration that the major problem lies in the fact that the issues related to this topic have not been identified. Furthermore, by the end of this presentation they most probably will still be unclear.

I think before we try to identify issues we should start with a definition of terms for the sake of this presentation. Medicine, according to one of the definitions in the Webster Dictionary, is the science and art of preventing, alleviating or curing the disease. It is this definition which we will use in connection with the term "Aquatic Animal Medicine," which is then interpreted as the science and art of preventing, alleviating or curing the diseases of aquatic animals.

The International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine is a very diverse group of individuals, of many different disciplines, representing many aquatic related industries and institutions. The one critical uniting factor is the medium in which we work, rather than a common academic training. Preventing, alleviating or curing the diseases of dolphins, penguins, turtles, guppies or lobsters, regardless of how diverse and unrelated, can be referred to as aquatic animal medicine. For the sake of this discussion and utilizing the definition from Webster, we shall refer to those who administer medicine in a wide spectrum, including but not limited to the professionally trained veterinarian and the professionally trained fisheries biologist, as well as the front line personnel at many institutions who have no formal training in medicine or graduate training in biology, but in fact do "administer" medicine to a great variety of organisms. Therefore, in our amorphous, so-called industry, medicine can be referred to as not only the formal practice and administration of medicine, but also to all aspects of environmental manipulation which is accomplished to the end of alleviating or curing disease as well. On top of all this discussion to identify the "who" in aquatic animal medicine, we must recognize that this so-called "industry" to which we refer ranges from multimillion dollar corporations down to backyard fish production ponds.

One of the problems that have been suggested is management's inability to procure adequately trained people. However, before we can discuss solutions for that problem we must identify the need. What type of "adequately trained people" are needed?

As in many other livestock businesses, a major factor in management's decisions relative to "medical therapy" activities is one of economics. This extends not only to the form or method of therapy, or whether to treat at all, but also to the hiring of professional personnel. There are very few aquatic businesses, for instance, that can afford the full-time services of a veterinarian, and in many others there is even little consideration given to hiring a trained zoologist. Historically, the requirements of many small facilities have been satisfied by an individual with good common sense, who learned by trial and error and self instruction within the system, thus acquiring much undocumented and often proprietary knowledge from experience on the job.

In-house training of front line staff rather than a formal education appears to be the rule rather than the exception. Even at major aquariums, the animal personnel that are hired frequently have only a basic education. They begin at entry level positions; if they show potential during their in-house training they are brought along in the system and may eventually attain managerial levels.

As in so many other industries, we must recognize that apprenticeship programs are vital to producing personnel knowledgeable in not only the academic but also the practical aspects of aquatic animal medicine. In some areas of the country, there are cooperative education programs between universities and businesses that allow undergraduates an opportunity to gain this vital experience. Such programs should be encouraged in the aquatic animal industries.

One of the corollary problems related to this may be the need to educate management as to the economic value of qualified personnel relative to the medical needs of aquatic animals. The managers of many ornamental fish farms, for instance, have begun to recognize how a program run by biologically oriented, well trained people can help to increase productivity, reduce mortality and thereby increase profits. Through a process of educating management as to the benefits, we may begin to see better educated and trained people on the production line.

The problem of proprietary knowledge will always be a touchy area. However, where animal health is a question there has been an evolution toward a more open sharing within the industry, between individuals, and especially at meetings and conferences such as the IAAAM's.

Proper facilities for aquatic organisms are essential to maintaining good health. There is a constant need for research into the design of -facilities to fulfill the requirements of the many varied animals we keep for a variety of purposes. Good husbandry, as we all realize, is at the roots of preventive medicine. Public aquariums have spent a considerable amount of money on the design of new facilities to accommodate animals for display to their visitors.

There has been a considerable amount of money expended relative to the design and operation of fish hatchery facilities by the federal government. There has also been much support provided to the growing fish farm industry from state funded institutions.

More research is needed in the areas of marine fish culture facilities, disease control, and especially in the area of ornamental fish, as demonstrated by the requests of the tropical fish industry in Florida. The aquatic animal industries are looking for guidance and assistance in these areas.

When does public relations become an issue facing management with regard to aquatic attractions and institutions? These facilities are usually under close scrutiny by the public eye. People often relate to individual specimens much the same as to their own pet. They will frequently spend $25.00 to save a $0.10 goldfish, and expect our institutions to do the same. Here public relations is required to educate the public that, in many cases, it is best for all, especially the suffering animal, that euthanasia be performed. In the majority of medical application cases, there are good public relations opportunities, as stranding programs. Exhibits of rehabilitated marine mammals by major aquariums and oceanariums, and promoting the public awareness of these programs have developed very positive public relations. This is a good example of where an economically unsound activity has very beneficial public relations aspects to go along with the benefits of research opportunities into the overall disease process.

In discussions with colleagues, I have received an impression that one of the biggest needs of management relative to aquatic animal medicine is served at conferences like the IAAAM's. People in management, regardless of their affiliation in medical fields, come to such meetings to learn the "state of the art" -- so they may know what is available relative to medical assistance for their animals. The primary feedback from this is the need for far greater dissemination of information. There is a tremendous amount of work being conducted in the fields of fish, mammal, and invertebrate medicine at various universities, many of them Sea Grant institutions. In addition, there is a large amount of work going on in both private and public institutions. Unfortunately, the collation, dissemination and availability of this information is not always the best. There is a large quantity of data being published, which few institutions can afford to subscribe. The abstracting services available are helpful; however, there is strong opinion that the collation of papers dealing with aquatic animal medicine would be a major service.

There is need for continued research, and I think that management, as well as the practitioner, in some cases needs to provide the direction for the research. Management needs to inform the researcher what are the major problems. This is difficult because there will be different priorities. So, these priorities need to be boiled down and defined as to what are the research needs relative to fish farming, aquariums and the other aquatic related activities. The IAAAM provides a format for individuals through our annual conference. It has been a tremendous asset to management to know that its staff has at their disposal a large group of professionals with a broad and vast experience that can be used in a cooperative aspect.

The cooperation that has been experienced in many of the aquatic industries over the past ten years needs to be continued and amplified. We still have some people who are working on a day to day basis in this field who do not communicate. Communication is necessary for the professional to keep up with, and contribute to, the state of the art. What is needed is a continued commitment from all persons in the industry both to communicate and to cooperate.