Professor Simon Davies
Creoso - welcome
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eason’s Greetings and ‘Hwyl Fawr’ (Welsh for Great Health!). Last month was a most interesting period for me with a number of engagements in continental Europe, a short visit by military transport to Greenland, and of course the attendance of the European Aquaculture 2015 event in Rotterdam. It was so nice to be back in Holland again with so many close friends and acquaintances over my three decades in academia. So many past student successes now some with PhD’s and working for the industry at large. Their loyalty and support for me makes the job I have so worthwhile and I appreciated their good company. A few now work for AquaBioTech group in Malta under Shane Hunter and undertaking excellent R&D work including fish feeding trials and innovative aquaculture technology and consultancy where it is needed. The group had a strong presence in Rotterdam attracting much deserved attention. In my new role at Harper Adams University in central England I would hope to venture more widely and see new places in the future and extend my horizons. This UK University is dedicated to making investments in aquaculture with new
Meet the Aquafeed team at upcoming international events
appointments under my direction. I will present a feature concerning my new role in a future issue of IAF. Aquaculture Europe was well attended and a good number of trade stands were present with a sound representation of the Aquafeed industry including this magazine. I finally met our own Peter Parker without his spider man costume, but I suppose must congratulate both Roger Gilbert and Peter on the ‘All Blacks’ win as two resident Kiwi’s. Well done! (However, I did see the All Blacks get beaten by Llanelli Scarlets in 1972!!) One major breaking news is the FDA approval for GMO salmon and I have actually met with the AquaBounty team on several occasions and followed their progression. We last spoke about the potential of transgenic Atlantic salmon at the Biomarine event in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2013 and I do wish them well. Whatever ones view and I am positive, the scientific breakthrough is outstanding and will likely change the animal production industry forever. The possibilities are enormous but will certainly impact on the Aquafeed sector since faster growing fish will require feeding and higher yields will place further demands on formulated feeds and the associated dependency on high quality raw materials and feed ingredients. The quest for novel protein and oils for Aquafeeds continues and I am personally involved in developing patented technologies towards that aim. I am now appreciating the amount of developmental work and patience required to deal with lawyers and their language that is quite different from my type of science ‘speak’. My step into the commercial world and maintaining my academic role has been challenging but rewarding and has given me a new mandate for learning. It’s never too late to feed your brain with EPA & DHA. In this issue we have a feature on Ginger shrimp from India by S. I. Yusufzai, S. R. Lende and P. J. Mahida from the Department of Aquaculture College of Fisheries Science, Junagadh Agricultural University, Gujarat, India. The action of specific types of Nutraceutics for the control of bacterial cold water disease by representatives from both Spain and Argentina are reviewed. We report on Extrusion, Essential Oils and Fish Feed Optimisation using advanced microencapsulation improving delivery of phytogenic feed additives by Rui Gonçalves and Gonçalo A. Santos, Biomin Holding GmbH, Austria. Our extensive news platform, regular features and interviews with key stake-holders from the industry complements our content. I am mindful that this issue is the last for 2015 and I wish you all the best for the Christmas season, and a prosperous New Year!! 2016 will list some important events with the Olympic Games in Brazil (we will try to feature some timely aspect of Brazilian aquaculture), the influence of the American Presidential election (Aquaculture Bill) and the future of US fish farming industry may feature in a later editorial. Nadolig LLawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda (Welsh for Happy Christmas and Happy New Year!!) Professor Simon Davies
Meet the IAF team at booth 437