Integrated Aquaculture International (IAI) in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries (DOF) under the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources of Brunei Darussalam was proud to host a 3-day International Shrimp Health Workshop in Brunei Darussalam on 13-15 August, 2007.  Over 90 people from 15 countries took part in the workshop, including government officials, local shrimp operators, students, experts from ASEAN countries, as well as representatives from China and Iran.

Lectures were presented by some of the world's leading authorities on shrimp diseases such as IAI co-founder Dr Donald Lightner, along with Ms Rita Redman from the University of Arizona in US, Dr Leigh Owens from James Cook University in Australia, Ms Wanidawati Tamat from DOF, along with IAI members Dr. George Chamberlain and Dr. Kerry Claydon. 

The first day of the workshop featured lectures on the global status of shrimp diseases and on molecular and clinical diagnostic techniques, biosecurity, as well as a glimpse into the future of diagnostic solutions for the shrimp industry.  

The second day involved a tour of Brunei Darussalam’s quarantine, breeding, hatchery, and diagnostic facilities, as well as touring a local shrimp farm, and the construction site of the new Telisai Phase II pond facility.  Highlights of the tour included the state-of-the-art Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory, the specific pathogen free (SPF) populations of Penaeus stylirostris, and the candidate SPF populations of P. monodon, which are currently progressing through secondary quarantine. 

The third and final day of the workshop involved the participant’s taking a hands-on approach to shrimp health with a series of laboratory exercises for sampling, fixing, and assessing animals for health status. 

As stated by the Director of Fisheries, Hajah Hasnah Ibrahim, the workshop aimed to improve understanding of the latest findings and methodologies regarding shrimp disease diagnosis and management; strengthen local capabilities for disease detection; exchange information on the latest findings; and, strengthen networking between local and international farmers and experts.

Given the enthusiastic response to this workshop, IAI and DOF plan to offer additional workshops on aquaculture health, nutrition, and breeding in the months to come.