New salmon aquaculture scientific database
While the database is still in a primitive format without a search function, it is an impressive collection of information that would take a reader months to go through. The AAC states that it has “an interest in the dissemination of technical/scientific aquaculture information in the support of aquaculture education & training”. The organization’s web site continues;
“A need was identified to provide a current database of scientific evidence related to key relevant issues in salmon aquaculture. As a result, a joint industry / government project was established and funding assistance was provided through the Fisheries and Oceans Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (ACRDP) and the database was developed by the Coastal Aquaculture Research and Training (CART) Network. The role of the AAC in hosting this database is an important one as it furthers aquaculture science knowledge exchange in Canada.
A review of the primary literature resulted in the identification of approximately 3,000 references. Each of the citation records is summarized by author(s), date, title, key words and a brief written summary of the paper’s objective and key findings. The database is presently in an Excel table format, but options for implementing it as a searchable web-based format are being explored. In the interim however, it was felt that this database should be accessible to the public as soon as possible, so it is presently available in it's initial form. This table is not complete or error free – rather it is a work in progress. Corrections are ongoing and additional papers will be added as required”.
A posting by the British Columbia Salmon Farmers Association today contained quotes related to the release of the database;
"This is a great resource for anyone who wants a clear idea of the research that has been completed regarding salmon farming in Canada," said Mary Ellen Walling, Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association. "It's really impressive to see the thousands of papers catalogued through the document."
"The creation of this database is a significant step for knowledge transfer and sharing," said Ruth Salmon, CAIA (Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance) Executive Director. "Not only does this forum provide free and open access to salmon aquaculture research, the database further reinforces transparency, consistency and cooperation across the aquaculture community."
