Mediterranean aquaculture diagnostic laboratories; results of the survey on Mediterranean aquaculture diagnostic laboratories conducted within the framework of the CIHEAM/FAO network on "Technology of aquaculture in the Mediterranean" (TECAM)

This supplement presents the results of a survey on Mediterranean aquaculture diagnostic laboratories, which has been implemented by the Mediterranean Institute of Zaragoza (IAMZ) in collaboration with the FAO Fisheries Department. The aim of the survey is to acquire greater knowledge on the Mediterranean laboratories working on the diagnosis of fish and shellfish diseases, their work, characteristics and constraints. An introductory paper about the Mediterranean aquaculture is included as well as an introduction to this survey and a report about the general aspects of Mediterranean aquaculture diagnostic laboratories, based on one of the 3 questionnaires used in the study. Four reports, one for each group of diseases (mollusc, fish virus, fish bacteria and fish parasites), is presented. The existing diseases and pathogens and their incidence and distribution in Mediterranean aquaculture are described. A directory of Mediterranean laboratories working on diagnosis of fish and shellfish diseases, with 57 laboratory records from 14 countries (Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Tunisia and Turkey), is provided. The results of this survey which are presented in this supplement are expected to facilitate contacts and encourage collaboration among Mediterranean laboratories working on diagnosis of fish and shellfish diseases..