Multi-disciplinary One Health research towards sustainable aquaculture in Tanzania

Sydney ID's Dr Kerrie Wiley from Sydney School of Public and Dr Francisca Samsing Pedrals from Sydney School of Veterinary Science recently travelled to Tanzania as part of a multi-disciplinary team using a One Health lens to identify priority challenges for sustainable aquaculture industry growth in the Lake Victoria region, made possible through a University of Sydney – University of Glasgow Ignition Grant.

Focusing on tilapia farming health, the team of social scientists, health economists, veterinarians, and aquaculture experts from the University of Sydney, the University of Glasgow, Sokoine University of Agriculture Tanzania, and the University of Sterling worked closely with a variety of Tanzanian aquaculture industry and government stakeholders to identify three strategic areas of focus for sustainable aquaculture in the region:

• Capacity enhancement and training in areas like disease management and biosecurity; 
• Strengthening of infrastructure such as cage-side water monitoring and industry inputs such as feed and hatchling fish; and 
• streamlining regulatory systems and requirements.  

The trip was a great success, generating strong, feasible solutions that were presented to national government and industry stakeholders for discussion, in preparation for a formal stakeholder report for action.