New innovative Aquaculture information tool just launched by CABI Intenational

20 June 2006

In April, 2006, CABI launched the Aquaculture Compendium, which they claim to be the world’s first encyclopaedic, multimedia information tool covering all aspects of aquaculture production and health. 

This unique database-driven product, which has taken information specialists and scientists 3 years to develop, is available on the Internet and will be released shortly on CD-ROM. Until now, there has been no single source of information for the millions involved worldwide in this growing industry. CABI information specialist Martin Parr, who led the project, said “We’re the first to bring together in one place comprehensive information, images, maps and authoritative articles from around a hundred different organisations involved in the aquaculture industry.” The Aquaculture Compendium contains information on 300 commonly cultured aquatic species. These include finfish, crustaceans, molluscs, algae and live feeds. The datasheets cover all aspects of their biology and production - their taxonomy, life cycle, reproduction, nutrition, feeding and environmental requirements, genetics, behaviour, distribution, and post-harvest handling and marketing. Aquaculture production statistics and other economic data, from FAO and other authoritative sources, are integrated and linked to a graphical interface, allowing the user to specify and generate visual presentations. The database also includes hundreds of linked datasheets on the main diseases and disorders of these species - from the disease’s host range and geographic distribution to its economic impacts, from its diagnosis, prevention and treatment, through to food safety issues. For those involved in treatment, the Compendium incorporates a quick reference database of international veterinary drugs, vaccines and pesticides. “The Compendium also brings together issues and themes of critical importance to aquaculture today,” added Parr. “This makes it an absolute must-have for anyone involved in determining policy, investing in the industry or solving aquaculture industry-related problems.” Major industry concerns such as the likely impact of aquatic invasive species, the problem of aquatic pests and diseases in trade, and the sustainable management of aquatic resources are covered through a unique electronic library of around 1000 articles, book chapters and datasets from internationally respected sources. Some are previously published but many are specially commissioned for the Compendium. This gives users the latest take on hot topics in the industry, including valuable insights into global trends. 

The Compendium is an initiative of a global Development Consortium of technical institutions, development-assistance agencies and private-sector companies. 

CABI is an international not-for-profit organisation, whose purpose is the generation, dissemination and use of knowledge in the applied life sciences. It pursues this purpose through its centres in China, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Pakistan, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Trinidad & Tobago and the UK. CABI is a leading publisher of applied life science publications and electronic information products and provides research, consultancy and training services in the areas of sustainable agriculture and forestry, biodiversity conservation, industrial microbiology and scientific information management.