2004 RSPCA Australia Scientific Seminar
Welfare underwater – issues with aquatic animals
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Tuesday 24 February 2004
Telstra Theatre
Australian War Memorial, Canberra
Interest in the welfare of aquatic animals is at an
historic high, with each new scientific enquiry into whether or
not fish experience pain making news and fuelling discussion.
These discussions may lead to changes in the way we define what
are the most humane methods of handling and killing fish and
crustaceans within both the commercial and recreational sectors.
There are also widespread concerns over the future of our larger
marine animals, with debate over the relevance of the
International Whaling Commission and its ability to control the
killing of whales. In aquaculture, the expansion of farming of
both marine and freshwater species has raised issues over the
welfare of farmed fish. Indeed, the way we use or care for all
kinds of aquatic animals is being examined on a range of different
levels, from the fishing and seafood industries, recreational
fishing, aquarium displays, aquaculture, to our treatment of
aquatic animals as ‘pets’.
The 2004 RSPCA Australia Scientific Seminar, Welfare
underwater – issues with aquatic animals, examined recent
developments in our understanding of, and interactions with,
marine and freshwater animals as livestock, wildlife, companion
animals and research animals. Presentations were grouped under the
following three themes:
- Impacts of human interactions
- Humane treatment and humane killing
- Providing an appropriate captive environment
The RSPCA Australia annual Scientific Seminars provide a forum
for the dissemination of information on topical animal welfare
issues to a wide audience. The Seminars are designed to cover a
broad spectrum of opinion, encourage audience participation, and
have a reputation for provoking lively and constructive debate.
Click
here to download the programme
Click
here to download the Seminar summaries
Click
here to download the Seminar proceedings
This project is supported by the Commonwealth Government
through a grant-in-aid administered by the Department of Finance
and Administration
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