Harmonisation of the Care and Use of Fish in Research

An international consensus meeting held at Gardermoen, Norway, 22nd - 24th September 2009.

Please also see the proceedings from a similar meeting in 2005. 

Scientific Programme

Tuesday 22nd September 2009

Experiences from the inspection of fish research facilities in the UK
Kathy Ryder, Home Office Inspectorate, UK
Abstract   Presentation (0.5 MB)

Research needs within fish welfare - presentation of a report on the status in Norway
Trond Brattelid, NIFES, Norway
Abstract   Presentation (0.5 MB)

Do we have practical positive and negative welfare indicators for fish that we can use in a research/farm setting?
John Avizienius, RSPCA, UK
Abstract   Presentation

Health monitoring of fish used in research - progress?
Anne Ramstad, VESO Vikan, Norway
Abstract   Presentation (0.6 MB)

Husbandry and environmental enrichment - what do fish need and has there been much progress?
Gareth Readman, AstraZeneca, UK
Abstract   Presentation (0.7 MB)

Telemetry in fish - update
Øyvind Aas-Hansen, Nofima Marin, Norway
Abstract   Presentation (1.5 MB)

Challenges in fish research: the protectionist's view
Anton Krag, Norwegian Animal Protection Alliance
Abstract Presentation (1.2 MB)

Wednesday 23rd September 2009

Update on the EU directive and the CoE convention
Bente Bergersen, Norwegian Food Safety Authority
Abstract   Presentation

Global update on guidelines for fish research
Gilly Griffin, Canadian Council on Animal Care
Abstract   Presentation

Vaccine testing: can we reduce fish numbers and/or avoid fish use?
Kjetil Fyrand, PHARMAQ AS, Norway
Abstract   Presentation

Update on neurophysiological and behavioural research in fish
Øyvind Aas-Hansen, Nofima Marin, Norway
Abstract   Presentation

Guidelines for anaesthesia and analgesia of fish
Gidona Goodman, Edinburgh University, UK
Abstract   Presentation   Guidelines for anaesthesia and analgesia of fish

Proposed revisions to methods of killing fish used in research in the UK
Robert Hubrecht, UFAW, UK
Abstract   Presentation

The challenges of using humane endpoints in fish research
Kathy Ryder, Home Office Inspectorate, UK
Abstract   Presentation

An overview of existing guidelines for handling, bleeding and administration techniques
Penny Hawkins, RSPCA, UK
Abstract   Presentation  Fish guidelines

Thursday 24th September 2009

The challenge of arranging accredited courses for fish researchers and technicians
Aurora Brønstad, University of Bergen, Norway
Abstract   Presentation

Field work and lab studies: two sets of standards?
Grete Bæverfjord, Nofima Marin, Norway
Abstract   Presentation


The participants at this meeting also produced a Consensus Statement, which summarised the common ground between all the stakeholder groups (regulators, academia, industry and animal welfarists) and pointed out strength and opportunities for further implementation of the 3Rs within fish research.

Following the meeting, Norecopa produced a list of specific tasks which, in the Board's opinion, need to be addressed to further the implementation of the 3Rs in fish research.

Norecopa's International Webinars & Meetings Calendar