RAF, University Partner To Deliver Online EMS Training

The Responsible Aquaculture Foundation (RAF), the charitable arm of the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA), is partnering with the University of New Hampshire (UNH) to deliver learning modules on the prevention and management of early mortality syndrome (EMS) in shrimp for famers and other stakeholders in Vietnam.

Developed by the UNH Cooperative Extension, UNH School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering and New Hampshire Sea Grant and based on research conducted by GAA and RAF, a total of six learning modules will be delivered online in a mobile-friendly format to Vietnamese farmers, processors, feed manufacturers, extension educators, regulators and governmental personnel.

The six learning modules will include diagnostics, breeding, hatchery, farm, feed and zone management. The training will be hosted on the RAF website using the e-learning software SoftChalk to pilot the cloud-based training, which can be accessed by mobile devices. It’s expected to be ready for delivery by the third quarter of 2015.

“The resources at UNH in the area of aquaculture research, training and education are perfect complements to the industry relationships that the RAF and GAA have developed over many years,” said RAF Executive Director Wally Stevens. “We look forward to the creation of this curriculum and delivery to interested parties by the third quarter of 2015.”

“This opportunity will allow us to develop a platform for disseminating best management practices to farmers in rural areas. By making small, critical changes in the production chain, you can combat EMS and increase shrimp survival rates back to normal,” said UNH Aquaculture Specialist Michael Chambers.

Also known as acute hepatopancreatic necrosis syndrome (AHNS), EMS was first detected in China in 2009. The disease, which affects a shrimp’s digestive system, often causing death within 30 days, has hurt global shrimp production significantly, resulting in billions of dollars of losses.

About RAF
Responsible Aquaculture Foundation’s mission is to deliver an innovative global knowledge transfer platform/mechanism to enable the responsible development of a sustainable global industry that can meet the demands for nutritious, safe aquaculture products.