Abstract

A discussion of the role of the professional physician and technician in the husbandry of aquatic animals emphasizing the problems incurred by the professional with aquatic animals.

Notes

Where is the field of aquatic animal medicine going? There is pressure for diversification of veterinarians, but once trained, where will the veterinary students go? The trend appears to be going away from mammals and towards fish. One needs to make a living, therefore, there must be a market or affiliation for one's work, such as via a practice or a university.

There is not much happening in the marine mammal field, there are few new oceanariums, and marine veterinarians are working on a part-time and consulting basis.

It is time for aquatic animal veterinarians to explore the field of fish and avian medicine. Fish culture is expanding and becoming more important.

In the next 10-15 years we are headed for a need in the area of fish diseases. There is good reason to direct students toward fish medicine, rather than marine mammal medicine.

Fish culturists need assistance, however, they are not willing to pay for it. Biologists and university extensions cannot handle the entire field, thus there is a need to educate fish culturists. Exotic fish culturists do not hold fish long enough to permit medical attention; they also need to be educated.

Results of a Questionnaire sent to Oceanariums

Oceanariums are satisfied with their medical programs. Nearly all employ full or part-time veterinarians and are satisfied with them. More than half of the oceanariums which replied employ full-time paramedics, leaving veterinarians free in an advisory capacity.

Many cetacean facilities are conducting research. Most support their own research and do not publish. There is a dire need for funding in the area of marine mammal research. Marine Mammal Commission funds are dwindling. Sea Grant needs to aim in this direction and towards fish.

Most oceanariums agree to make their animals available to trade for reproductive purposes.