Training in the science of the classification of fish families is lacking in Africa.
This is according to Dr Peter Psomadakis, FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) fish taxonomist.
For this reason, the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) are hosting a workshop to discuss ways to support regional and country-specific efforts to reduce poverty, improve food security, and achieve sustainable fisheries management systems.
10 selected fish biology and taxonomy scientists from Mozambique, Kenya and Tanzania, have joined the workshop.
Training at the workshop is provided by the EAF-Nansen Programme, the NRF-SAIAB, FAO, Iziko South African Museum and University of Cape Town.
Dr Peter Psomadakis, said the workshop is part of a broader programme to improve taxonomy research on the continent.
One product of the workshop, is the publication of 16 papers in a special issue of an international peer-reviewed scientific journal.
“I wish to emphasise that this workshop is only the first step of a more ambitious plan. The idea is to use in a synergistic way, the EAF-Nansen Programme of FAO, the surveys at sea, and its network of partner countries/institutions in conjunction to NRF-SAIAB’s infrastructure and staff expertise to make a step change in the capacity to carry out fish taxonomy research in Africa” he said .
“In this context, NRF-SAIAB has the potential to act as the reference scientific institution for aspiring mid-level practitioners, fisheries observers, technicians, and professional fish taxonomists coming from the whole continent.”
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