Non Technical Summary

The first edition of the 'Guide to Acceptable Procedures and Practices for Aquaculture and Fisheries Research' was published in 1999. This second edition is a result of major revision and review for a more concise guide to procedures and practices for maintaining and collecting fish for the purpose of scientific research.

The Guide provides information on the NSW Fisheries Animal Care and Ethics Committee and explains its obligations under the Animal Research Act, 1985 and the objectives of the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes. Under the Animal Research Act, all research must be covered by a current Animal Research Authority, issued by an accredited Animal Care and Ethics Committee. This Guide is to assist scientists in obtaining an Animal Research Authority and to provide information on standard scientific procedures and practices.

Basic information for most topics is presented and more detailed information provided for topics that are most frequently raised by researchers or members of Animal Care and Ethics Committees who must approve applications for Animal Research Authorities. Emphasis has been placed on describing basic husbandry requirements, maintaining water quality, recognising and treating some of the most common diseases and transporting live fish. Methods for collecting and sampling fish in the wild and practical details of methods for anaesthesia and euthanasia are also described. Examples of application forms are provided as well.