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Networking may be defined as “an extended group of people with similar interests or concerns who interact and remain in informal contact for mutual assistance or support”. It is by no means a new concept, but has become an ‘international word’, with tools such as the Internet and e-mail allowing its rapid worldwide development.

Aquaculture networks take many forms. They may be global, regional or national; vertical or horizontal; and thematic or species-specific. Driving factors leading to the creation of networks include trade issues, sustainability and social equity. It is perfectly normal for overlaps between networks to exist (the inter-network). However, individual networks should be as simple as possible (the intra-network), so as to facilitate exchange of information.

Examples of European aquaculture networks are given and their rational explained. They include FEAP (production volumes and prices), MARAQUA, the sub-networks of the FAO General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean, AquaFlow and Aqua-Tnet.

At a time when information is so freely available but so difficult to locate, aquaculture networks allow interaction between participants and the rapid sharing of information towards a common goal.

Alistair Lane has an M.Sc. in Marine Biology (University College of North Wales, UK). His main experience is in the aquaculture feeds business (FRiPPAK, UK; France Aquaculture, France; EWOS, Spain and EWOS France), with responsibilities in distribution, marketing and general management. He has been the Executive Director of the European Aquaculture Society since 2000.

Contact Details: European Aquaculture Society, Slijkensesteenweg 4, B-8400 Oostende, Belgium.
E-mail: a.lane@aquaculture.cc