Since 2006, WAVMA has supported the global development of a veterinary task force with expertise in a wide range of aquatic animals and specialties. The specific objectives of WAVMA are to: (1) serve aquatic veterinary practitioners involved in multidisciplinary backgrounds, supporting and sustained members, and the aquatic sectors they serve; (2) identify, foster and strengthen professional interactions among aquatic medical practitioners and other international organizations; (3) advocate for, develop guidance on, and promote the advancement of the science, ethics and professional aspects of aquatic animal medicine within the veterinary profession and a wider audience; and (4) optimally position and advance the discipline of aquatic veterinary medicine, thus to promote practicing aquatic veterinary medicine in all countries. Since 2019, the WAVMA Education and Students Committee (ESC) has been actively working to dispense complementary training to aquatic veterinarians and veterinary students. ESC is composed of volunteers and is currently organized in three subcommittees, each chaired by a dedicated WAVMA regular or student member. The ESC Student Chapters Support Subcommittee provides guidance for the establishment of Student Chapters at veterinary universities around the world and thereafter, monitors the activities of established Student Chapters. Student Chapters provide a unique opportunity for veterinary students to receive additional education through lectures and practical activities on unconventional topics, and network with professionals in the field. ESC created a new opportunity for small grants to support Student Chapter activities. This exposure has enabled veterinary students fully appreciate the roles of an aquatic veterinarian in the various domains associated with the wellbeing of aquatic animals within the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and One Health. The WebCEPD subcommittee runs a Continuing Education and Professional Development (CEPD) online training program that is led by experts from various fields. In 2021, the ESC achieved its goal of conducting one webinar per month, attracting a great audience. Live webinars are open to anyone interested at no cost. However, the recordings of webinars remains available to WAVMA members only on the WAVMA website at no charge. Upon the completion of a short knowledge and skills assessment (KSA), Continuous Education (CE) credits can be obtained by members for free whereas non-members are charged. The Student Support subcommittee is devoted to increasing accessibility to externship and internship opportunities for veterinary students around the world. This is done through announcements on the WAVMA website and virtual meetings organized for young veterinarians where they can discuss their career paths and share formative experiences to improve their learning and increase their knowledge. Student and recently graduated veterinary members are also encouraged to apply for the John L. Pitts Aquatic Veterinary Education Awards Program, which enables awardees to gain expertise in aquatic veterinary medicine. For regions of the world where the aquaculture industry has grown much faster than the capacity for aquatic animal health management and biosecurity control could have been established, such as Africa or Southern East Asia, WAVMA provides great opportunities for rapidly bridging the gap in exposure, practical knowledge and skills for veterinary students, and practicing aquatic veterinarians through its numerous programs and resources, in addition to those provided by the ESC.
Accordingly, WAVMA has a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Aquaculture Society Africa Chapter (WAS-AC) as a collaborative partner in organizing and conducting Aquatic Animal Health and Welfare related events, activities and publications. WAS-AC members are encouraged to participate in WAVMA events and for veterinarians interested in Aquatic Animal Health, join WAVMA. WAVMA events are announced on its website and social media sites. You are welcome to join the upcoming technical session during WAVMA’s annual general meeting in 2021.