Live Collection Management Abstracts
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Use of Tablets for Data Entry and Record Keeping David Cochran, SEA LIFE Kansas City Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The field of aquatic husbandry is in a state of constant evolution. New techniques, findings, information, and technology continue to move our field forward. At SEA LIFE Kansas City we are utilizing tablets and cloud technology to keep records, store data, and exchange information. There are many advantages to this, including having access to information and contacts almost anywhere, real-time updating of data, and the ability to take photos and videos for records. One of the bigger advantages is also the savings in terms of cost of labor, supplies, and waste. As we move from more paper oriented systems to more digitized ones, these savings become more important. While many institutions are using computerized systems such as ZIMS, ISIS, and TRACKS, the use of tablets allows aquarists to have all of their data and information with them at all times. This also reduces the time they need to spend compiling and entering the data, as they have their computer right there with them. This is a system that has not been without challenges, and it is a work in progress, but it is working relatively well for SEA LIFE Kansas City. I would like to demonstrate the benefits and address the challenges, as this could very well be something that can be modified and tailored to other institutions' needs. |
A New Kind of Fish Tattoo:
Better Medical Management through Individual Identification of an Aquatic Collection Megan Olhasso, California Science Center Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
As advancements are made in aquatic medicine, it is becoming crucial to maintain accurate, thorough records of individual animal treatments, movements and daily behaviors. Individual identification is the backbone that makes trending medical history possible; allowing for better decision making and interpreting success of treatment and of management choices. When fish are not individually identified, they become lost to follow up as soon as they leave the hospital system. It becomes impossible to determine if the next similar case is a reoccurrence or a new case. At the California Science Center, we have implemented four ways of individualizing fish: visible implant elastomer for ‘fish tattoos’, notching, microchips and photo identification. The most broadly functional technique is visible implant elastomer (VIE). By grouping similar-looking species of fish into a spreadsheet, we are able to ensure that two fish cannot be mistaken for one another. It allows our divers to give accurate and detailed information about feeding behaviors, which then enables us to track medical treatments and easily communicate observations. VIE does not work on all dermal types. The use of notching and/or microchips on elasmobranches has proven to be an excellent way of maintaining current, accurate information and we are seeing similar results using photo identification as descriptors in marine invertebrate medical care – as we continue to explore new options in identification. Being proactive about individually identifying our collection has mainstreamed the flow of communication about individual animals rather than groups of animals. We are able to follow cases and determine if our treatment and management plans are successful. It allows us to recognize medical trends, identify problems, and create a data base of information that makes medical records and daily husbandry logs effective resources. |
Why Cephalopods Need a National Set of Best Practices or Standards of Care Nell Bekiares, University of Wisconsin - Madison Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Recently, the EU passed amendments to directive 2010/63/EU to include higher invertebrates in animal welfare considerations. This follows a similar ethical movement in Canada and Australia. As a university research lab in the U.S. studying cephalopods, while we are certainly concerned about animal care as it relates to research production, we do not have IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) guidelines or protocols to follow. Articles regarding cephalopod care are all over the map, making citation of one source over another problematic. Who has the best practices? Several EU-published journals now require that a statement or proof of animal care certification for cephalopods accompany a journal submission. Without a governing body knowledgeable regarding cephalopod health, behavior, reproduction, medicine, etc., providing such a certification is impossible. This poster reviews some existing publications regarding animal care and proposes suggestions for a national standard of care. |