Aotearoa Aquatic Diseases Symposium

We are delighted to announce that the 3rd Aotearoa Aquatic Diseases Symposium (AADS) will be hosted by the Cawthron Institute in Nelson, New Zealand. Also note that prior to the conference we will have a 2-day workshop – Shellfish and finfish wet-lab and histopathology – on the 15th and 16th March 2027, Nelson.

The 3rd AADS provides a forum where people from academia, government and industry can share research and insights into aquatic diseases.  The symposium encourages broad perspectives including the role of Mātauranga Māori, the rapidly changing landscape of aquatic disease emergence, the challenges to our biosecurity, and the future safeguard of people, environment, wildlife, and seafood industries. The meeting will feature plenary talks, thematic sessions, a satellite workshop, and networking events, with a strong focus on integrated approaches to understanding and managing infectious diseases at wildlife, livestock, human, and environmental interfaces. We expect approximately 100 delegates from across New Zealand, the Pacific and Australia.  Attendees can enjoy the wonderful Nelson-Tasman region as part of their visit, including the Abel Tasman National Park and Marlborough Sounds within easy reach.  

Pre-symposium workshop details

When: 15th and 16th March 2027

Where: Nelson, New Zealand

Venue: Cawthron Aquaculture Park, Glenduan, Nelson – transfers will be available to and from Nelson city.  

What: This workshop is ideal for aquatic animal health professionals, biosecurity, aquaculture, and fisheries staff who work with shellfish and finfish samples as well as those interested in applying sampling techniques and building their histopathology foundations. 

What’s included? All-inclusive registration fee (morning-tea, lunch), transfers to and from Nelson. The workshop will cover aspects of gross pathology, sampling and dissection, anatomical features, histopathology for shellfish and finfish. The workshop includes practical, experiential training.