The network aims to strengthen the aquaculture industry and the role of aquatic and marine species in food production, as well as control the spread of diseases to ensure sustainable growth in the region’s aquaculture production.

It also aims to train veterinarians and aquatic health specialists, and to coordinate the efforts of international organizations providing aquatic health services.

Members of the network include countries bordering the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan, the UAE and Yemen.

The Fish Health and Safety Laboratory in Jeddah will serve as a reference laboratory for member states.

The network was launched in the presence of Dr. Monique Eloit, director general of the World Organization for Animal Health.

Saudi Arabia and the organization are collaborating on several projects, including the Kingdom’s rabies, foot-and-mouth disease and peste des petits ruminants programs.

They are also working together on a project to evaluate veterinary services in the Kingdom, as well as a veterinary laboratory twinning program with reference laboratories in France and Italy.