Participants at the Rochester training work on sample HACCP plans. (Photo Credit: Mike Goehle, 2/6/2008)

The Lower Great Lakes Fishery Resources Office (LGLFRO) held Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) training in Rochester, NY, February 5-6, 2008.  This training was held in collaboration with, and just preceding the 2008 annual meeting of the American Fisheries Society - New York State Chapter.  New York Sea Grant assisted with the training, providing the Sea Grant perspective on HACCP and an overview of Great Lakes invasive species including hands-on identification of prominent species of concern.  Staff from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) provided an overview of the newly created state Office of Invasive Species.

HACCP is a tool used to prevent the inadvertent movement of invasive species during routine operations such as hatchery or fisheries field work.  The process helps to identify points where these species can be identified and effectively controlled.  With the emergence of viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS), Didymosphenia geminata (Didymo), and other invasive species and pathogens in the northeast, pro-active planning to prevent further spread is more important than ever before. 

Participants from NYSDEC were well represented at the training with 27 out of the 33 total participants being NYSDEC employees.  Offices from across the state were represented and included hatcheries, regional offices, and fishery staff.  Other partners with representatives in attendance included private consulting firms, the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, the State University of New York - ESF, Syracuse University, and the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.