Rationale

The impact of human activities has undergone a sharp acceleration in recent decades, leading to substantial changes in numerous aquatic systems – both natural and created/modified for production – with direct and indirect effects on biodiversity and the health of aquatic animals. In particular, the distribution and transmission of parasites in aquatic systems is strongly influenced by abiotic and biotic factors that undergo continuous modifications as a result of climate change and the direct impact of human activities. The knowledge of these interactions is essential to define the possible impact of parasites on the health of aquatic animals (wild and farmed) and to set appropriate and sustainable measures aimed at their control, also in relation to the zoonotic potential of some parasitic agents. The purpose of the symposium here proposed is to present the current knowledge in this area, taking into consideration aquatic animals’ representative of the major aquatic systems – marine and freshwater, natural and modified for production.