About PISCES TT

PISCES is a European Commission Leonardo da Vinci Pilot Project, co-ordinated by AquaTT.      PISCES brings together 11 partners from 8 European countries.  The project commenced in January 2002 with a funded duration of 2 years.  The specific aim of the project is to set up the website which will have no known existing parallel in Europe. PISCES project will produce deliverables to meet its main objectives, which are described below:

PROMOTION OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING IN AQUACULTURE
There is an evident disparity between the growth in the aquaculture industry and in the numbers entering vocational and university courses in aquaculture.  This may be the result firstly, of a lack of promotion of aquaculture as a study option, and secondly as a rewarding career option. PISCES will target young candidates for vocational training, pre-tertiary level students for tertiary training in aquaculture, recent university graduates in related fields, and candidates currently working in aquaculture.  The overall objective is to increase the aquaculture labour market.

INFORMATION FOR NON-AQUACULTURISTS
The information provided on the site aims to counteract the negative image of aquaculture which has been generated.  The information will be compiled by experts, and presented on the website in the form of Hot Topics, Occupational Profiles, Case Studies and Virtual Tours. The information will be non-technical in format so as to capture the non-expert audience.  Information will also be provided to professionals in the fields of aquaculture.

SUPPORT FOR SMES (Small & Medium Enterprises)
PISCES will provide SMEs with relevant issue-based information, useful tools so that they may prosper and links relevant to their development.  SMEs will be able to make contact with other SMEs via web notice-boards and discussion forums.  They will be able to access information on vocational and tertiary training and hence, keep their organisation up-to-date in terms of technology and training.  The website provides SMEs with the opportunity to make new contacts and to access potential employees.

CAREERS PROMOTION IN AQUACULTURE
Objective four works in conjunction with objective one: to increase the aquaculture labour market.  There is also a focus on increasing mobility in the market, and encouraging re-conversion from allied fields.  In order for these objectives to be realised, much career promotion and dissemination of relevant information is needed.  The PISCES website will provide online case studies and occupational profiles in order to generate interest in, and provide much needed information to prospective students and workers.

EDUCATION DATABASE FOR AQUACULTURE
Once all relevant information on vocational training and tertiary education has been gathered, it will be collated into an interactive database.  A password will be provided to those who have contributed information, whereby they can keep their course information updated.  By providing all information on aquaculture education on one site, we will create a “one-stop-shop” where education, career and industry needs will be met.

SHORTENING THE GAP BETWEEN SCIENCE AND ITS USERS
The gap between science and its users can only be shortened through information – information in non-technical, easy to understand and creative format.  This requires an effective dissemination, and links in with objective 3.  Information will be extracted form the online Hot Topics and distributed as an information leaflet.  Posters dealing with specific areas of aquaculture will be printed with the aid of relevant sponsorship, and distributed to schools, vocational training courses, tertiary courses and industry.  The PISCES website will have a Fun Section specifically designed for children, where they can learn about aquaculture via interactive games and information.