Techniques for fish germline cryobanking
 Cádiz (Spain), 13th-17th May, 2013

Scientific report

The 1st Training School of the AQUAGAMETE COST Action, entitled “Techniques for fish germline cryobanking” started on the afternoon of May 13th. Organised by Dr. Elsa Cabrita (ICMAN-CSIC), Dr. Carmen Sarasquete (ICMAN-CSIC), Dr. Paz Herráez (Universidad de León), Dr. Vanesa Robles (Universidad de León) and Juan F. Asturiano (Universitat Politècnica de València), it was attended by 20 students from 10 different countries, most of them preparing their PhD, and 12 expert trainers.

The Training School was organized in 8 lectures, in which students learnt about concepts related to the use of Computer Analysis Sperm Analysis (CASA) software, together with some of its current applications (Dr. Carles Soler); how cryopreservation was gaining importance during the last decades (Prof. Barry Fuller); the need of standardization of protocols and guidelines (Dr. Akos Horváth), which is the fundamental axis and main objective of AQUAGAMETE; the wide variety of possibilities regarding the type of cells (somatic, blastomers, gametes) that can be used with the aim of cryopreserving genetic material (Dr. Paz Herráez);  the different techniques for evaluation of the quality of different kinds of cells which can be frozen and guarantee their viability (Dr. Vanesa Robles); some case studies on cryopreservation, such as in grouper (Dr. Elsa Cabrita), salmonids (Dr. Paz Herráez) and eel (Dr. Juan F. Asturiano); how somatic cell cryopreservation is an alternative to store complete genome of an individual which can also be obtained independently from the reproductive cycle of the species of interest and what different techniques can be used for cellular transplant to obtain a fish from cells not destined to complete the reproductive cycle (Dr. Catherine Labbé); and finally, what different modalities of PGCs transplant can be applied in fish and their potential future applications (Dr. Samyra Lacerda).

In the 4 practical classes, students could learn how to extract eel sperm and evaluate its quality by CASA (motility) and ASMA (morphometric parameters) and how to freeze sperm samples by using a biofreezer (Dr. David Sánchez Peñaranda and Dr. Sonia Martínez Páramo); how to visualize and recover primordial germ cells for further cryopreservation (Dr. Marta Fernández Riesco and Dr. Vanesa Robles); the procedure for cryopreservation of primordial and testicular germ cells (Dr. Elsa Cabrita and Dr. Marta Fernández Riesco) and how to microinject cells in sole larvae (Dr. Elsa Cabrita and Dr. Vanesa Robles).

According to the surveys, the general feeling was that students enjoyed their participation in this Training School, which accomplished the objectives proposed.

 

Second Announcement

Dear colleagues,

More detailed information is now available for the 1st AQUAGAMETE Training School which will be held at the Institute of Marine Science of Andalusia, 13- 17th May in Cádiz, Spain. This training School is aimed towards young researchers (PhD students, young post-docs and MSc students) as well as representatives from industry. The course will be focused on Techniques for fish germline cryobanking integrating aspects of different expertise and covering topics in theoretical lectures and practical classes (see tentative program in annex).

The number of participants will be restricted to 15 persons. Registration is available until de 22nd March and both for students (free registration fee) and for industry representatives (300 euros) includes access to all lectures and laboratorial practices, support material and transport between facilities and main hotel. Complete applications must be sent via e-mail to aquagamete@gmail.com.
Eligible candidates supported by COST will receive a grant (after the course) which may cover travel, accommodation and daily allowance. Grant decisions will be communicated to each candidate at the end of March.
For more detailed information please contact Elsa Cabrita (elsa.cabrita@icman.csic.es).

Applications should include:
• Application form;
• Short Curriculum Vitae in the area (only for students);
• motivation letter for participating in the training school, which should indicate the academic/professional status of the applicant;
• letter of recommendation from the applicant’s supervisor or employer
• Financial Support justification (brief explanation of expected travel costs derived of the attendance to the Training School)

Local information and organization:
The course will be held at the facilities of the Institute of Marine Sciences of Andalucía in Puerto Real, Cádiz. There will be available a bus from the main hotel (hotel Playa Victoria) in Cadiz to the Institute (around 15 kms) in Puerto Real, in the morning and after finishing the classes.

How to arrive to Cádiz?
By plain:
– Via Madrid (Barajas airport) and then taking Alvia train from Atocha station directly to Cadiz (4 h) or a flight connection to Seville or Jerez de la Frontera.
– Via Seville and then taking a train at Santa Justa station to Cádiz (1.30h).
– Via Jerez de la Frontera. Train available to Cadiz (20 min).
Train schedule can be checked at www.renfe.es
Madrid to Cádiz http://www.renfe.com/viajeros/larga_distancia/productos/alvia.html
Seville to Cádiz http://www.renfe.com/viajeros/index.html
Jerez to Cádiz http://www.renfe.com/viajeros/cercanias/cadiz/index.html

Where to stay in Cádiz?
We have requested a special rate for the course at the hotel Playa Victoria (www.hotelespalafox.com). There are also some smaller apartments (http://www.hospederiaimar.com/) near the bus stop.
1-Hotel Playa Victoria: (with breakfast included and 10% VAT)
Double room- 102€/night
Single room-78€/night
Contact for reservations: Milagrosa Vaca (comercialplayavictoria@palafoxhoteles.com). Ask for AQUAGAMETE rate.
2-Apartments Hospederia IMAR:
Apartment for 2 persons: 70€/night
Apartment for 4 persons: 100€/night
Contact for reservations: info@hospederiaimar.com

Tentative program

Countries and institutions participating:  Portugal (CCMAR), Spain (ICMAN.CSIC, ULe, UPV, UV, Valenciana de Acuicultura S.A., CTAQUA), France (INRA), Hungary (Szent István Univ.), USA (Univ. of New Orleans) and Brasil (UFMG).

Files to download:
Second announcement
Program
Map

First Announcement

Dear colleagues,
The AQUAGAMETE COST Action (aquagamete.webs.upv.es/web) is pleased to announce the 1st AQUAGAMETE Training School.

The 1st AQUAGAMETE Training School is aimed towards young researchers (PhD students, young post-docs and MSc students) as well as representatives from industry. The course will be focused on Techniques for germline cryobanking integrating aspects of different expertise and covering topics such as:
• Gamete cryopreservation
• Post-thaw quality evaluation
• Germline biotechnology
• Cryopreservation applications
• Basic knowledge on cell cryopreservation

The 1st AQUAGAMETE Training School will highlight the most recent developments in each topic, promoting a strong interaction between experienced trainers working in different Techniques for germline cryobanking and trainees.

The course will take place between 13 – 17th May 2013 at the Institute of Marine Sciences of Andalucía (ICMAN.CSIC, Cádiz, Spain) facilities and counts with the collaboration of the University of León (ULe) and the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV).

The number of participants will be restricted to 15 persons. Financial support from the AQUAGAMETE COST Action (for travelling and accommodation) will be available for students. Registration is available until de 22nd March and both for students (free registration fee) and for industry representatives (300 euros) includes access to all lectures and laboratorial practices, support material and transport between facilities and main hotel.

The application deadline is 22nd March and complete applications must be sent via e-mail to aquagamete@gmail.com. Eligible candidates will be announced until the end of March. For more detailed information please contact Elsa Cabrita (elsa.cabrita@icman.csic.es).

Applications should include:

• Application form;
• short Curriculum Vitae in the area (only for students);
• motivation letter for participating in the training school, which should indicate the academic/professional status of the applicant;
• letter of recommendation from the applicant’s supervisor or employer
• Financial Support justification (only for students)
We would appreciate if you could forward this announcement via e-mail to colleagues or students who may be interested in participating. More information available soon at: https://aquagamete.webs.upv.es/

Best regards

Elsa Cabrita

Files to download:
First announcement training course
Registration form for training course