Biosafety and Bio-Security for Sustainable Aquaculture Development

Abstract

Intensification of aquaculture practices has induced occurrence of several stressors in fish production system and export of fisheries products. These include emerging and trans-boundary aquatic animal diseases, antimicrobial resistance, invasive species, risk with wild fish used for breeding program and outbreak of epidemic diseases. In this prelude, bio-security and biosafety are two major components to minimize the risk of occurrence of these stressors and promoting sustainable aquaculture development. The major objectives of bio-security are cultured animal health management, public and human health management, and incorporating best management practices in aquaculture system. Specific-pathogen-free (SPF) brood stock can be used as tool of bio-security for eliminating the spread of the virus from brooders to post-larvae during hatchery operation and nursery rearing. In Indian scenario, lack of scientific knowledge and interest to follow standard operating procedures (SOP) are the driven forces for poor implementation of bio-security measures in culture system. Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) has started several new initiatives to enhance the bio-security measures and creating awareness among small and marginal farmers. Biosafety is the prevention of large-scale loss of biological integrity including humans and the ecosystem. However, current biosafety protocols in aquaculture focus mainly on transgenic and DNA vaccine; so, it widens broad area of future research. The present chapter highlighted the role of bio-security and biosafety in the sustainable development of aquaculture for quality food production.