Fish Health Policy: The Use and Abuse of Regional Fish Health Policy over the Years.

Abstract

As with all forms of agriculture the movement of products and animals poses serious threats to receiving regions due to the movement of pathogens that can endanger crops and animals. In the case of aquaculture both pathogens and exotic animals have been moved internationally and regionally. In order to protect those areas receiving fish from areas where specific diseases are endemic, fish health and fish transfer policies have been established. However, many agencies have used these policies to the detriment of aquaculture by obstructing the movement of animals and the result is that aquaculture has been slow to grow in the United States. While it is not prudent to follow the example of other countries where fish health policies are not being applied, we can though, develop new ways to insure that the health of fish is protected while at the same time promote aquaculture in the United States. This talk will present case histories of where fish health and transfer policies have been inappropriately applied and approaches to minimize risk while encouraging aquaculture. It is a sad note that as one of the more developed countries we continue to import more aquaculture products than we export.