Biosecured Aquaculture: Principle and Prototype

Biosecurity, an innovative concept is gaining considerable momentum in various food production sectors all over the world. Though in India it is yet to seep fully into the minds of the people, there is an urgent need for an effective mechanism to be in place for evolving this concept. The recent outbreak of Avian Influenza (Bird flu) in the poultry sector of India is an eye opener for us to implement the biosecurity aspects in all farming sectors with utmost care and perfection. Therefore, an integrated biosecurity initiative to protect aquaculture from pandemics and to safeguard human health, livelihood and our own environment is felt indispensable. Toward this goal, there is an absolute need to enhance the capacity of the country in monitoring, detecting and preventing threats to biosecurity, including the establishment of state-of-art diagnostic labs, quarantine facilities of adequate standards and speedy and accurate action plain. Collaboration in this regard among the institutes, states and countries would pave way to evolve, practice and prototype effective biosecure models for adoption in our country. It is toward this end this initiative has been made to invite write-ups on this topic from eminent fisheries scientists of the country, for the National Conference on ‘Biosecured Aquaculture’ organized by our institute during June 2007. Further, our own experience in developing a successful biosecure system for shrimp for the first time in the country has been brought out in detail through this book to provide an insight into this innovative area of hi-tech farm research. In a nutshell, this book attempts to highlight the areas of operation which needs biosecurity coverage in aquaculture with the vivid description of a successful practicing – biosecure model developed by our institute for shrimp farming. The principle and prototype for the biosecured aquaculture management brought out through this book would immensely benefit the stakeholders of aquaculture sector of India.