Supporting regulations for hull biofouling : a risk management based workflow, thresholds/species assessment and required knowledge bases

Abstract

Species movement for farming can be one of the many sources of biological threats to the well-being of farmed aquatic animals as well as to humans and ecosystems, especially when done in a haphazard manner. With aquaculture intensification and diversification, the biological hazards and risks to farmed animals, people and ecosystems also increase in number and diversity, with potentially serious consequences. Infectious diseases, animal pests, public health concerns on residues and resistance of antimicrobial agents, zoonosis, invasive alien species, release of genetically modified organisms and biosecurity risks posed by climate change are examples of these hazards. The growing number, complexity and seriousness of these risks have driven the development of the concept of biosecurity and its increasing application. Biosecurity is an integrated strategy to manage biosecurity, business, environmental and social risks in a comprehensive and systematic manner to protect the health and well-being of animals, plants and people, and to maintain the functions and services of ecosystems.