The Department of Fisheries of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has issued several guidelines to regulate coastal aquaculture in the country. These guidelines were published on March 16, 2024 and have come into immediate effect.
These guidelines include:
- Guidelines for Regulating Hatcheries and Farms for Seed Production and culture of Specific Pathogen Free Litopenaeus vannamei
- Guidelines for seed production and culture of Specific Pathogen Free Penaeus monodon
Guidelines for Regulation of Litopenaeus vannamei Hatcheries and Farms
The Coastal Aquaculture Authority has introduced comprehensive guidelines to regulate the operation of hatcheries and farms involved in the seed production and culture of Specific Pathogen-Free Litopenaeus vannamei (L. vannamei). These guidelines aim to enhance biosecurity measures and ensure the production of healthy shrimp stocks.
For hatcheries intending to breed L. vannamei, strict criteria have been laid down, including the requirement for robust biosecurity facilities as specified by the Authority. Hatchery operators must apply for registration and obtain approval from the Authority after inspection of their facilities. The guidelines emphasize the use of specific pathogen-free broodstock and prohibit the use of pond-reared broodstock within hatchery premises.
Regular inspections by Authority-authorized personnel are mandated to ensure compliance with guidelines. Approved hatcheries are required to pay monitoring fees and provide a bank guarantee to ensure adherence to regulations.
Similarly, farms seeking permission for L. vannamei farming must meet stringent eligibility criteria, including establishing adequate biosecurity measures and implementing effluent treatment systems to handle wastewater. Farmers must maintain meticulous records of seed procurement and shrimp production, which will be subject to inspection.
Guidelines for Seed Production and Culture of Specific Pathogen-Free Penaeus monodon
The Coastal Aquaculture Authority has recently announced comprehensive guidelines to regulate the seed production and culture of Specific Pathogen-Free Penaeus monodon (P. monodon). These guidelines aim to ensure the production of healthy shrimp stocks while maintaining strict biosecurity measures.
The guidelines begin by emphasizing the importance of specific pathogen-free status for broodstock rearing facilities or Nuclear Breeding Centres, requiring a documented history of disease-free status for at least two years. Furthermore, all imported broodstock must undergo quarantine procedures to prevent the introduction of pathogens.
For hatcheries intending to breed specific pathogen-free P. monodon, stringent criteria have been established, including the requirement for robust biosecurity facilities and approval from the Authority after inspection. Similarly, farms seeking permission for P. monodon culture must meet strict eligibility criteria and establish adequate biosecurity measures, including fencing and reservoirs.
General Requirements Applicable to Both Varieties
Seed production and sale are tightly regulated, with nauplii and post-larvae being sold only to authorized hatcheries and farmers registered with the Authority for L. vannamei or P. monodon culture. Hatcheries must maintain detailed records of seed production and sale, including buyer information, and report any disease outbreaks immediately.
Regular inspections by Authority-authorized personnel are mandated to ensure compliance with guidelines. The guidelines also empower inspection teams to confiscate, dispose of, or destroy unauthorized shrimp stocks found during inspections, highlighting the importance of adherence to regulations.
Additionally, the guidelines outline norms for permitting farms registered for P. monodon culture to take up L. vannamei culture, stressing the importance of biosecurity requirements and effluent treatment systems.
These guidelines mark a significant step towards ensuring the sustainable and responsible operation of Litopenaeus vannamei and Penaeus monodon hatcheries and farms, promoting the production of high-quality shrimp stocks while safeguarding the environment and public health. Compliance with these guidelines will play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and viability of India’s aquaculture industry.
