AQUA production has grown rapidly but unsustainable aquaculture practices pose serious threats to the sustainability of aquaculture in the region. The unsustainable aquaculture practices led to the emergence of disease outbreaks in SEA. Farmed stocks are potential carriers of disease pathogens and when irresponsibly transferred may bring about emergence of infectious diseases. Fish diseases may spread and subsequently cause mortality of stocks. Disease outbreaks in ASEAN countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines significantly led to the low aquaculture production and subsequently economic losses.

Fish scientists move to address disease outbreaks in SE Asia. (2018, August 25-26). The Daily Guardian, p. 7.