Aquaculture Division (AQD)chief Dan Baliao reported during the 51stSoutheast Asian Fisheries Development Council (SEAFDEC) Meeting on March 18-22, 2019 in East Java, Indonesia the progress in the development of “Aquatic Emergency Preparedness and Response Systems for Effective Management of Transboundary Disease Outbreaks in Southeast Asia.” The most serious problems faced by the aquaculture sector are diseases spread and introduced through movements of hatchery produced stocks, new species for aquaculture, and the development enhancement of the ornamental fish trade. SEAFDEC member states’ representatives conveyed concern regarding the outbreaks of aquatic diseases in the region and recognized the need of concerted efforts to address disease problems in farmed aquatic animals, particularly shrimps.

SEAFDEC leads early warning efforts for aquatic diseases. (2019, April 12). Daily Guardian, pp. 8, 9.