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Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture
Context:
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) released the Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture (GSA) in February 2025, which offer crucial frameworks and strategies for the responsible growth and intensification of aquaculture.
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- This rapidly growing sector has emerged as the world’s leading food production industry, largely driven by the increasing global demand for aquatic foods.
- India, ranked third in global aquaculture production and second in aquaculture output, has a significant role to play in the future of this sector.
- The GSA aims to address the associated challenges that come with such rapid growth and offer strategies for a sustainable future.
Key Aspects of the GSA
Preventive Measures for Disease Control
- Adoption of good farming practices and biosecurity protocols.
- Early detection and control measures to minimise pathogen exposure.
- Promotion of vaccination, pathogen-free seeds, and proper feed management.
- Focus on reducing antibiotic dependency, ensuring cost-effectiveness and higher returns.
Strengthening National Aquaculture Capabilities
- Enhancing diagnostic, preventive, and risk mitigation capacities.
- Encouraging integrated pest and disease management practices.
- Establishing rapid response mechanisms for abnormal mortality events.
- International collaboration for managing transboundary diseases and sharing timely outbreak information.
Alternatives to Antimicrobials & Sustainable Practices
- Promotion of vaccines, immunostimulants, phage therapy, and medicinal plants as alternatives to antimicrobials.
- Emphasis on non-fed aquaculture, recirculating systems, and integrated aquaculture to reduce water and land use.
- Ensuring safe, pathogen-free aquatic feed with minimal antibiotics and chemicals.
- Encouraging the development of alternative, highly nutritious feed ingredients.
Capacity Building & Research in Aquaculture
- Regular training for aquaculture workers on aquatic health and welfare management.
- Support for research and innovation, particularly for small-scale producers.
- On-farm demonstrations and information dissemination to improve accessibility.
By prioritising prevention and sustainability, these guidelines provide India’s aquaculture industry with a clear roadmap for reducing disease outbreaks, minimising environmental impact, and ensuring long-term viability. The GSA’s focus on reducing antimicrobial use will help combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR)—a growing global health concern—while supporting economic growth in the sector.
