Need to be aware of new fish health regulations

Under the new Aquatic Animal Health Directive (EC Directive 2006/88/EC), which came into force on 27 March, all APBs must be authorised by the Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI). This includes all fin fish farms, traders in live aquatic animals, shellfish and crustacean farms, shellfish purification and dispatch centres, some processors and small scale producers for the local market.

The new Regulation will provide a public register of authorised aquaculture production businesses, including suppliers of aquatic animals and an official register of stocked fisheries and cropping waters.

APB businesses have until 1st August 2009 to register for the authorisation process. There is also the potential for authorisation to be removed in the event of significant non-compliance.

"There are a few elements of the new Regulation that APBs need to be aware of," said Sarah Sarah Horsfall from the Seafish Legislation team. "For the first time specialist transporters of aquatic animals have been singled out. They need to be registered, and have disease control measures in place, such as disinfecting their vehicles and equipment prior to loading.

"There is also the requirement for production businesses to produce a biosecurity measures plan where appropriate and to keep a record of all movements of aquaculture animals and products into and out of the site or business in order to comply with authorisation requirements. Mortality records are also needed wherever they are reasonably practicable," she said.