regional shellfish seed biosecurity program
A collaboration of Industry, Scientists, Regulators and Extension using the best available science
to minimize risks associated with interstate seed transfers of bivalve shellfish.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Shellfish disease introduction is a concern for shellfish farmers, fishers, and resource managers worldwide. At the center of the rapidly expanding shellfish culture footprint is the hatchery production of seed. Interstate seed transfers, crucial for industry growth, are currently regulated by individual states, but shellfish disease distributions do not follow state boundaries. The purpose of the RSSBP is to facilitate the process for permitting interstate commerce of biosecure bivalve shellfish seed and larvae being sold directly out of hatchery facilities. The RSSBP Core Elements provide a science-based pathway to improved biosecurity.
WE PROVIDE TOOLS TO:
Evaluate and reduce risks of transfers | Inform decision making regarding interstate seed transfer
Enhance biosecurity from hatchery to farm | Facilitate commerce
FOR GROWERS
Use the shellfish disease mapper tool to compare pathogen occurrences between two locations and make informed decisions on seed sourcing. Click here to find RSSBP-compliant hatcheries as a potential place to source seed.
FOR HATCHERIES
Consider becoming an RSSBP-compliant facility. All hatcheries are eligible to participate, however, compliance levels vary to meet the needs of the hatchery. Hatcheries choose which products to make compliant which requires (1) demonstrating that they are following the RSSBP best management practices (BMPs) via an independent audit, and (2) documenting those practices work through a continuing history of clean health evaluations (at least three years of two samplings per year during the production season). BMPs focus on separating ambient water from filtered or treated water, something many facilities already do. Existing batch certifications may be used to meet health standards.
FOR REGULATORS
Participate in a number of ways such as using the disease database tool to understand disease distributions relevant to transfer requests, streamlining your permit reviews by recognizing RSSBP-compliant hatcheries, or seeking advice from the Regional Shellfish Health Advisory Council.
BACKGROUND
Shellfish disease and disease introduction is a concern for shellfish farmers, commercial harvesters, and resource managers worldwide. Often, the spread of disease has been associated with the transfer of shellfish stocks. The growth of shellfish aquaculture on the East Coast of the U.S. has long relied on the hatchery production of seed. There are approximately 50 hatcheries along the East Coast and interstate transfers are fundamental to regional commerce and production.
Each state within the region has policies or regulations regarding seed importations. Most require health evaluation and careful review of each shipment batch proposed for importation. This process is time consuming and costly.
Research continues to demonstrate that there is little risk of disease transfer associated with young/small seed that has been maintained on filtered water in the hatchery. Based on this evidence, the RSSBP has been working to develop tools and programs to streamline interstate commerce of hatchery seed, in the belief that incentivizing commerce in these typically disease-free products will foster enhanced biosecurity through the broader regional industry.
CORE ELEMENTS
Regional Shellfish Health Advisory Council
A team of molluscan scientists/pathologists, State regulators, extension personnel and industry members to support state regulators by providing science-based advice on shellfish transfers and overseeing the hatchery certification/compliance process.
Regional network of shellfish pathologists
A team of experts to improve the perspective on disease distributions and risk, expand surveillance activities in areas where data are lacking, and ensure proficiency in diagnosis to support a growing aquaculture industry.
Interactive Shellfish Disease Database Mapping Tool
Provides science-based information on the distribution and abundance of shellfish pathogens along the East Coast of the United State in a manner that allows informed decisions regarding the risks of spreading or exacerbating disease from shellfish transfers.
Hatchery Compliance Program
Hatchery products pose the lowest disease risk due to their young age and typical exposure to only filtered water. Starting here, the Program outlines a voluntary compliance process for hatcheries to improve and validate biosecurity, reducing the need for individual batch disease certifications. State participation may require changing laws, policies or other regulations before taking advantage of this Program.