First ever Scientific Congress on Antibiotic Use in Aquaculture

As part of Monterey Bay Aquarium’s work to improve the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture around the world, our global ocean conservation team is leading a collaborative effort with the seafood industry, scientists, and others to find ways to address challenges related to antibiotic use in aquaculture.

“The rapid expansion of aquaculture along with impacts from climate change have increased the risk of disease in farmed seafood production which in turn has increased the use of antibiotics,” said Wendy Norden, the Aquarium’s global programs director. “Concern over the impacts that the improper use of antibiotics can have on the ocean environment is one of the drivers for Seafood Watch red ratings of farmed seafood.”

“Finding ways to address the challenges posed by antibiotic use in aquaculture is critical to producing farmed seafood in ways that will protect ocean health and meet the growing global demand for food. A few years ago, our team began to reach out to the seafood industry, the scientific community, and others to look for solutions,” said Norden.

As part of this work, the Aquarium is co-sponsoring the first ever Scientific Congress on Antibiotic Use in Aquaculture being held in northern Patagonia, Chile this November. The Congress will bring together a wide range of experts to discuss the complex issues related to the antibiotic use in farmed seafood production, including human and animal health, food safety, antimicrobial resistance, environmental impacts, and social and economic implications.

Roland Ibarra, the Aquarium’s senior fellow on aquaculture sustainability and chair of the organizing committee for the Congress, explains, “It’s exciting to be part of this groundbreaking conversation to explore different pathways for promoting responsible antibiotic use and developing innovative alternatives to antibiotic use to control disease in aquaculture production.”

The Aquarium will play a very visible role at the three-day meeting. Jennifer Dianto Kemmerly, vice president of global ocean conservation, will welcome participants. Maisie Ganzler, author, expert on corporate sustainability, and the Aquarium’s senior fellow on global supply chain equity, is a keynote speaker.

“This Congress is another critical step for identifying pathways towards a more sustainable aquaculture industry,” said Norden.