Utilization of biosecurity measures: A recent assessment of practices employed at finfish recirculation facilities in the United States and Canada

In the autumn of 2001, a self-administered mailed questionnaire was sent to fin fish recirculation facilities in the United States and Canada to examine the extent of biosecurity currently practiced in this sector of aquaculture. This paper describes the results of this survey (86% response rate). It indicates the range of species now being grown in this technology, the most prominent species in production, the various sizes of re-circulation facilities (production volume and fish produced), water sources utilized and the various objectives for the fish culture activity (endpoint of product). In addition, the paper describes what facility managers perceive to be the most effective biosecurity measures, what are the compelling reasons for using biosecurity at their facility and which measures are considered not practical. The results also indicate the avenues of communication which facility managers find most effective, and therefore utilize the most, when seeking information about biosecurity. The information gained from this research is an important first step in the development of effective management systems and training programs to promote, establish and foster the sustained use of biosecurity practices in aquaculture.