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Towards safe and effective use of chemicals in coastal aquaculture

Year of publication 2001

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages p.40

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (stand-alone)

Series title Reports and Studies GESAMP

Series number 1020-4873 - 65

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) Chemicals used within the aquaculture industry are identified and, for each chemical, a brief summary of information is provided, when available, on its intended purpose, scale of application, the aquacultural sectors and geographic locations of principal use and potential impacts on the environment and human health. Environmental issues arising from the properties of aquacultural chemicals are discussed. The use of most chemicals in aquaculture, if carried out properly, can be regarded as who lly beneficial with no attendant adverse environmental effects or increased risks to the health of aquacultural workers. Concerns appear warranted, however, regarding the over-use and misuse of certain chemicals for which proper risk assessments with respect to the marine environment have not been conducted. A further legitimate concern and a barrier to conducting an exhaustive review of the field is the lack of availability of quantitative data on contemporary chemical use in the aquaculture in dustry. Recommendations are provided to assist in the safe and effective use of chemotherapeutants and pesticides in coastal aquaculture. While the overriding consideration should be minimizing the use of chemicals in aquaculture, it is recognised that the use of some chemicals is essential. Governmental authorities, the scientific community and the aquacultural and pharmaceutical industries all have important roles to play to ensure that chemical use is consistent with protection of environm ental quality and human health. In particular, mechanisms need to be put in place and enforced for the registration and control of aquacultural chemicals to protect the environment and human health and to ensure the sustainable growth of the aquaculture industry.

Cite this content as:

GESAMP (IMO/FAO/UNESCO-IOC/WMO/WHO/IAEA/UN/UNEP Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection). Towards safe and effective use of chemicals in coastal aquaculture. Reports and Studies, GESAMP. No. 65. Rome, FAO. 1997. 40 p.

Language English

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