Cefas and Regulations for Aquaponics Health and Water Quality Issues in Aquaponic Systems Nick Stinton Senior Fish Health Inspector
Cefas and Regulations for Aquaponics Health and Water Quality Issues in Aquaponic Systems • Who is Cefas and the FHI • Regulations and Aquaponics • Health and Water Quality Issues – Potential Fish- Diseases in UK Aquaponics – Water quality – Potential welfare- issues / concerns In aquaponics – Considerations with source of stock
The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science An Executive Agency of Defra since 1997 - owned by Government Undertaking research, consultancy, advice and training in the following areas: • • • •
Fisheries science and management Marine environmental protection Aquaculture Fish and shellfish disease
RV Endeavour
Weymouth (125)
Lowestoft (375)
Our locations (525 staff)
Laboratories Lowestoft: Fisheries Science and Management, Environmental Monitoring. Marine and fresh water. Weymouth: Fish Health, Disease Diagnosis, Physiology and Cultivation, Shellfish Hygiene. RV Endeavour: Purpose built ocean going vessel. Capable of estuarine, shelf seas and deepwater oceanographic fisheries surveys.
• Current aggregate sites
• Aggregate application • Current disposal sites • Closed disposal sites • Round1 wind farms • Round2 wind farms • Oil and Gas: Platforms and Wells • Pipelines • Cables Legend
• Fishing activity (2004)
High Medium Low Fishing effort derived from VMS data – Only for fishing vessels over 17m long – Only includes foreign vessels inside UK waters – May include steaming, turning, hauling, etc.
Weymouth Laboratory
Experimental facilities at Cefas
Fish Health Inspectorate • EC Regulation 2006/88 = Aquatic Animal Health Regulations (England and Wales) 2009. Places greater emphasis on prevention of disease. • The primary role of the Fish Health Inspectorate is the control of notifiable diseases in Fish and Shellfish. • Notifiable diseases are controlled by statutory legislation. • Notifiable diseases are generally untreatable, and are likely to have a significant economic impact on aquaculture, and/or wild fish populations. • The Fish Health Inspectorate also have a remit to investigate new and emerging diseases.
Aquatic Animal Health Directive Council Directive 2006/88/EC • Covers fish, molluscan and crustacean health and also includes control in the same directive • Risk based approach to monitoring • More emphasis on disease prevention rather than control – Bio security • Disease listing includes exotic and non-exotic diseases of fish, molluscs and crustaceans • Much wider scope of businesses included in the Directive
Policy Advice and Support • To Defra – Aquatic Animal Health Unit, FFG • Development and application of policy on all aspects of aquatic animal health – Marine and Freshwater Biodiversity • Aquaculture • Aquaculture production statistics • Non-native species – Any relevant advice to Defra, such as fish welfare
NOTIFIABLE DISEASES OF FINFISH Exotic Diseases. These are diseases that are exotic to the EU and have a potential for significant economic impact if introduced. There is also a potential for detrimental impact if introduced into the European Community, to wild aquatic populations of species.
Non– Exotic Diseases. These are diseases for which several member states of the EU are free of the disease. These diseases could have a significant economic impact if introduced.
Perch mortality as a result of EHN
Rainbow trout infected with VHS Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (VHS)
Atlantic salmon infected with ISA
VHS is a serious disease of farmed trout causing up to 80% mortality. Clininal signs include darkening of body colour, exopthalmia, bleeding around the eyes and fin bases, pale gills with petechial haemorrhaging. Infected fish may develop spiral corkscrew spinning motion.
Epizootic Haemopoietic necrosis (EHN) EHN is a viral infection mainly affecting Perch and rainbow trout, Externally signs include ascites, haemorrhaging on the gills and the base of the fins, and darkening of the skin. Intenally, some fish may show enlargement of the kidneys, liver or spleen. There may also be focal white to yellow lesions in the liver corresponding to areas of necrosis.
Infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA) Mainly affects farmed Atlantic salmon, clinical sign of infection include lethargy, pale gills, exopthalmia and distended abdomens. The liver is dark and the kidney is swollen. Gills are pale.
“Notifiable diseases are pathogens which, if spread, have a potential for significant economic impact, or which have potential for detrimental environmental impact to wild aquatic animal populations, as described in annex IV of the European Council directive 2006/88/EC”
Silver Perch infected with EUS Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS) EUS is primarily caused by a fungal infection of Aphanomyces invadens. Externally, fish show sores on the body or small to large ulcerative lesions on the body. Internally fungal hyphae can sometimes be seen extending into the visceral organs. Necrotic muscle tissue can also be seen.. Many species are susceptible to this disease, including cyprinids and cichlids.
Koi carp showing necrotic gill patches Koi Herpesvirus (clinical)
G. Salaris magnified under electron microscope
KHV is a viral disease of common carp and it’s variants Externally fish show sunken eyes, and ‘sloughing’ of mucus resulting in dry, rough patches of skin. The gills are frequently affected, displaying necrotic patches of dead tissue. Diagnosis is by clinical signs only. Mortality up to 100%.
Gyrodactylosis (caused by G. Salaris) Gyrodactylus salaris is a parasite which infects the skin, gills and fins of salmon and trout. G. salaris gives birth to live young which atttach directly to the host fish. Clinically infected fish show increased mucus production and are often greyish in colour due to this increase. Secondary fungal infections are commonly observed.
Rainbow trout infected with BKD
Additional Controls Bacterial Kidney Disease (BKD)
Rainbow trout infected with IHN Infectious Haematopoietic Necrosis (IHN) IHN is a viral infection affecting mainly salmonid species. The disease mainly affects fish weighing less than 100grams. Clinical signs include swollen abdomens, exopthalmia and haemorrhaging of the internal organs and body wall.
Carp and tench infected with SVC Spring Viraemia of Carp (SVC)
Bacterial kidney disease is caused by the bacterium Renibacterium Salmonarium.. BKD is a particularly serious disease in salmon, since animals with infected kidneys are unlikely to achieve a successful transfer to sea water. Clinincal signs include darkening of the skin and exopthalmia. Internally fish show enlargement of the kidney with white-greyish fluid in the kidney itself. There is often a pale or opaque membrane encapsulating the spleen or heart.
The UK has additional controls on three diseases, Gyrodactylus salaris, which has not been found in the UK, and Bacterial kidney disease for which the UK has an eradication policy.
Clinical signs vary, but can include darkening of the skin, exopthalmia, abdominal swelling, pale gills, trailing faecal casts and protrusion of the anus. The Fish Health Inspectorate, Cefas laboratory, The Nothe, Weymouth, Dorset. DT4 8UB. Tel: +44 (0) 1305 206673. Fax: +44 (0) 1305 206602 Email: Fish.health.inspectorate@cefas.co.uk www.efishbusiness.co.uk
The Fish Health Inspectorate •
• • • • • •
Responsible for fish and shellfish health in England and Wales (Farmed, wild, marine and freshwater). Monitor fish and shellfish farms for notifiable diseases. Investigations into reported disease outbreaks. Maintain fish farm register, collect industry statistics, production etc. Monitoring, licensing and checking imports of live fish and shellfish. Export checks on live fish and shellfish. Work on behalf of Jersey, Isle of Man & other government bodies e.g. VMD.
Whole Farm Approach • The FHI also undertakes non-disease work: – ILFA (licensing non-native species) – Aquaculture advice • Also work for other Government Agencies: – Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) – Food Standards Agency (FSA) – GM Inspectorate
Routine Monitoring Visits to fish farms •Routine sampling according to fish health program •Update registration details • Inspect Movement, Mortality and Medicine Records • Collect production data • Inspect stocks for clinical signs of disease and sample on suspicion
Diagnostic Functions Three Diagnostic Functions: –Virology & molecular genetics –Microbiology –Pathology & Parasitology Contracted to provide a diagnostic testing service to the Fish Health Inspectorate Through Service Level Agreements that prescribe procedures, resources, standards and timescales Accredited by UKAS to ISO 17025 quality standard
Non-Native Fish Species (ILFA/ASR)
Acipenser sp.
Grass Carp Bitterling
Black Carp
Pumpkinseed Topmouth Gudgeon
Why does the FHI need to Regulate Aquaponics ? • Legislation – Notifiable Diseases • Veterinary Medicines • Alien Species in Aquaculture (ASR)
Legislation Notifiable diseases The Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 Part 2 Section 4 regulation does not apply to any ornamental animal kept in any pet shop, garden centre, commercial aquarium or wholesaler. Part 2 Section 5 It is an offence to operate an aquaculture production business or a processing establishment unless the business is authorised by the competent authority.
Part 2 Section 12 (1) It is an offence to operate a non-commercial installation, put and take fishery or specialist transport business unless it is registered by the competent authority.
Veterinary Medicines •
Are Fry to be used for food ?
•
Advised to buy seed from an authorised farm
•
Testing very sensitive
•
APBs condition on registered sites
Alien species regulation Grey squirrels, Signal crayfish etc The Alien and Locally Absent Species in Aquaculture (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 • Use of secure systems with no discharge to direct waters, and not on a < 1:100 floodplain.
• Risk assessments when secure systems are not possible; detailed in the EC regulation (unless species already risk assessed by Government i.e. ILFA species) • Live sales of non-native species must be to other Registered, Authorised or ILFA licensed sites.
Regulation of Aquaponics Sites Non-native species are subject to Alien Species in Aquaculture Regulations (ASR) • Production in fully enclosed sites, with no direct water discharge – can hold any species, but sales of live fish may be restricted if species could survive in GB waters. – therefore true tropical species are most appropriate e.g. Tilapia, Clarias catfish etc.
• Aquaponics units discharging to a natural water course or situated in a flood plain; – must carry out risk assessment for the species as detailed in EC Regulation, – unless the species has already been risk assessed by government i.e. ILFA species.
Regulation of Aquaponics Sites Authorisation/Registration under Aquatic Animal Health Regulations Criteria: • Aquaponics for home use of fish: – 1A) single system equal to ornamental keeping = no registration or authorisation – 1B) garage/ greenhouse scale i.e. targeted rather than incidental fish production = register • Aquaponics with intention to sell/ trade products: – 2A) pilot scale e.g. greenhouse/ small polytunnel = Register – 2B) evidence of trade and/ or large system = Authorise + Educational facilities!
Regulation of Aquaponics Sites Authorisation/Registration under Aquatic Animal Health Regulations FHI Management: • 1A – none required
• 1B and 2A – may review site activity in the future and asses whether downgrade-maintain-upgrade • 2B – subject to standard authorisation compliance inspection, scheduled as per programme requirement (i.e. relevant to the species cultured)
Fish health and water quality issues in aquaponic systems • Potential Fish- Diseases in UK Aquaponics • Water quality • Potential welfare- issues / concerns In aquaponics • Considerations with source of stock
Potential Fish- diseases in UK aquaponics Carp Viral = KHV, SVC, CEV. Bacterial = Aeromonas Salmonicida, A. Hyrophila
Fungal = Saprolegnia, Branciomycosis.
Parasites = Flagellates : Costia, Hexamita Ciliates: White spot, Chilodonella, Tricodina, Glossatella Metazoa: Gyros, Eye fluke, Tape worms, Argulus, Ergasilus, Leeches.
Potential Fish- diseases in UK aquaponics Trout Viral = VHS, IHN, IPN
Bacterial =ERM, Furunculosis (A. Salmonicida) BKD, RTFS Fungal = Saprolegnia. Parasites = Flagellates : Costia, Hexamita Ciliates: White spot, Chilodonella, Tricodina, Glossatella Metazoa: Gyros, Eye fluke, Tape worms, Argulus, Ergasilus, Leeches. Myxozoa: PKD, Whirling disease.
Other
Gas bubble disease
Potential Fish- diseases in UK aquaponics Tilapia Viral = Iridovirus
Bacterial = Streptococcus agalactiae, Francisella, Flavobacterium. Fungal = Saprolegnia. Parasites = Flagellates : Costia, Hexamita Ciliates: White spot, Tricodina, Metazoa: Gyros, Eye fluke, Tape worms, Argulus, Ergasilus, Leeches.
Other
Gas bubble disease
Water quality - issues Key parameters pH, O2 & CO2, NH3/NH4, NO2, NO3 But understanding relationships important • pH with Ammonia and Temp • Oxygen with feeding • Oxygen with temperature • CO2 • BOD of system water
Water quality – pH – Ammonia/Temp Relationship Maximum recommended level of total ammonia (as mg/litre nitrogen in test kits) pH 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.5 9.0
5°c 50 16.7 5.1 1.6 0.5 0.2
10°c 33.3 10.5 3.4 1.1 0.4 0.1
15°c 22.2 7.4 2.3 0.7 0.3 0.09
20°c 15.4 5.0 1.6 0.5 0.2 0.07
25°c 11.1 3.6 1.2 0.4 0.1 0.05
Water quality – Oxygen consider Feed And Temp Oxygen with temperature • Amount – O2 Saturation F/Wtr 10°c = 11.3 mg/l – O2 Saturation F/Wtr 25°c = 8.2 mg/l
• Usage – Carp use 7.2 mg/l O2 kg / hour at 2°c – Carp use 300 mg/l O2 kg / hour at 30°c
Oxygen with feeding • O2 consumption increases after feeding (fluctuations)
Water quality – CO2 and BOD Carbon Dioxide • CO2 levels should be kept below 5mg/l • (for every mg of oxygen used the fish excrete 1.4mg of CO2) • Aeration , turbulence reduces CO2 levels • CO2 higher affinity for haemoglobin • Increase CO2, lowers pH BOD • Biological Oxygen Demand represents the amount of organic and inorganic material in the water
Potential welfare- issues/concerns in aquaponics Tolerance of different species (same system) Temp Max Temp Min Oxygen Carbon Dioxide pH NH3 pH above 8.5 NH4 pH below 8.5 NO2 NO3
Carp Tilapia Trout 28ºc 32ºc 20ºc 5ºc 20ºc 2ºc >4 mg/l >4 mg/l >8mg/l ( up to max 25 mg/l Fry up to 10mg/l) ( above 5.5 less than 8 ) 0.05mg/l 0.05mg/l 0.05mg/l 1.0 mg/l 1.0 mg/l 1.0 mg/l 0.2 mg/l 1.0 mg/l 0.2mg/l 50 mg/l 50 mg/l 50 mg/l
Potential welfare- issues/concerns In aquaponics Whilst tolerances vary all species perform and grow better if conditions are optimal. Tilapia • Need to maintain temps well above 20ºc or fish will suffer from bacterial infections. • This means supplementary heating over winter • Perhaps seasonal / summer crop only in UK aquaponics Trout • Need to keep temperatures down below 20ºc and Oxygen levels up above 8 mg/l • Passing water through a greenhouse will warm water. • Perhaps seasonal or use of effluent only in summer Carp • Perhaps best all year round candidate for UK aquaponics
Potential welfare- issues/concerns in aquaponics System design/operation • Materials used • System design (matching ability with capacity) • Seasonality
Introduction of new stock • Is temperature similar ? • Is pH similar ? • Have the fish been starved before moving ? • Is it possible to have all in all out system ? • Source of stock (farm or wild caught?)
Potential welfare- issues/concerns in aquaponics Use of medicines and treatments ?
• Organic Aquaculture allows treatments? • Not treating may lead to significant losses of stock • Fish vs Plants
• Design systems to allow isolation of stock for treatment.
Considerations with source of stock Health status of stock/source site • Diseases – e.g. Francisella • Wild fish Transport • Fish fed before transport • Level of oxygen during transit Differences in system to source • Water chemistry • Temperature • Different background fauna • Dissolved organics (SS) too high for fingerlings
More than just disease
Pathogen
Environment
Stress
= DISEASE
â&#x20AC;¢ Questions?