In cooperation with Ministry of Agriculture and FAO, Saudi Aquaculture Association held a workshop on aquaculture biological security under the title, “Risks of Early Mortality Syndrome of Shrimps and Effects on Shrimps Aquaculture Projects”.

The workshop was held on Monday 11.05.1436 H, corresponding to 02 March 2015 in Hotel Crown Plaza, Jeddah, where a large number of specialists and experts concerned with shrimp aquaculture, alongside with investors and experts affiliated to both public and private sectors participated. The workshop covered Ministry of Agriculture, Saudi Aquaculture Association, UN FAO, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, alongside with Shrimp Aquaculture Projects.

The workshop initiated with a speech delivered by HE Director of General Directorate of Agriculture in Holy Makkah Province. Next, a lecture on EMS of Shrimps Aquaculture in Saudi Arabia was delivered by HE General Manager of Department of Fisheries. In the wake of that, Mrs. Melba Renttasso, of UN FAO, delivered a lecture about the recommendations given by the UN Organization to Saudi Arabia in order to take the possible precautionary measures to minimize the risks related to infiltration of EMS into Saudi Arabia.

Then, Dr. Louis Fernando, Consultant of Biological Security for Aquaculture Projects in the Ministry of Agriculture, delivered a lecture about biological security in Saudi Arabia; and further highlighted the organizational frame, disease control and contingency plans.

The workshop aims to raise awareness about the main issues related to Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) or Acute Hepato-Pancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND); and further to develop a joint action plan that would support implementation of FAO recommendations and any other proper precautionary measures. Under supervision of Ministry of Agriculture, precautionary measures related to Shrimp Value Chain Management shall be adopted by stakeholders and interested parties so as to curb the risks of disease infiltration into Saudi Arabia.

As a matter of fact, Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) is considered among vicious diseases contracted by shrimps within the first 30 days of nurturing, and eventually to mortality of the entire crop. EMS had firstly emerged in Chain in 2009, where it had spread to a number of East Asian countries. The disease had also been recorded in Mexico; and resulted in huge losses to the sector of shrimp aquaculture. In 2013, vibrio was discovered to be the cause of EMS by Dr. Lightner of Arizona University.