The Progressive Management Pathway for Aquaculture Biosecurity (PMP/AB) builds on existing frameworks, capacity and appropriate tools, using risk-based approaches and public–private sector partnerships. It is expected to result in the sustainable (i) reduction of burden of diseases; (ii) improvement of aquatic health and welfare at farm, national and regional levels; (iii) minimization of global spread of diseases; (iv) optimization of socioeconomic benefits from aquaculture; (v) attraction of investment opportunities into aquaculture; and (vi) achievement of One Health goals.

In the context of the PMP/AB, biosecurity refers to the cost-effective management of risks posed by pathogens to aquaculture through a strategic approach at the enterprise, local-sector, national and international levels with shared public–private responsibilities.

This guidance document for PMP/AB application contains the rationale, vision, mission, scope, goals and benefits of the PMP/AB. The four stages of the PMP/AB are described in detail, including the overall objectives and key outcomes to complete each stage. It also presents a general stepwise process and recommended activities for completing the different stages. The PMP/AB checklist is divided into four broad categories, namely: Sectors and Stakeholders; Aquatic Health Services; Surveillance, Monitoring and Diagnostics; and Management and Evaluation.

The PMP/AB has four scenarios that provide opportunity and flexibility to any country, at whatever stage of aquaculture development, to initiate the PMP/AB by using these scenarios as entry-points: (i) countries with no national aquaculture biosecurity strategy in place, but an aquaculture sector exists or is in the early stages of development; (ii) countries with a national aquaculture biosecurity strategy in place with some level of implementation; (iii) countries with an advanced national aquaculture biosecurity strategy in place with full implementation; and (iv) countries whose aquaculture biosecurity is dependent on the biosecurity situation in neighbouring countries due to shared waterbodies, watersheds or coastlines and where a regional or sub-regional aquaculture biosecurity strategy is needed. Available tools that can assist in pilot testing and eventual implementation are also presented.

The PMP/AB offers a great opportunity for longevity, is sufficiently responsive to environmental and anthropological challenges, and enablespolicy environments, and the adoption of sound aquaculture production and good biosecurity practices.

Concerned stakeholders and entities are encouraged to join efforts in attaining the goals of the PMP/AB.