Finfish health protection regulations in Canada

The Fish Health Protection Regulations (FHPR) in Canada were implemented under the Fisheries Act in 1977. These Regulations are based on the principle of controlling the movement of fish and eggs carrying infectious diseases of concern. Source facilities require a history of inspections to demonstrate the absence of named diseases and disease agents. Since the FHPR were implemented, no disease agents of concern are known to have been transferred with egg and fish shipments approved under these Regulations. Changes to the Regulations are needed, however, for the following reasons: -to incorporate new knowledge on salmonid diseases and their distribution -to cover transfers of other finfish species which present a risk of introducing or spreading infectious disease agents to Canada or between provinces -to eliminate unnecessary controls -to specify the new authorities needed to protect effectively the health of fisheries resources -to reflect emerging international standards. The author describes the authority, administration, requirements and procedures for the current FHPR and the corresponding 'Manual of Compliance', and the proposed amendments to the Regulations and Manual. Issues related to fish health protection in Canada are discussed, including the following: -industry concerns with the FHPR -the need for quality assurance/quality control guidelines for diagnostic laboratories -consistency with international trade standards -the need to consider genetic and ecological factors, as well as fish health, when assessing impacts of introductions and transfers.