Seaweed aquaculture: a preliminary assessment of biosecurity measures for controlling the ice-ice syndrome and pest outbreaks of a Kappaphycus farm

• DOI: 10.1007/s10811-021-02530-z
• Publication Date: 2021-08-02T09:10:18Z
• Authors: Cicilia S. B. Kambey; Iona Campbell; Elizabeth J. Cott...; Adibi R. M. Nor; Azhar Kassim; Ahemad Sade; Phaik E. Lim
• Keywords: Biosecurity; Kappaphycus alvarezii

Abstract The application of biosecurity in seaweed aquaculture plays an important role reducing the impact disease and pest outbreaks. continuous occurrence pests including macroalgal epiphytes, epi-endophytic filamentous algae biofilms on Kappaphycus farms may also potentially induce further incidences ice-ice syndrome. In this study, on-farm management measures were tested commercially grown seaweeds malesianus alvarezii during peak season at Gallam-Gallam Village, Sabah, Malaysia. investigation was focused preventative control early detection syndrome through propagule health checks, regular cleaning crop thallus associated long-line ropes monitoring environment. Farm procedures practices assessed terms their ‘risk’ using hazard analysis critical point (HCCAP) approach. Observations replicated two different farm systems; one system adopted routine other had no measures. results showed that outbreak significantly decreased by 60–75% for K. 29–71% which compared with treatment. improved growth rate quality. infection levels epi-endophyte Melanothamnus sp. contributed to , whilst epiphyte coverage correlated incidence . This study provides first evidence decreasing a commercial farm.