The threat of antimicrobial resistance looms large over global health. At the Busan Keystone Dialogue in October 2023, CEOs agreed to implement the Keystone Project on Antimicrobial Resistance in aquaculture. The project aims to leverage the collective agency and expertise within the SeaBOS initiative to address this pressing issue, demonstrating how science and business can work together to deliver action.
Confronting a global challenge
Antimicrobials, including antibiotics, are indispensable in modern medicine. Yet, their efficacy is under threat as organisms develop resistance, largely due to their mis- or overuse. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance(AMR) in aquaculture not only jeopardizes human health but also undermines seafood production by compromising drug effectiveness, weakening animal immune systems, and fostering the proliferation of virulent bacterial strains.
In assessing AMR risks in aquaculture, data gaps pose a significant challenge. Lack of standardized collection, reporting, and access hinder meaningful risk analysis. Understanding AMR development requires broader data beyond aquaculture sites, necessitating improved data coordination and access.
Science-business collaboration in action
The AMR Keystone Project is a collaboration between SeaBOS member companies and science partners, spanning multiple continents and fields of expertise, and is aimed at devising an industry-aligned methodology to monitor and quantify resistance genes in bacteria associated with farmed aquatic animals. By doing so, both companies and researchers gain invaluable insights into the risks posed by these production systems and can identify targeted interventions. Moreover, the project seeks to engage governments in developing supportive policies, aiming for real-world transformation. In the video below, key project partners share more about the process from their different perspectives:
Credit: Johannes Ernstberger, Stockholm Resilience Centre
Focusing initially on the shrimp aquaculture sector in Thailand, the project aims to present a comprehensive monitoring strategy adaptable to diverse regions and species by 2025. The goal is not only to enhance antibiotic stewardship but also to empower farmers, regulators, and stakeholders with the knowledge needed to drive widespread implementation to safeguard both public health and the future of aquaculture production.
