HACCP Guidelines Fight ANS Invasions

The Great Lakes Sea Grant Network has adapted a standardized food-preparation quality control program for use in preventing the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species (ANS). Originally developed by the Pillsbury Corporation to prevent contamination in food products intended for use in the U. S. space program, hazard analysis and critical control point guidelines, or HACCP, can help bait and aquaculture industries tackle harmful exotic species.

The ANS-HACCP approach identifies pathways through which ANS and non-target aquatic species could enter aquaculture and baitfish operations. It also includes methods to prevent accidental transfer of these species and verification plans.

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant is offering a HACCP training manual (developed and published by the Minnesota and Michigan Sea Grant Programs) to wholesale bait dealers and state hatcheries and "Protect Our Waters--Don't Dump Bait" stickers to bait dealers and interested anglers. These waterproof stickers serve as a reminder on bait buckets and tackle boxes to dispose of bait rather than release it into natural waterways.

If you are interested in obtaining the HACCP training manual or the "Protect Our Waters--Don't Dump Bait" stickers, contact Irene Miles at (217) 333-8055 or miles@uiuc.edu. Both the manual and the stickers are free.

Last updated 07 December 2001 by Karl
All contents copyright 2001 University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute

http://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/Communications/news/LD_stories/2001/HACCP.html