The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently released an informative report that focuses on strategies to minimize microbiological risks and promote public health through effective water management practices in the fisheries sector. The goal of the report is to strengthen national capacities to ensure the safety of water used in seafood production and processing in fisheries and aquaculture operations, through the application of risk-based tools and alignment with Codex Alimentarius standards.

The report is the product of an international workshop held in Choluteca, Honduras, from April 23–25, 2025, which was hosted by FAO and the Honduras National Agricultural Health Service (SENASA).

Key messages of the report include:

• Fit-for-purpose water:  The report advocates for a paradigm shift towards a fit-for-purpose approach to water usage, moving beyond generalized notions of "clean water." This methodology stresses the importance of assessing specific water sources, identifying potential microbiological hazards, and implementing targeted control measures to ensure food safety.
• Decision trees for risk mitigation: The report encourages the use of decision trees—developed by the FAO/World Health Organization (WHO) Joint Expert Meetings on Microbiological Risk Assessment (JEMRA)—as practical tools for food business operators (FBOs) to systematically evaluate water quality and manage risks. These decision trees provide a step-by-step framework for assessing water systems, identifying critical control points, and selecting appropriate treatment and monitoring strategies.
• Global collaboration for harmonized standards: Recognizing the diverse nature of fisheries and aquaculture systems worldwide, the report emphasizes the need for international collaboration to develop harmonized, practical guidance that can be adapted to local production contexts.
• Comprehensive resource for implementation: The report includes the workshop agenda, plans, and presentation slides, providing a complete resource for member countries to implement similar activities and enhance water safety practices in their fisheries sectors.

Overall, the report provides practical guidance, promotes collaboration, and equips countries with the tools needed to safeguard food safety in the fisheries sector.